Following three weeks of intensive training and high-end warfighting scenarios across Australia, and complex training exercises in Papua New Guinea, Exercise Talisman Sabre has come to a close.

.Talisman Sabre, which featured over 40,000 military personnel in this year's iteration, is the largest bilateral combined training activity conducted between the Australian Defence Force and the United States Armed Forces.

This month's AHC on Air program features the exercise, with interviews from Australian Defence Force Chief of Joint Operations, Vice Admiral Justin Jones, Deputy Chief of PNGDF, Brigadier General Opa Lari Opa and Minister for Defence, Hon. Dr Billy Joseph

On the show this month, we feature the Papua New Guinea and Australia Police Partnership and Australia’s Pacific Policing Initiative (PPI).

 We had the pleasure of speaking to Papua New Guinea -Australia Policing Partnership Commander, AFP Assistant Commissioner, Jamie Strauss.  

We also had a chat with Inspector David Terry from the Royal PNG Constabulary on this great Pacific Policing Initiative.     

Australia is an integral member of the Pacific community; we share cultural bonds and affinities. For this episode of AHC On air we explore those ties between our two nations.   

This week Minister for Pacific Island Affairs, Hon Pat Conroy MP visited PNG, alongside representatives from the Australian Rugby League Commission and National Rugby League (NRL). 

The Minister met with key stakeholders to reaffirm Australia’s commitment to developing rugby league pathways and establishing a competitive and sustainable PNG NRL franchise for entry into the NRL competition by 2028. 

We also feature the Yumi Stap Wantaim Film Festival, a showcase which provided incredible opportunity for talented local storytellers to create PNG-made films in the 72 hours Film challenge. 

All these and more on this month's AHC on Air.

Australia and Papua New Guinea have a longstanding history of working side by side in various areas, a partnership that continues to thrive as PNG prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary as a sovereign nation. 

On the eve of PNG’s 50 independence anniversary, Australia has launched its Yumi Stap Wantaim – Side by Side, Step By Step campaign, a celebration of PNG's independence and a tribute to the close relationship between Australia and PNG.  

 The campaign will include a series of high-profile events throughout this year, showcasing the partnership through education, sports, film, music, dance, art, and food.  

Australia and Papua New Guinea’s security partnership is grounded in the strategic trust both our countries share as near neighbours, close partners and friends. 

Australia and Papua New Guinea share an interest in a safe, stable, peaceful, and prosperous Pacific and have a proud history of working together to progress this vision. 

Since signing the Australia – Papua New Guinea Bilateral Security Agreement in December 2023, Australia has responded quickly to support Papua New Guinea’s defence and internal security priorities as its security partner of choice. 

Australia and Papua New Guinea have a longstanding history of working side by side in various areas, a partnership that continues to thrive as PNG prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary as a sovereign nation.

Achieving Gender Equality, Women’s empowerment and Social Inclusion has always been  a shared vision for both Australian and Papua New Guinea.

As part of the effort to achieve this goal, Australia continues to support the Government of PNG as it works alongside NGOs, women's groups and churches to promote the rights of women and girls in PNG. 

This month, both our countries celebrated International Women's Day and National Women’s Day, with positive new developments in the Gender space that will pave way for greater Gender Equality in PNG.

Australia and PNG share a long history of cooperation in education pre and post independence.

High quality education is a long-term commitment, and Australia has been working in partnership with the National Department of Education and the Department of High Education, Research, Science and Technology and many universities, institutions and schools around the country to support PNG’s priorities in this sector.

On this program, we find out more about Bilum Books – teaching and learning resources for PNG Schools and hear from Ms Sara White who is one of three Directors of Bilum Books.

Also, on the program we speak to Dr Joseph Lingawa, Dean of Faculty of Education at the Divine Word University about his involvement in the Teacher upgrading program.

And we find out more about the Early Childhood Education and Care or (ECEC) pilot program.

Australia and Papua New Guinea (PNG) share a warm, broad-ranging relationship of deep historical and contemporary importance to both countries.

Our modern partnership is underpinned by joint commitments to the PNG–Australia Comprehensive Strategic and Economic Partnership (2020), and most recently the Bilateral Security Agreement (2023), which provide a framework for closer security relations.

PNG is Australia's largest development partner, with an estimated 637.4 million-dollar in Official Development Assistance (ODA) funding between 2024-25 financial year.

This support by the Australian Government is not only provided at the national and sub-national levels but right down to the community and grassroot settings.

On this month’s program, we will learn more about the various community-based grant programs currently being delivered through the PNG-Australia Partnership.

Welcome to the final edition of AHC on Air for the year, on deepening PNG and Australia’s connection through Rugby League.

On this program we feature the recent announcement by the Australian Prime Minister, the Hon Anthony Albanese, and Prime Minister James Marape on the news that PNG will field an NRL team in 2028.

Also, on the program we speak to Ms Cathy Neap, NRL in PNG Manager on the PNG NRL Bid Academy’s Life skills program that was held recently in Port Moresby.

Australia is committed to supporting PNG improve health service delivery to Papua New Guineans.

The new Australia-funded Metoreia Urban Health Centre, realised in partnership with the Motu Koita Assembly, NCD Provincial Health Authority, National Department of Health, National Capital District Commission and United Church, will improve health services for around 40, 000 people living in Poreporena, surrounding Motu Koita villages and Port Moresby communities.

Also, on the program we feature the launch of the Community Justice Fund, and we speak to the Head of Santos Foundation and Chair of Bel is PNG Ms Jean Martin, who gives us an insight of the Bel Isi Program and services they provide.