Australian envoy visits ENB school, backs league programme

By MICHAEL WARTOVO
THE Vunapope Sacred Heart International Catholic School in Kokopo, East New Britain, received a special surprise when Australian High Commissioner Jon Philp visited the institution to show his support for the National Rugby League’s League Bilong Laif programme on Thursday.
Philp also took time to participate in a Covid-19 awareness programme alongside Rabaul Gurias players, who were led by assistant coach Jessie Alunga.
“It is my pleasure to come here apart from a post-referendum consultation meeting that I attended,” he said.
Philp said the Australian Government had been supportive of the sport’s development through the programme in the country.
“Apart from that, we have also supported the PNG Government with the roll-out of the Covid 19 vaccine as part of our assistance in strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries,” he said.
“We have also supported other issues such as gender balance, which (is why) we support initiatives through the League Bilong Laif programme.
“I am so passionate in supporting the PNG Hunters who are now playing and stationed in Australia. They have improved on their performances since relocating to Runaway Bay under coach of Matthew Church.”