Strong partnerships are the foundation of meaningful impact. On 3 July 2026, the Pacific-Australia Youth Association (PAYA) spent the day engaging with government agencies, development partners, and members in Port Moresby, reinforcing its commitment to creating opportunities for young people across Papua New Guinea and the Pacific.

PAYA Chair and President Dominic de Moura McCarthy has been featured in the Lowy Institute’s The Interpreter, advocating for Cairns to be recognised as Australia’s civilian hub for engagement with Papua New Guinea and the Pacific.

Relationships are built through shared values, meaningful conversations, and a commitment to creating opportunities for future generations. On 30 June 2026, PAYA was honoured to be part of the America 250 (A250) Networking Event in Brisbane, celebrating the enduring friendship between the United States, Australia, and the Pacific.

PAYA was honoured to participate in the recent Far North Queensland Talanoa and Pasifika Community Roundtable, bringing together Pacific community and faith leaders to discuss the opportunities and challenges shaping Pacific communities across the region.

“Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to take part in the Australia–Papua New Guinea Emerging Leaders Dialogue in Cairns, held from 5–9 May 2026. I was one of 19 delegates selected from across Australia and PNG to participate in the program, which this year explored the theme of “Bilums to Boardrooms: The Business of Australia–Papua New Guinea Relations.” Across the week, discussions focused on business relationships, trade and investment, small and medium enterprises, economic development and emerging market opportunities shaping the future of the bilateral relationship.”

On Saturday 25th April, members of the Pacific-Australia Youth Association Inc. (PAYA) in Solomon Islands came together with a shared purpose: to support communities affected by Cyclone Maila. This initiative followed a meeting held on Saturday 18 April at the HCC Youth Hub in Honiara, where members discussed how they could contribute meaningfully to ongoing relief efforts. Rather than focusing on financial donations, the group agreed on a practical, community-driven approach, collecting essential household items, food, and everyday supplies for those most impacted.

PAYA attended the Multicultural Networking Night on Wednesday 22nd April at Queensland Parliament, joining approximately 150 community members, leaders, and representatives from across South East Queensland’s multicultural sector. The event was hosted by the Queensland Government and provided an opportunity for connection and engagement among community and organisational representatives.

PAYA was honoured to participate in the 2025 Elections Lessons Learnt and Reform Planning Workshop, held in Nadi, Fiji, from 13–21 April 2026. The workshop brought together representatives from the Nauru Electoral Commission (NEC), the Fijian Elections Office (FEO), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and regional electoral experts to reflect on the administration of the 2025 General Election and identify practical reforms for future electoral processes.

On 27 December 2025, young people from across Ollei, Ngarchelong came together for the BHA Learning Cookout, an initiative delivered by Amber Holly Osima and supported by the Pacific-Australia Youth Association (PAYA). The event marked PAYA’s first supported activity in Palau and brought together over 45 participants aged 17 and under.

PAYA’s 2025 Youth Leadership Summit in Honiara brought together emerging young leaders from across the Pacific and Australia for a week of leadership, collaboration, and cultural exchange in the Solomon Islands. Through workshops, networking sessions, cultural activities, and meaningful dialogue, delegates explored regional challenges and opportunities while building lasting connections and strengthening a shared vision for the future of the Pacific.

In November 2025, the PAYA Board and executive representatives came together for a Governance Workshop facilitated by Dr. Erin Watson to strengthen the organisation’s strategic direction and governance framework for the years ahead.

For Jimaima Julai, every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. As an early childhood educator from East New Britain Province, Papua New Guinea, she has always believed that meaningful change begins with education. Attending the 2025 Pacific Australia Youth Leadership Summit in Honiara, Solomon Islands, provided an opportunity to expand that vision beyond the classroom and connect with young leaders working towards stronger communities across the Pacific.

When Eirububwin Treannah Dabwido travelled from Nauru to Honiara, Solomon Islands, to attend the 2025 Pacific Australia Youth Leadership Summit, she represented both her country and PAYA as the only delegate from Nauru and the wider Micronesian region. Supported by UNDP and Capelle and Partner, the experience became more than a leadership program—it was an opportunity to connect with young leaders from across the Pacific, exchange ideas, and explore how collaboration can create lasting change.

For Aileen Zuhukepe, a proud member of PAYA in Papua New Guinea, the 2025 Pacific Australia Youth Leadership Summit in Honiara, Solomon Islands, was more than an international leadership event—it was an opportunity to represent her community, strengthen regional partnerships, and join a growing network of young Pacific leaders committed to creating positive change.

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.

At PAYA’s Annual General Meeting held on 25 October 2025, members welcomed the appointment of a new Board to help guide the organisation’s strategic direction and continued commitment to empowering young people across the Pacific and Australia.

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.