Australian Awards graduates determined to make a difference

FROM environmental engineering and educational leadership to development economics and tropical animal science, the latest group of Australia Awards Scholarships graduates are determined to make a positive difference in Papua New Guinea.
Selected for their leadership potential, academic skills and ability to contribute to the country’s sustainable development, the returning cohort of 40 completed studies in Australia earlier this year in 12 distinct fields of study, mostly at masters level.
Nearly half of the returning scholars come from the provinces and are working to improve governance and service delivery at the sub-national level.
The returning graduates took part in a two-day reintegration workshop in Port Moresby from Sept 18-19.
The key aim was to further develop ethical leadership capabilities in PNG’s economic and social development.
The graduates also attended a welcome reception, hosted by Australian High Commissioner Bruce Davis, where guests included Public Service Minister Westly Nukundj and other senior Government representatives as well as those from the private sector and civil society.
Davis lauded the scholars’ achievements and encouraged them to apply their skills and knowledge widely.
“The Australia Awards Scholarships are about identifying the next generation of global leaders,” he said.
“Here, in PNG, we seek to partner with current and emerging leaders to help them lead and drive positive development change.
“I’m thrilled that the graduates represent a cross-section of the public and private sectors and encourage these wide-ranging connections and links with Australia to continue in the years ahead.
Returning scholar Paula Zebedee Aines, who studied for a master’s of midwifery at Flinders University in South Australia, related her journey that had included work at a rural health facility in Western Highlands.
She challenged the scholars to utilise what they had learned and set a bench mark for others.