Wau-Waria District, Morobe Province, 27 April 2025 – Australia has reaffirmed its strong partnership with Papua New Guinea by announcing major new educational support initiatives for Wau-Waria District in Morobe, under the Direct Aid Programme.
During a recent visit to Wau-Waria earlier this month, Australian Consul-General to Lae, Brenton Kanowski, said Australia remained committed to improving education outcomes at the community level, particularly in rural and isolated areas.
Speaking at a local event attended by Wau-Waria MP Hon. Marsh Narewec and community leaders, Mr Kanowski reflected on the close historical ties between Papua New Guinea and Australia, and highlighted education as the key to sustainable development.
“You cannot get far in life if you cannot read,” Mr Kanowski said. “Improving literacy lifts families and entire communities. The taxpayers and people of Australia are here with you, supporting your development journey.”
This visit comes as Papua New Guinea celebrates its 50th Anniversary of Independence — a milestone Mr Kanowski described as a “very special year” in the shared history of the two countries.
Significant New Funding for Schools
The Consul-General officially announced several major new grants under the Australian Government’s Direct Aid Programme (DAP), including:
K135,000 for the purchase and transport of fencing materials for Pine Top Primary School.
K166,000 for the funding of learning kits for 32 selected schools across Wau-Waria District.
This project is being delivered in partnership with the Digicel Foundation, whose Chief Executive Officer, Serena Sasingian, was also present at the event.
Additionally, Mr Kanowski announcedtwo new grants:
K45,000 to airlift water tanks and solar panels from Wau Airstrip to Garasa Airstrip, with delivery and installation coordinated by Honourable Marsh Narewec at Onehill Primary School.
K44,000 to purchase water tanks to be distributed and installed by the local community at schools in Wau Town.
Mr Kanowski praised MP Narewec’s energy and leadership, acknowledging that his active collaboration had helped secure further funding to support the district’s education development.
“You have a strong and reliable partner in Australia,” Mr Kanowski said. “Fifty years after Independence, we are still standing with you.”
Australian Consul-General to Lae Brenton Kanowski (second from right) with Digicel Foundation CEO Serena Sasingian and MP Narewec at the launching.
Looking Ahead
The Consul-General also announced that the next round of the Direct Aid Programme would open in June 2025, encouraging more strong applications from Wau-Waria and Morobe Province.
He concluded by thanking the people of Wau-Waria for their warm hospitality and reaffirmed Australia’s friendship and commitment to supporting grassroots development in Papua New Guinea.
“It is truly beautiful up here,” Mr Kanowski said. “I look forward to returning and seeing even more of the incredible work happening in your district.”
