Last week marked a deeply special and momentous occasion for Femili PNG and FemiliPNG Australia. We were absolutely thrilled to welcome three Femili PNG staff members to Melbourne – not only to celebrate a massive academic milestone but to engage in a week of learning, and relationship-building.
A Historic Achievement: Graduation Day
The primary purpose for the team’s journey was a celebration, a little over a year in the making. Back in late 2024, the Cairnmillar Institute notified us of scholarship opportunities available for Femili PNG staff to study for a Diploma of Counselling. Interested staff members submitted their expressions of interest, and with the support from Femili PNG management, three applicants were selected – each representing a different Femili PNG Case Management Centre (Port Moresby, Lae, and Goroka). Throughout 2025, these three individuals worked tirelessly to balance their studies with their ongoing vital work.
Each was successful in completing their studies, and in May, the three staff travelled to Melbourne to officially graduate with their Diplomas in Counselling from the Cairnmillar Institute.
To say we are proud is an understatement. This achievement is a testament to their hard work, resilience, and unwavering commitment to bringing the highest standards of trauma-informed care back to survivors in Papua New Guinea.
We extend our sincere and heartfelt thanks to The Cairnmillar Institute, and the generous donor Dr. Geoff Clark for providing the opportunity for the staff at Femili PNG.
A Week of Meaningful Connections: Networking in Melbourne
While graduation was the emotional highlight, the team maximized their time in Melbourne by stepping out into the sector, exchanging knowledge, and strengthening ties with key partners. Over the course of the week, the team participated in a series of meetings designed to foster collaboration and share insights:
- Engaging with Australian MPs: The visiting staff met with Australian Members of Parliament (MPs) – the Honourable Andrew Giles (Minister for Skills and Training), and the Honourable Ged Kearney (the assistant Minister for Social Services and Assistant Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence). The team shared first-hand insights from the ground in Papua New Guinea and discussed how they will apply their practical learnings from the Diploma of Counselling.
- Sector Knowledge Exchanges: The visiting staff met with local Australian service providers specialising in family and domestic violence support for migrant and refugee women and their communities. This meeting provided staff with practical insights on crisis intervention from different contexts.
- Visiting the Cairnmillar Institute: The visiting staff visited the Cairnmillar Institute campus in Hawthorn to meet with the teaching staff who supported their academic journey and tour the campus facilities. It was also an opportunity for the staff to sit down and record their personal testimonials, which we look forward for Cairnmillar Institute to share online soon.
- Networking Opportunities: The visiting staff met with the teams at International Women’s Development Agency (IWDA) and the Papua New Guinea Australian Association of Victoria to strengthen long-term community and advocacy networks.
- Partnership and Support: throughout their visit, the staff were supported by the FemiliPNG Australia Executive Director, Jocelyn, and Program Lead, Kate. They also had the wonderful opportunity to meet face-to-face with the FemiliPNG Australia Board Chair, Shelley Mallett.
These face-to-face interactions did more than just fill out a calendar; they reinforced the vital bridge between operations in PNG and our support network in Australia, reminding us all of the shared mission that drives us forward.
Thank you!
An incredible week like this is only possible through collective dedication, shared vision, and deep mutual respect.
We want to extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who welcomed our visiting staff, took the time to share their expertise, and joined us in celebrating this historic academic achievement. To the teaching staff at the Cairnmillar Institute, the Ministers, our sector peers, and our community partners—thank you for your ongoing commitment to our shared mission.
Most of all, thank you to the incredible graduates. Your hard work inspires us all, and we cannot wait to see the continued impact of your dedication back home.