From traditional dances to deep discussions on leadership, health, and entrepreneurship — the PNG Regional Youth Summit brought together young leaders from PNG and Australia for four unforgettable days in Port Moresby. 
Together, delegates celebrated PNG’s 50th Independence, built lifelong connections, and explored how to shape a brighter, united Pacific future

On 25 October 2025, the Pacific-Australia Youth Association Inc. (PAYA) joined the Queensland Nauru Community (QNC) in celebrating Angam Day at Sunnybank Community Hall in Brisbane, a national day marking the resilience of the Nauruan people. PAYA was represented by President Dominic de Moura McCarthy and Board Director Enoli Tsitsi at the event.

The Nauru PAYA team hosted a successful Financial Literacy Workshop on 24th September 2025 at the Conference Room at Civic Centre, Aiwo, Nauru. This was held in celebration of Nauru’s National Youth Day as well as Sir Hammer DeRoburt Day (Nauru’s first President and founding father of the nation). The facilitators of this workshop were the local Nauru PAYA team members; Chairman Ankemwi Garoa, Alpha Diranga, Christina Rokobuli, Eirububwin Dabwido, Galizon Fritz, Issachar Adu and Rosita Rokobuli. Another key PAYA member, Marshall Bill was also a part of the organising. 

On Saturday 4 October, the Mackay Aquatic & Recreation Complex hosted a community youth event. Organised by the Pacific Australia Youth Association Inc. (PAYA) and supported by the Queensland Government’s Gambling Community Benefit Fund, the day gave local young people the chance to train, learn and connect with Craig Burns, an Australian runner who grew up just a couple of hours away, in Eungella.

From July 22 to August 1, 2025, Romen Grammar School hosted a transformative two-week teacher training workshop focused on strengthening inclusive education and Integral Human Development (IHD) for early childhood and elementary teachers.

Over the past month, the Pacific-Australia Youth Association Inc. (PAYA) has been privileged to attend two significant celebrations of multiculturalism, each distinct in atmosphere, yet united in their message of connection, belonging and the power of community leadership.

In a shared commitment to empowering communities through Integral Human Development (IHD), the Pacific-Australia Youth Association Inc (PAYA) and Romen Grammar Academy (RGA) have formalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen Early Childhood (ECH) and Elementary Education in Papua New Guinea.

In July 2025, the Pacific-Australia Youth Association Inc. (PAYA) and EnglishEquip took another step forward in their shared mission of equipping Pacific youth with the tools to lead. Building on the momentum of our partnership announced in June, the EnglishEquip team delivered two dynamic workshops, one in Koné, New Caledonia, and one in Mata’Utu, Wallis and Futuna, introducing young leaders to English language opportunities across the Pacific.

In June and July 2025, we launched a two-week training workshop under the theme "Empowering Quality Teaching: Strengthening Integral Human Development in Early Childhood and Elementary Division." Held at Romen Grammar School Hall, the workshop brought together 28 passionate teachers to build their capacity in inclusive, child-centred education, transforming not only classrooms but communities.

In the heart of the Pacific, cradled by the landscapes of New Caledonia, I grew up, driven by a singular passion: that of telling stories and promoting my country. From my communication studies, I set a clear goal for myself: to return to my homeland and contribute to its influence. Curious and enthusiastic, I have always adapted easily to any new environment. My dynamic and positive energy is a strength that allows me to unite teams in a stimulating work atmosphere and find creative solutions. Fluent in Drehu (vernacular language), French (official language), English, and Spanish, I am a true polyglot, capable of connecting with diverse audiences. 

My journey as an Australia Awards Scholarship (AAS) recipient began on 13 January 2025 at Griffith University’s Nathan campus. Studying in Australia had long been a dream of mine, and now, as I approach the final trimester of my Bachelor of Business program, that dream is nearly fulfilled. This scholarship has opened doors I never imagined possible, offering me a truly unique experience filled with unforgettable and transformative moments. I can confidently say that I will leave Australia a better version of myself—professionally, spiritually, mentally, and physically—thanks to the AAS.

On June 21st, 2025, young people from across French Polynesia gathered at the Assembly of French Polynesia in Papeete for "TA’U MOANA, TA’U ANANAHI" (My Ocean, My Future) – the first workshop organised by the Pacific-Australia Youth Association Inc. (PAYA) in French Polynesia.

The day brought together voices from different walks of life to discuss the future of the ocean, environment, and culture, in the spirit of the Papeete Declaration and in the lead up to the Third UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3).

My journey into youth empowerment and grassroots advocacy has been both transformative and empowering. From a shy, quiet individual hesitant to voice my thoughts, I’ve grown into an optimistic, confident young leader who believes deeply in the power of youth and grassroots initiatives to drive meaningful change. This path has been enriched not only by my experiences with PAYA but also by my volunteer roles. Each role has taught me the profound impact of compassionate leadership and the unique power of youth-led advocacy to address community needs.

On the 9th of June 2025, Pentecost Monday, the Pacific-Australia Youth Association Inc. (PAYA) and EnglishEquip signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), laying the foundation for a unique collaboration dedicated to breaking language barriers and empowering youth across the Pacific. This partnership is the culmination of years of shared work and the beginning of an even stronger connection between two initiatives driven by the same mission: equipping Pacific youth with the tools to lead.

On 17 May, PAYA Chief Events Officer Enoli Tsitsi and Chief People Officer Annclan Kuk attended a five-hour grant writing workshop hosted by Brisbane City Council at the Garden City Library. The workshop, open to the public and promoted by Multicultural Affairs Queensland, equipped attendees with practical skills and insights to strengthen funding proposals. Key takeaways included understanding eligibility criteria, contacting funders early, aligning with funding priorities, and writing in clear, accessible language. Participants also explored the four core components of a successful grant application: needs statement, project description, budget, and organisational information. The session significantly boosted the team’s confidence in developing compelling grant submissions — skills that will directly benefit PAYA’s future events, programs, and community impact across the Pacific.

As part of Phillie Julai Marai’s engagement with the Papua New Guinea Tribal Foundation and in her capacity as a PAYA member, she facilitated a Professional Development Workshop on leadership development organised by the U.S. Embassy, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea at the American Corner – PNG National Library and Archives on Friday April 4th, 2025.

From March 18–20, 2025, Roger George and Jimaima Julai - PAYA PNG Members had the honour of representing the Pacific Australia Youth Association (PAYA) at the Conference of Pacific Education Ministers (CPEM), held at APEC Haus, Port Moresby. This event brought together education ministers from 18 Pacific nations, student leaders, youth advocates, and key stakeholders to address urgent educational priorities across the region. It was a milestone platform that allowed youth voices to be heard and considered in shaping education policies for the Blue Pacific Continent.

The workshop focused on hands-on activities and sports games that encouraged participation, teamwork, and problem-solving. We witnessed young participants stepping up as leaders, making decisions, and guiding their peers through various challenges. Sports drills became more than just physical activities; they became lessons in resilience and fair play. Creativity and technical skills were explored through digital exercises like photography, while discussions on health and wellness reinforced the importance of hydration and active lifestyles. The adaptability of the program ensured that every participant left with a new skill, a new perspective, or a strengthened sense of self-confidence.

The 2024 Youth Leadership Summit in Nauru brought together 25 young leaders from across the Pacific for four days of workshops, cultural exchange and hands-on projects. Delegates explored themes such as entrepreneurship, sustainability, governance and faith.

On Saturday, November 23, 2024, the Pacific-Australia Youth Association Inc. (PAYA) hosted a workshop at the Dreamcast Youth Hub in Honiara, Solomon Islands. Sponsored by the Australian High Commission in Solomon Islands, the workshop, themed “Empowering Youth to Be Employable,” brought together 25 young participants eager to gain new skills, enhance their employability, and embark on a path toward professional success. The workshop was organised by Gladys Habu and Dominic de Moura McCarthy, who also facilitated the sessions alongside local young leaders, Steen Siale and Sabrina Pania.