LAE, Monday, 4 May 2026 — Church communities across Lae are set to benefit from improved communication and enhanced safety following support from the Australian Government through the installation of new signboards and solar lighting.
The initiative, delivered by the Australian High Commission through the Australian Consulate-General in Lae, has provided five churches from the Catholic, Lutheran and Anglican communions with practical infrastructure aimed at strengthening their role as central pillars of community life.
The newly-installed signboards are expected to serve as accessible platforms for churches to share notices, announcements and important community information with both congregations and surrounding neighbourhoods.
In addition, solar-powered lighting has been installed to improve visibility and security around church grounds, particularly during evening services, meetings and other community activities.
Australian Consul-General in Lae, Brenton Kanowski, said the initiative reflects Australia’s ongoing commitment to practical, community-driven partnerships in Papua New Guinea.
“Churches are at the heart of community life in Papua New Guinea. They are places of gathering, care and trusted local leadership,” Mr Kanowski said.
“They are spaces where people come together to share information, support one another and build resilience.”
He added that while modest in scale, the support would have meaningful, everyday impact.
“These signboards and solar lights are practical contributions that will help churches communicate more effectively, improve safety around their grounds, and strengthen their visibility and presence within the community,” he said.
Churches in Papua New Guinea play a vital role beyond spiritual guidance, often delivering essential services such as health care, education and disaster response, particularly in underserved areas.
Australia’s support builds on its longstanding Church Partnerships Program, which works closely with religious institutions to strengthen service delivery and community networks across the country.
The latest contribution underscores Australia’s broader commitment to working alongside Papua New Guinean communities and institutions to promote resilience, inclusion and local leadership.
The project is also expected to contribute to stronger social cohesion by reinforcing churches as trusted centres for communication and support within local communities.