In this episode of The Unkles Podcast, we sit down to unpack the PNG Diaspora Business Council of Australia — a first-of-its-kind national body created to represent Papua New Guineans living in Australia and give them a real voice in both Waigani and Canberra.We break down:🇵🇬 What the PNG Diaspora Business Council is and why it matters🤝 How the council plans to move beyond remittances and build people-to-people trade between PNG SMEs and the PNG/Australia diaspora📊 The national survey (closing Oct 31, 2024) collecting data on aid, trade, immigration, and money flows between PNG and Australia🌏 The long-term plan to present findings to the PNG Government in Feb 2026 and build formal pathways for business, policy input, and skills transferWe also highlight the stories of community leaders across Australia — from health workers and youth advocates to business owners and cultural organisers — who are keeping PNG culture alive, supporting families back home, and building economic bridges.Key topics in this episode:• Dual citizenship + land rights• High freight costs and trade barriers for PNG products• How to get PNG produce (banana, kaukau, taro) into Australia• Cultural preservation for PNG kids raised overseas• Why skilled PNG professionals in Australia should be part of PNG development projects• The dream of a formal, recognised PNG business network across AustraliaThis is about ownership, opportunity, and rewriting the “brain drain” story. It’s PNG to the world and PNG back home.
This week on The Unkles Podcast, Unkle Richie sits down with Stephanie—a Papua New Guinea–born entrepreneur, remote sales professional, and full-time mum now based in Melbourne. We unpack her journey from PNG to Australia, navigating cultural adaptation, staying true to identity, and why authenticity matters in both business and everyday life.What we cover:• Growing up in PNG and moving to Melbourne• Finding confidence and authenticity in new environments• Remote sales: routines, tools, and high-performance habits• Balancing entrepreneurship with motherhood• Mindset shifts for career growth and personal wellbeing• Advice for young Papua New Guineans in Australia and the diasporaIf you’re a PNG student, professional, creator, or parent building a life abroad, this episode is for you.Like, comment, and subscribe to support more positive PNG stories.
Join CTEN & Richie at Beenleigh, Brisbane as we celebrate Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence with the PNG community: music, singsing, flags, bilums, and lamb flaps on deck! 🇵🇬This special vlog captures our first-ever ABC Pacific live cross with the OG Michael Chow, plus on-the-ground chats with families, dancers, stall owners, and elders reflecting on what PNG @ 50 means in South East Queensland.Big respect to the ABC team: Justine, Jacob, and Emily for inviting us to help take the mic around the crowd and share our people’s stories. Honoured to play a small part in history.What’s insideArrival vibes: colour, culture & communityStreet interviews: pride, heritage & hopes for PNGLive on air: ABC Pacific cross with Michael ChowFood run: lamb flaps and festival favouritesShoutouts to stalls & performers keeping culture strongIf you’re enjoying these positive PNG stories, subscribe and drop a comment: How did you celebrate PNG @ 50?
In this powerful episode, mental health clinician Phil Onasu joins The Unkles to break down mental health in Papua New Guinea; what it is, how to spot early warning signs, and how to start stigma-free conversations with our fathers, sons, and brothers.What we cover:Early signs of stress/illness: withdrawal, irritability, sleep & appetite changesHow to have honest, culturally respectful yarns—leading with vulnerability“Mental health” vs “longlong” (everyday stress) and when to seek professional helpThe impact of phones, social media, gambling & alcohol—numbing vs healingVicarious trauma: carrying others’ pain and how to protect yourselfDrugs & the brain in PNG—practical harm reduction and the growing ice (meth) issueWhat government & services can do: school programs, community counsellors, crisis lines, Tok Pisin/Motu education, frontline trainingPolice wellbeing: peer support, debriefing, confidential care that actually worksIf this helped you, please like, comment, and subscribe so we can keep sharing positive PNG stories and vital health info. Share this with a wantok who might need it today.
PNG 50! 🇵🇬 JMoney and Richie are back for Episode 106 of The Unkles Podcast, kicking off with our Word of the Week before diving into Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence celebrations. We share childhood Independence Day memories (school marches, singsing, kundu beats, flag-raising), reflect on what PNG independence means today, and recap the vibrant Beenleigh/Brisbane community celebrations—food stalls, bilums, music, and Melanesian pride.
Interdisciplinary artist Grace Dlabik joins The Unkles to explore how Melanesian knowledge systems shape her work across sculpture, curation, creative direction, and community practice. With roots in Hanuabada (Motuan clan Botai) and Lese Oalai (Lavaipia clan), Grace shares how her roles as Mama, carer & aunty inform an ecosystem of care, culture & collaboration, and how platforms like BE. Collective and BE. ONE. champion underrepresented creatives globally. We talk identity, place, reciprocity, and creating space for PNG voices in contemporary art—timed with PNG’s 50th Independence celebrations and the Returning Home exhibition/programme in Port Moresby (Harbourside South, Sept 10–23).
Episode 104 of The Unkles Podcast features Jonah—a Papua New Guinean balancing life in the energy sector with elite rugby union. We unpack his journey from school and university to a professional career, while chasing footy dreams with the PNG Pukpuks and lifting silverware with the Valley Hunters.
The Unkles take you inside our first pop-up in Port Moresby; from setup to meet & greet to community convos. We’re grateful to PNG FM, TrickyWorx, Matt7 Media, and everyone who came through for the merch drop and shared their stories. Hear why we’re planning to return to PNG more often and how you can help shape what’s next.
Follow The Unkles for more PNG vlogs, interviews, and community features.
CTEN talks with Matthew Igo Ball, a mentor to PNG youth in Brisbane, Head of Catering at dnata Singapore, and 2022 PNG–AUS Emerging Leader. They unpack Matthew’s leadership journey from Brisbane to Singapore, building culture, mentoring the PNG diaspora, and lessons from aviation catering and operations. Perfect for listeners interested in career growth, team culture, and Pacific leadership.
In Episode 102 of The Unkles Podcast, Richie sits down with Angela, a registered nurse in Australia who is making waves online with her powerful and educational TikTok videos 🇵🇬🎙️Angela is using her voice and platforms like TikTok to address sensitive but vital topics that are often overlooked in Papua New Guinea, including:Safe sex practices and reproductive health 🛡️General health education for young people 💡Breaking cultural barriers and taboos around discussing sexual health 🗣️Empowering Papua New Guineans with the knowledge to make informed decisions 📚Her mission is to reach communities in PNG, many of whom lack access to reliable health information, and spark conversations that could save lives. Angela shares her journey, why she creates content in Tok Pisin to connect with more people, and how education can empower individuals to take control of their health and future.If you care about health awareness, youth empowerment, and breaking taboos in Papua New Guinea, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!📅 Listen now on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts👍 Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to help us spread these important messages.
This week on The Unkles Podcast, we’re joined by Alan, founder of PNG Cricket Management. We talk about his journey from PNG to Australia and his bold vision to revolutionise cricket across Papua New Guinea. From grassroots development and rural talent scouting to international partnerships and infrastructure — this episode dives deep into the future of cricket in PNG.
Tune in now for a powerful story on sports leadership and community empowerment!
We’ve hit 100 episodes of The Unkles Podcast — and we couldn’t have done it without YOU! In this milestone episode, the team reflect on the journey so far, sharing:✅ A huge thank you to our incredible guests, listeners, subscribers & supporters✅ Our Top 3 Unkles Podcast episodes of all time✅ The biggest lessons we’ve learned along the way✅ What’s next for The Unkles — from new episodes to exciting community plansPLUS — if you’ve ever thought about sharing your story on the podcast, now’s your chance! 🎙️ We’re inviting our loyal listeners and followers to reach out. Whether you’re in PNG or abroad, we’d love to hear from you.🔔 Subscribe to stay updated and keep riding with us on this journey to spotlight inspiring PNG voices and stories!
In this powerful episode of The Unkles Podcast, Richie reconnects with Anna-Liza Mopio-Jane, Papua New Guinea’s first female swimmer to represent the nation at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. A returning guest from Episode 46, Anna-Liza dives into her journey beyond elite sport — from competing at three Commonwealth Games and five World Championships, to now thriving as a mentor, motivational speaker, and breathwork coach.🎯 What you’ll learn in this episode:- How breathwork can support your mental health and well-being- Her mission to help others reconnect with themselves and unlock their potential 📥 Want a free 5-minute breathwork audio? Fill in Anna-Liza’s quiz via this link: https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/quiz/ZQFp5WF1Lczl5xfwRLLe?fbclid=PAQ0xDSwLgOhdleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABp4FPtIV7_6cq4S7YGkBHsE0haueN0yO_HBvqP9y71FWDTNaYMRQJaTPROK_9_aem_9QlmIHqqXnXywlOjiRNXxw 📺 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more uplifting stories from The Unkles Podcast, where we shine a light on remarkable Papua New Guineans making a global impact.
In this week’s episode of The Unkles Podcast, we sit down with Trevor Howes, a strength and mobility coach with over 13 years of experience helping people achieve life-changing 12-week transformations.
Born in Rabaul, Papua New Guinea, Trevor shares his story of growing up in PNG, moving to Cairns, and eventually settling in Brisbane, where he built a thriving coaching business. We dive into his journey, the mindset needed to stay consistent, and how he’s helping others improve their physical and mental well-being.
✅ Whether you’re into fitness, strength training, or simply love hearing inspirational stories from remarkable Papua New Guineans, this episode is for you.
🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to keep up with more stories highlighting PNG excellence around the world.
In this milestone episode of The Unkles Podcast, we’re joined by PNG music legend Saii Kay, rising star Jarahn, and Pacific Nights tour manager Will for an exclusive deep dive into the heart of Papua New Guinea’s thriving music scene 🇵🇬🎶We talk:- Behind-the-scenes of the Pacific Nights QLD Tour- The powerful "why" behind each artist's journey- How they’ve navigated setbacks and stayed committed to their art- The reality of being a musician in PNG and what drives them to keep goingWhether you're a fan of PNG artists, passionate about Pacific Island music, or just love a good comeback story — this episode is for you.📍New episode drops Sunday 6PM on YouTube, Spotify & Apple Podcasts👇 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to support Pacific voices pushing boundaries!
In this powerful episode of The Unkles Podcast, C TEN sits down with McLaren Kopana, a proud Papua New Guinean whose journey spans Port Moresby, Pogera, Lihir, Western Australia, and now Brisbane.
McLaren opens up about his time in the mining industry, the health scare that changed his life, and how he’s now pursuing his passion as a photographer and videographer. This is a story of resilience, identity, and redefining success on your own terms.
🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and comment — and share this inspiring story with your community.
In this powerful episode of The Unkles Podcast, we sit down with Phil Onasu, a proud Papua New Guinean and practicing Mental Health Clinician based in Logan, Queensland.Phil takes us back to his childhood in 1970s PNG — growing up playing marbles and snooker, attending Mendi High School, and dreaming of simply playing footy and heading back to the village. But a quiet inner voice pushed him toward something greater.Against all odds, Phil earned an AusAid scholarship, paving the way for his career in mental health. He now helps others understand, identify, and manage mental health challenges in their daily lives.🎧 Tune in as Phil shares:- His inspiring personal journey- The importance of mental health in PNG and diaspora communities- Tools for better mental health awareness and careIf you enjoy meaningful conversations about identity, resilience, and growth, don’t miss this episode.
This week on The Unkles Podcast, Richie sits down with former PNG Pukpuk and good mate, Jono Kent! 🇵🇬🏉⚡Born and raised in Brisbane with mixed Papua New Guinean and Australian heritage, Jono shares his inspiring journey — from being scouted by the Canberra Raiders U20s, to overcoming setbacks and eventually representing Papua New Guinea in rugby union.Jono opens up about life, footy, and family — including being married to Elizabeth Kent (whom we featured recently!), raising three kids, and running his own Brisbane-based electrical business, Udu Electrical. If you're looking for a reliable sparkie in SEQ, Jono's your guy.🎙️ Don’t miss this heartfelt and motivational episode from a true PNG all-rounder.🔌 Need electrical work in Brisbane?Check out Udu Electrical and support a proud PNG-owned business!
This week on The Unkles Podcast, we’re joined once again by none other than Chad Soper — Papua New Guinea's very own cricket star and Barramundis all-rounder! 🇵🇬🏏
In this episode, Chad jumps on the mic to share his thoughts on the 2024 State of Origin Game 1 🏉 We break down the Blues vs Maroons squads and make our predictions.
👇 Drop a comment below: Who do YOU think is winning Game 1?
👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the 🔔 to stay updated with more inspiring PNG stories and sports content.
In this inspiring episode of The Unkles Podcast, we sit down with Elizabeth Kent — a proud Papua New Guinean born in Port Moresby, now working as a successful tax and legal consultant at KPMG in Brisbane 🇵🇬💼Elizabeth opens up about her Christian upbringing, her career journey from PNG to Australia, and how faith and family have guided her every step of the way. From overcoming challenges as a young professional to making a mark in the corporate world, Elizabeth’s story is a must-listen for young Papua New Guineans, Pacific Islanders, and anyone looking for motivation to push through and succeed.✨ Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on the bell for more episodes that spotlight inspiring PNG stories, Pacific voices, and trailblazers making a difference.