AGP Executive Report

Sydney Film Festival 2026: PNG-set documentary Sukundimi Walks Before Me screens at the Sydney Film Festival, nominated for Documentary Australia Award and Sustainable Future Award, spotlighting Sepik community resistance to the Frieda River copper-gold mine. Sports Film & Community: The film follows grassroots organiser Emmanuel Peni and Project Sepik, with filmmakers embedding along the Sepik as PM James Marape’s mine fast-track taskforce raises stakes. PNG Rugby League (Women): The Santos Cup women’s rugby league draw is out for 2026, with six teams, eight rounds, finals, and matches planned across Port Moresby, Lae, Rabaul, Goroka and Minj, plus a “Women in League Round.” Rugby League (PNG Chiefs): Chiefs 2028 planning clarifies funding is ring-fenced for a Pacific strategy, not a free-for-all club budget. Football (Universities): Divine Word University Madang hosts the 2026 PNG National University Soccer Games (June 22–26). Rugby League (PNG): Coca-Cola PNG launches limited-edition rugby league collectibles with Digicel ExxonMobil Cup, aiming to deepen community connection. Athletics (PNG athletes abroad): 12 PNG athletes head to Manila for the ICTSI Philippine Athletics Championships. Arts & Culture (Music): Sons of the late Narox Band vocalist Wesley Samuel keep the family sound alive with performances across PNG. Disaster Impact: Volcanic pumice rafts from PNG’s Bismarck Sea eruption are disrupting Manus Island livelihoods and raising food-shortage fears.

Track & Field: Papua New Guinea’s Leonard Grospe smashed a new record at the ICTSI Philippine Athletic Championships in Tarlac, clearing 2.23m on Friday after earlier setting 2.22m just over a month ago. PNG in Sport Abroad: The meet also featured PNG’s Robert Oa finishing third in the 110m hurdles, as 12 PNG athletes headed to Manila for the wider championships. Women’s Rugby League: The PNGNRLC has released the 2026 Santos Cup draw, expanding matches across Port Moresby, Lae, Rabaul, Goroka and Minj, with a “Women in League Round” set for August. Football Development: Divine Word University in Madang will host the 2026 PNG National University Soccer Games from June 22–26. Rugby League Infrastructure: East New Britain’s Kalabond Oval redevelopment is about 60% complete, aiming to finish early next year with upgraded stands and an international-standard playing surface. Community & Media: Sports commentary and gender equity training supported by Australia’s PNGAus Partnership is building skills for emerging PNG media professionals.

World Cup Talk: Turkey’s captain says they’ll “dominate” Australia’s Socceroos in Group D, adding extra heat to the opener. Local Business & Beauty: Doris Joe turns a neem-and-coconut hobby into a mainstream win, landing a retail partnership with City Pharmacy. NRL Pathway & PNG Chiefs: Leigh Leopards coach Adrian Lam stays cautious about star hooker Edwin Ipape’s future as the PNG Chiefs build toward 2028. Women’s Rugby League: PNGNRLC releases the 2026 Santos Cup draw, expanding matches across provinces and flagging a “Women in League Round.” Football Development: Divine Word University in Madang confirmed as host of the 2026 PNG National University Soccer Games (June 22–26). Sports Media Training: PNG media professionals complete a Sports Commentary and Gender Equity Training supported by Australia and delivered with ABC. Rugby League Culture: Coca-Cola PNG launches limited-edition rugby league collectibles with Digicel ExxonMobil Cup. Community & Sport: NCDC and Bomana Correctional Service run a Port Moresby clean-up with detainees, linking civic work to rehabilitation. Disaster Watch: Volcanic pumice rafts from PNG’s Bismarck Sea eruption are disrupting Manus Island livelihoods and raising food-shortage fears.

Entrepreneurship & Retail: Doris Joe’s Neem Products is finally going mainstream, landing a City Pharmacy retail partnership with an in-store launch on Friday, June 12—turning a young mother’s hair-and-skin hobby into a locally sourced PNG brand. Women’s Rugby League: The PNGNRLC has released the 2026 Santos Cup draw, expanding matches across Port Moresby, Lae, Rabaul, Goroka and Minj, with a “Women in League Round” on Aug 8-9. University Sport: Divine Word University (DWU) Madang will host the 2026 PNG National University Soccer Games from June 22-26, giving student teams a week of competition and campus engagement. Sports Infrastructure: East New Britain’s K10m Kalabond Oval redevelopment is about 60% complete, with new grandstands and upgraded facilities aimed at elite rugby league standards. Community & Rehabilitation: NCDC and Bomana Correctional Service ran a Port Moresby clean-up with detainees, linking civic responsibility with rehabilitation. Football Tech & Media Training: LiveU’s remote VAR rollout brings Pacific OFC Pro League refereeing into the modern era, while PNG media pros complete sports commentary and gender equity training supported by Australia/ABC. Film & Activism: Sukundimi Walks Before Me (trailer) follows Project Sepik’s fight against the Frieda River mine, with festival nominations and a late-2026 release planned. Rugby League Culture: Coca-Cola PNG launches limited-edition rugby league collectibles with Digicel ExxonMobil Cup players and teams, aiming to deepen fan connection. Sports Debate: SP Sports Awards controversy grows after sprint star Nelson Stone again misses out on Sports Official of the Year—sparking fresh questions about judging and recognition.

OFC Pro League: Oceania’s first-ever professional football league is financially secured for the next three years, with Auckland FC crowned after the Feb–May season across New Zealand, Australia, Fiji, Solomon Islands and PNG. NRL & PNG Chiefs: Chiefs 2028 planning clarifies where the headline $600m funding actually sits, with a large portion ring-fenced for a Pacific strategy. Rugby league culture: Coca-Cola PNG and Digicel ExxonMobil Cup launch limited-edition rugby league collectibles, aiming to bring fans closer to the sport’s biggest moments. Women’s rugby league: PNGNRLC releases the 2026 Santos Cup draw, expanding matches across multiple provinces and adding a “Women in League Round.” Football development: Divine Word University (DWU) in Madang hosts the 2026 National University Soccer Games (June 22–26). Community & sport media: Australia-backed sports commentary and gender equity training supports PNG media professionals, while Port Moresby’s NCDC runs a detainee-led clean-up at City Hall. Arts & film: “Sukundimi Walks Before Me” (about community resistance to the Frieda River mine) screens in Australia after festival success. Sports infrastructure: Kalabond Oval redevelopment in East New Britain is ~60% complete, targeting elite rugby league-ready upgrades early next year.

Madang Sports Hosting: Divine Word University will host the 2026 PNG National University Soccer Games at its Madang campus from June 22–26, with universities across the country set for a week of matches plus other intervarsity fixtures. Rugby League Community Push: PNG Rugby Football League and Coca-Cola Europacific Partners PNG have launched a four-month Digicel ExxonMobil Cup campaign, including limited-edition collectible cans and grassroots engagement aimed at youth development. Women’s Rugby League Grows: The PNGNRLC has released the 2026 Santos Cup draw for its third season, expanding matches across Port Moresby, Lae, Rabaul, Goroka and Minj, with a “Women in League Round” on Aug 8–9. Local Football Results: Madang United grabbed their first home win in the PNG Premier Soccer League, beating NCD FC 4-1 at Laiwaden Oval. Sports Funding Pressure: PNGFA president John Kapi Natto says lack of sponsorship is a major setback for football as leagues expand. Volcanic Fallout: Pumice rafts from a Bismarck Sea eruption are disrupting boats and fishing on Manus, raising fears of food shortages. Arts & Film: The documentary Sukundimi Walks Before Me follows community resistance to the Frieda River mine and is set for screenings in Sydney ahead of a late-2026 release.

Women’s Rugby League: PNGNRLC has released the 2026 Santos Cup draw, expanding the competition across Port Moresby, Lae, Rabaul, Goroka and Minj, with the season kicking off July 11–12 and a “Women in League Round” set for Aug 8–9. Rugby League Culture: Coca-Cola PNG launched a limited-edition Digicel ExxonMobil Cup collectible series, celebrating eight iconic match moments and tying the brand even closer to PNG’s rugby league heartbeat. Football Pathways: DWU will host the 2026 PNG National University Soccer Games in Madang (June 22–26), bringing student teams together for a week of competition. Documentary & Film: “Sukundimi Walks Before Me” (Project Sepik) will screen at the Sydney Film Festival (June 11 & 13) and is nominated for Documentary Australia Awards, spotlighting community resistance to the Frieda River mine. Disaster Watch: Volcanic pumice rafts from a Bismarck Sea eruption are disrupting Manus coastal livelihoods and raising food-shortage fears. Sports People: Nelson Stone again finished runner-up at the SP Sports Awards, extending a long record of near-misses while continuing his NEST sport-for-change work.

Rugby League Culture: Coca-Cola PNG has launched a limited-edition Digicel ExxonMobil Cup Rugby League Collectible Series, spotlighting eight iconic match moments and leaning into the sport’s “heartbeat” status across PNG. Marum Cup Football: Port Moresby Vipers roared back to reclaim the Marum Cup Challenge, smashing ENB Agmark Gurias 42-12 at the Santos National Football Stadium and lifting the trophy with a K50,000 prize. Local Sports Spotlight: Madang United grabbed their first home win of the season, beating NCD FC 4-1 as Oswald Bade scored twice. Athletics on the Move: Twelve PNG athletes have headed to Manila for the ICTSI Philippine Athletics Championships, with Commonwealth Games hopefuls among the team. Volcanic Impact: Pumice rafts from a Bismarck Sea eruption are clogging Manus Island shores, disrupting fishing and sea transport and raising food-shortage fears. Community & Faith: ECPNG Koki Church received new musical instruments donated via NCD Governor Powes Parkop’s office, boosting worship services. Sports Leadership: Richard Kassman has been appointed executive director of PNG CORE, tasked with strengthening advocacy for sustainable development.

Super Rugby Survival Watch: New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters says Moana Pasifika can still be saved, with new potential supporters coming forward and no direct government bailout—just a push for a sustainable business model after the club was put into liquidation. University Sport: Divine Word University (DWU) in Madang will host the 2026 PNG National University Soccer Games (22–26 June 2026). NRL Finance Clarity: PNG Chiefs’ $600m push for the 2028 NRL entry is reframed, with nearly half legally ring-fenced for a multi-nation Pacific strategy rather than day-to-day club spending. Rugby League Fan Culture: Coca-Cola PNG launches a limited-edition Digicel ExxonMobil Cup Rugby League Collectible Series, spotlighting eight iconic match moments. Local Football Results: Madang United claim their first home win in the PNG Premier Soccer League, beating NCD FC 4-1. Arts & Environment: Port Moresby Nature Park kicks off its month-long Trash to Treasure Sculpture Festival for World Environment Day, turning waste into student-made art. Music Spotlight: “Mama Masalai” (Mereani Masani) confirms she’ll perform at the Wan Fire Festival and releases her new single “Mi go.” Community Rugby League: Moni Plus Port Moresby Vipers reclaim the Marum Cup with a 42-12 thrashing of the East New Britain Gurias.

Marum Cup Rugby League: Port Moresby Vipers ended a losing streak with a 42-12 demolition of ENB Agmark Gurias to reclaim the Marum Cup at Santos National Football Stadium, with East New Britain Governor Michael Marum praising the disciplined, attacking display. Club & Community Sport: Madang United also celebrated at home, beating NCD FC 4-1 as Oswald Bade scored twice in the Papua New Guinea Premier Soccer League. PNG Rugby League Fans: Coca-Cola PNG launched a limited-edition Digicel ExxonMobil Cup collectible series, spotlighting eight iconic player moments for supporters to relive the season. Sports Administration: Richard Kassman has been appointed executive director of PNG CORE, tasked with strengthening policy advocacy and stakeholder engagement for sustainable development. Team PNG Funding: PNG Olympic Committee’s justification committee approved a 520-strong Team PNG contingent for the 2023 Solomon Islands Pacific Games, with funding gaps still to be paid by Treasury. Arts & Environment: Port Moresby Nature Park kicked off its month-long Trash to Treasure Sculpture Festival for World Environment Day, turning waste into student-made artworks. Music Spotlight: Mereani Masani (“Mama Masalai”) confirmed she’ll perform at the Wan Fire Festival and release a new single, “Mi go.”

Mission Marge: Maj. Richard Bong’s nephews and staff from the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center are heading to Papua New Guinea to honour the WWII crash site of “Marge,” with plans to support a nearby village by improving school supplies and helping build a water pipeline. Rugby League Collectibles: Coca-Cola PNG has launched a limited-edition Digicel ExxonMobil Cup collectible series featuring eight iconic player moments. PNG CORE Leadership: Richard Kassman has been appointed executive director of PNG CORE, bringing decades of energy, governance and community leadership. Women’s Cricket Spotlight: The PNG Lewas were named “Team of the Year” at the 2026 SP Sports Awards after a historic 2025 run that included ICC qualification milestones. Trash to Treasure Festival: Port Moresby Nature Park kicked off a month-long sculpture festival turning discarded materials into art, with university students leading the creations. Music & Community: “Mama Masalai” (Mereani Masani) is set to perform at the Wan Fire Festival and release a new single, while ECPNG Koki Church received donated musical instruments from the NCD governor. NRL Chiefs Watch: Questions remain over who truly owns and funds the PNG Chiefs as the 2028 NRL debut approaches, even as signings and line-up updates keep fans engaged.

NRL Chiefs buzz: PNG Chiefs ownership questions are back in the spotlight after East Sepik Governor Allan Bird admitted he’s unsure who controls and funds the franchise—raising concerns about long-term stability as the 2028 debut nears. NRL signings: The club keeps building its roster, with English international Matty Lees joining the PNG franchise and Jarome Luai already headlining the talent push. Women’s sport pathways: In Gulf, the Cathy Neap rural talent identification programme used rugby league to boost confidence and leadership for young women, with standout players heading to Port Moresby for further development. Cricket momentum: The PNG women’s Lewas were named “Team of the Year” at the SP Sports Awards, with captain Brenda Tau pointing to the next big target—qualifying for a Cricket World Cup. Music & arts: “Mama Masalai” (Mereani Masani) confirms she’ll perform at the Wan Fire Festival and releases a new single, while Port Moresby Nature Park launches its Trash to Treasure Sculpture Festival. Community creativity: A single mum, Barbara Klewaki, is turning her wig-making hobby into a local business, Nuah Bee, serving PNG women through online orders. Regional news with PNG links: A powerful 7.8 quake hit the southern Philippines, triggering tsunami warnings across parts of the region including Papua New Guinea.

Local Entrepreneurship: Single mum Barbara Klewaki is turning her home-made wig hobby into a full-time business, Nuah Bee – Papua New Guinea Wig Makers, selling customised, locally made wigs via TikTok and WhatsApp. Church & Music: ECPNG Koki Church in Port Moresby received donated musical instruments from NCD Governor Powes Parkop to boost worship services. Arts & Environment: Port Moresby Nature Park launched its month-long Trash to Treasure Sculpture Festival for World Environment Day, with university students transforming waste into art, backed by BSP. Music Spotlight: PNG artist Mereani Masani (“Mama Masalai”) will perform at the Wan Fire Festival and release a new single, “Mi go.” Sport Pathways: Gulf communities backed Cathy Neap’s rural talent programme for women’s rugby league, sending standout players toward Port Moresby development. NRL Chiefs Build-Up: Questions linger over who truly owns and funds the PNG Chiefs, even as signings like Jarome Luai, Alex Johnston and Matty Lees keep the momentum going. Regional Media: NBC will host the 16th Pacific Media Partnership Conference in Port Moresby, focusing on resilient storytelling and safer journalism. Earthquake Alert: A major quake near Mindanao triggered tsunami warnings across parts of the Pacific, including Papua New Guinea, with authorities urging coastal residents to move to higher ground.

Athletics & International Sport: PNG is set to send 12 athletes to the ICTSI Philippine Athletics Championships (June 10–14) in Tarlac, with organisers expecting close to 1,000 competitors from eight countries. NRL Chiefs Build-Up: PNG Chiefs ownership questions are surfacing as Opposition MP Allan Bird admits key details on who controls and funds the franchise are still unclear—while the club keeps stacking talent, including Matty Lees and Connor Watson’s confirmed move to Port Moresby. Women’s Sport Pathways: In Gulf, the Cathy Neap rural talent identification programme used rugby league to empower young women, with six players selected for further development in Port Moresby. Cricket Recognition: The PNG Lewas were named “Team of the Year” at the SP Sports Awards after a historic 2025 run that included ICC East Asia-Pacific T20 success and ODI status. Arts & Environment: Port Moresby Nature Park launched its month-long “Trash to Treasure” sculpture festival, turning waste into student-made artworks with corporate support. Pacific Culture on Stage: Mereani Masani (“Mama Masalai”) will perform at the Wan Fire Festival and release a new single, “Mi go,” as regional music and dance events keep momentum. Media & Storytelling: PNG hosts the Pacific Media Partnership Conference in Port Moresby, focusing on resilient Pacific storytelling amid funding pressure and digital change.

NRL Chiefs Build-Up: PNG Chiefs ownership questions are bubbling up as Opposition MP Allan Bird admits he doesn’t know who controls the franchise or who will fund it long-term, even as the club keeps stacking talent for its 2028 debut. Signing Tracker: The Chiefs’ latest confirmed moves shape an early line-up led by Jarome Luai, with Alex Johnston and Connor Watson already in, and Matty Lees added as Player 004. Women’s Sport Pathways: In Gulf, communities backed the Cathy Neap rural talent programme using rugby league to build confidence and leadership for young women, with six players heading to Port Moresby. Cricket Spotlight: The PNG Lewas were named Team of the Year at the SP Sports Awards after a historic 2025 that included ICC East Asia-Pacific success and ODI status. Arts & Community Events: “Mama Masalai” Mereani Masani will perform at the Wan Fire Festival and release new single “Mi go,” while Port Moresby Nature Park launched its Trash to Treasure Sculpture Festival to turn waste into art. Sports Infrastructure: New softball facilities are set to start at UPNG, with two competition fields planned by October. Media & Culture: NBC hosts the Pacific Media Partnership Conference in Port Moresby, focusing on resilient storytelling and regional collaboration.

Film & Community: Skjaldborg 2026 in Patreksfjörður celebrated its 19th run with documentaries, a town parade that became a conga line, and a limbo contest—while the Grand Jury Prize went to “Return,” a Papua New Guinea–linked homecoming story. Music Spotlight: “Mama Masalai” Mereani Masani confirmed she’ll perform at the Wan Fire Festival and released a new single, “Mi go,” about the emotional weight of breakups. Arts for the Environment: Port Moresby Nature Park launched its month-long Trash to Treasure Sculpture Festival for World Environment Day, with university students turning waste into major works. Dance & Identity: Pacific Dance Festival 2026 opened in Māngere with a diverse line-up that includes Papua New Guinea artists. Rugby League Pathways: Gulf’s Cathy Neap rural talent programme used rugby league to empower young women, sending six standouts to Port Moresby for further development. Sport Awards Momentum: PNG’s Lewas were named Team of the Year at the SP Sports Awards, with captain Brenda Tau pointing to Cricket World Cup qualification as the next big target. Media & Culture: NBC is hosting the 16th Pacific Media Partnership Conference in Port Moresby, focusing on resilient storytelling and regional collaboration.