Hilda is Deputy Director of Public Health in Morobe Province, PNG. A dentist by training, she holds dual Master’s degrees in Public Health and Business from James Cook University. She led medical services during the COVID-19 pandemic and has delivered outreach dental care in remote PNG. Hilda’s leadership in health governance has earned her national and international awards. She is also a certified scuba diver who finds joy exploring PNG’s marine biodiversity.

Anthea works with Trade and Investment Queensland’s Pacific team to strengthen ties through trade, investment, and education. With a background at QUT, Griffith, and Education Queensland International, she has deep experience in promoting Queensland’s institutions internationally. Having spent her childhood in Papua New Guinea, Anthea brings a personal connection to the Pacific. She holds a Master of International Relations and a Bachelor of Social Science and is passionate about fostering impactful partnerships across the region.

Jake is a Combat Engineer Platoon Commander in the Papua New Guinea Defence Force. He earned a degree in Political Science from the University of Papua New Guinea in 2019 and trained at the Royal Military College–Duntroon, graduating in 2021. Jake has completed multiple stability and security operations. Dedicated to regional cooperation and national development, he aspires to help shape a stronger, more capable PNGDF, with enhanced contributions to regional peace and Pacific security.

Lauren is a lawyer at the Australian Attorney-General’s Department, specialising in law of the sea and international environmental law. She advises the Pacific Maritime Boundaries Project, helping Pacific nations secure maritime rights under international law. She has also researched Pacific fisheries law at ANCORS. Lauren holds a Master of Laws in International Law and a Rhodes Academy diploma. She is passionate about legal frameworks that support Pacific sovereignty and ocean stewardship.

Jarrod is Chief Strategy Officer at Commonwealth Bank’s largest venture and has held leadership roles across consulting, banking, and international development. He was Head of Strategy at Nesta (UK), an Advisor to the Head of UNESCO Myanmar, and launched a new venture for GradAustralia. Jarrod studied Finance at the University of Sydney and began his career in management consulting. His family history spans generations in PNG, beginning with his great-grandfather’s migration from China to Rabaul. Jarrod remains passionate about PNG’s regional role and the PNG-Australia relationship.

John is the Managing Director of Lae Biscuit Company and co-founder of the Chow Foundation. A sixth-generation Papua New Guinean Chinese, he holds a Master of Management from the University of Sydney. Through business and philanthropy, he advances access to education and health in PNG. The Foundation’s projects include an early childhood library in Lae. John’s leadership reflects a commitment to community values, family legacy, and the long-term development of PNG’s future.

Hansley is a trained urban planner and development professional committed to infrastructure advancement in PNG. After studying in Queensland, he returned to PNG to work in property development, logistics, and hospitality. Hansley promotes the arts, performing regularly at Moresby Arts Theatre, and uses poetry to express his experience navigating life in and outside PNG. He is passionate about urban development and how towns and cities can unlock sustainable growth across the region.

Victoria is an Engineering Geologist at GHD in Perth, with over 14 years’ experience across PNG, Australia, and New Zealand. Her expertise spans mining, infrastructure, and disaster risk reduction. She has contributed to Australian-funded projects in PNG and state initiatives in Australia. Victoria holds a BSc in Earth Science from UPNG and a Master of Engineering Geology from Canterbury. She also teaches online courses at UPNG, improving access to geoscience education.

Ingrid is Executive Manager at the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority, leading its Policy and Strategic Planning Division. With more than 11 years in the sector, she was instrumental in developing PNG’s Tourism Sector Development Plan 2022–2026 and drafting the National Tourism Policy 2025. She holds postgraduate qualifications in international relations and an MBA. Ingrid is passionate about unlocking the economic potential of tourism and driving structural reform in PNG’s visitor economy.

William is a Senior Analyst at the Development Intelligence Lab and Expert Associate at ANU’s National Security College. A General Sir John Monash Scholar, he holds an MPhil in Development Studies from Oxford and served as an Army officer in Iraq. His research spans Australian foreign policy, future conflict, and climate impacts. He is also an aspiring fiction author with a deep interest in PNG’s history and Australia’s regional responsibilities.

Michaela is Investment and Communications Manager at Pacific Trade Invest (PTI) Australia. With experience in government, private, and for-purpose sectors, she builds partnerships that enable private sector growth in the Blue Pacific. A Fijian-Australian based in Sydney, Michaela brings cross-cultural insight and regional depth. She is a 2024 Social Impact Fellow and supports Pacific-led initiatives focused on impact measurement, values alignment, and long-term inclusive development through purpose-driven leadership.

Renata is Project Manager for ABC International Development’s Media Development Initiative (MDI) in PNG, a capacity-building program funded through the PNG-Australia partnership. With over 15 years in PNG’s media sector – including print, radio, TV, digital, music, and communications – Renata brings valuable insight and strong stakeholder relationships. Her leadership has helped drive improvements in journalism standards and media content quality across PNG.

Alex is an emergency medicine registrar based in Alice Springs. A University of Queensland graduate, he has worked in public health across the Philippines, Timor-Leste, and PNG. He recently served at Port Moresby General Hospital through the Australian Volunteers Program. Alex is passionate about global health, equity, and social justice, and has undertaken research on scabies eradication. He hopes to honour cross-cultural ties and continue working with vulnerable communities worldwide.

Jack is a seasoned international development leader focused on health systems in PNG and the Pacific. He has over 10 years’ experience, including COVID-19 response work with WHO and current leadership at International SOS. Jack began his PNG journey in Kimbe with Australian Doctors International. Known for his collaborative leadership and deep respect for Pacific cultures, Jack is passionate about locally informed solutions to strengthen regional health and development outcomes.

Isidore is Acting Director for Trade and Investment at the PNG APEC Secretariat, within the Department of Prime Minister & NEC. He previously worked as a Research Officer at the PNG National Research Institute, Isidore holds a BA in PNG Studies and International Relations (Divine World University), a Trade Policy Certificate (University of Auckland), and has completed Foreign Service training (University of Victoria, Wellington). He interned at the APEC Secretariat in Singapore and was part of PNG’s 2018 APEC Policy Team.

Abigail is a Senior Portfolio Manager at BSP Capital, the investment arm of BSP Financial Group, focussing on PNG superannuation fund management. With 9 years in finance – including roles in compliance and anti-money laundering – she holds a Business Analysis (Finance) degree from the University of Waikato. Abigail is passionate about sustainable development in PNG and supports local non-profits advancing education, community, empowerment, and economic growth.

Kelly is an economist at the Asian Development Bank’s PNG Resident Mission, where he supports economic resilience and inclusive growth. A former lecturer at UPNG, he helped nearly 150 students graduate through the ANU-UPNG partnership. His research spans public finance and resource economics. Outside of work, Kelly is a national volleyball player for PNG. He believes in education, teamwork, and sport as tools for nation-building and social transformation.

Dan is Deputy Editor at ABC International, where he leads Pacific-focused coverage and digital content strategy. With over a decade in journalism, Dan’s work connects audiences across the Pacific Islands, particularly Papua New Guinea. He is passionate about storytelling that amplifies underrepresented voices and highlights regional issues. Through his editorial leadership, ABC International deepens its role in building informed Pacific communities through accessible, culturally resonant content.

Jennifer is an education specialist with 18 years of experience in teacher training and curriculum development across Asia and the Pacific. At 21, she founded Tara.Ed, which improved education access for over 20,000 students in rural India, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan. She holds an OAM for her contribution to international education. Jennifer believes in empowering teachers to build globally competent youth and enhance regional partnerships through strengthened education systems.

Melanie is Program Manager of RECSI (Regional Emergency and Critical Care Systems Strengthening Initiative), supporting emergency care clinicians across the Pacific and Timor-Leste. A specialist in international development and public health, she has led capacity-building programs in PNG, Fiji, and Vanuatu. Melanie’s work focuses on systems strengthening and cross-sector partnerships. With postgraduate qualifications in development, evaluation, and public health, she is committed to improving regional health outcomes through collaboration and culturally grounded approaches.

Elizabeth is Civic Engagement Lead at Transparency International Papua New Guinea, where she heads the youth programs. 

Previously, Elizabeth was Youth Secretary at the Catholic Bishops Conference and volunteered with the Jubilee Catholic Secondary School. With more than 16 years’ experience in the youth sector, Elizabeth is committed to helping students grow in their personal capacities and continually works with her local parish youth group.

Natalia is Senior Consultant at Alinea International, where she advises on development investments such as the Aus-PNG Partnership and Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific. 

Previously, Natalia worked as Strategic Adviser within the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C), where she directed Australia’s international gender equality team and managed aid and development projects for the Behavioural Economics Team of the Australian Government. Natalia also represented Australia in multilateral negotiations at the G7, G20, UN Human Rights Council, and UN General Assembly.

Heather is a Graduate Research Officer at the National Security College of The Australian National University, where she provides research support to the Executive and Policy Teams and coordinates and delivers professional development programs for national security professionals. 

Heather is passionate about increasing awareness of and strengthening Australia’s relations with Papua New Guinea, as well as lifting Pacific literacy in Australia’s national security workforce. As a young professional Heather is committed to increasing youth representation and participation in regional diplomacy and security discussions and advocating for a greater youth voice.

Shaun is an Australian public servant and defence force reservist. He holds postgraduate qualifications in international relations and national security, public administration, and psychology. 

Shaun has worked in Southeast Asia for several years and authored articles with varying publications in the field of international affairs and security. Previously, he was Branch Councillor for the Australian Institute of International Affairs and volunteered with an NGO based in PNG. Shaun currently lives and works in Canberra.

Michael is the Co-founder of the Future Ancestors Program – a leadership program designed to empower and support Pacific youth to be agents of change. 

Previously, he worked across warehousing, quality assurance and heavy machinery. Michael has been involved in the Management Committee of the Pacific Islands Committee of Queensland (PICQ) since 2016 and was previously the PICQ Youth Representative and PICQ Vice President. 

As a Papua New Guinean and Indigenous Australian man from Western Australia, Michael is deeply interested in contributing to a meaningful relationship between Australia, Papua New Guinea and the broader Pacific region. Michael is from Meanjin (Brisbane).