Frontier Oil & Gas: TotalEnergies and Petronas have started drilling the Mailu-1 deepwater exploration well in PNG’s Gulf of Papua, using the Noble Viking drillship, targeting a frontier Eocene carbonate structure in water depths over 2,000 metres—another signal of continued global interest in PNG’s offshore resources. Mining Exports: Westpac reports stronger early-2026 export earnings, with gold and LNG leading foreign exchange inflows, as production holds up despite shifting global prices. Power & Water Stress: Sirinumu Dam is running low under El Niño, cutting hydro generation and forcing Port Moresby’s grid to rely more on diesel while Water PNG and PPL coordinate to protect minimum city water supply. Health Delivery: Air Niugini renews long-running support for children needing heart surgery via Operation Open Heart, including transport for patients and specialist teams. Bougainville Labour Mobility: 136 Bougainvilleans have already been placed in Australia and New Zealand under labour mobility schemes, with a planned transition of the recruitment hub to ABG operations. Regional Trade & Security: PNG and Solomon Islands sign a new 2026–2030 framework agreement covering development, infrastructure, security, trade and investment. Education & Community Support: Theodist hands out school packs in Port Moresby’s Tete settlement to help families through the school year. Youth & Sports Funding: PNG Kickboxing gets K300,000 from the NGCB for a nationwide Last Man Standing tournament aimed at youth participation and talent scouting.