Wantaim PNG

13/05/2026

Manus Island. Two degrees from the equator.

At 5.30pm, darkness falls. Hard. Fast. Complete. No power. No light. No studying. You probably switched on a light today without thinking.

In Manus, when the sun goes down, so does the future for thousands of students. Homework undone. Knowledge ungained. Potential quietly extinguished.

Since 2024, Wantaim PNG and SolarBuddy.org have been pushing back.

The goal is simple — and enormous: a solar light for every primary and secondary student in Manus. Every single one.

Two years on, the impact speaks for itself. One small light. An enormous trajectory.

A huge thank you to our enabling partners — Rotary Club of Turramurra Rotary Club of Manly Rotary Club of Warringah Rotary Club of Balgowlah — whose generous backing is making this ambitious goal a reality.

Help us light up Manus. 👉 wantaimpng.org

Wantaim PNG. Since 2007.

02/05/2026

Manus Province — home to 30+ languages. 30+ different ways of saying thank you. 30+ different ways of saying you belong here. We have been welcomed in them all.

For most of the communities we visit, we are the first NGO to ever walk through their door.

So when they greet us with food from their gardens, handwoven bags, and welcome dances — we don't take that lightly.

These are not gestures of politeness. This is trust, earned over time. This is community saying: you showed up, and it mattered.

We come from this place. Manus Province is not a destination for us — it is home. While some fly in an out and others leave when the going gets tough, we stay.

That is everything. 🌺

📍 Manus Province, Papua New Guinea 🌐 wantaimpng.org 🌺

01/05/2026

Possibly the biggest announcement impacting life and opportunities in in our lifetime has just been made.

PUBLIC NOTICE

The National Information and Communications Technology Authority (NICTA) hereby informs the general public, industry stakeholders, and all users across Papua New Guinea that SpaceX has officially activated its Starlink satellite broadband services nationwide, effective today at 8:00am.

This milestone follows the successful completion of all necessary regulatory requirements and licensing approvals by NICTA, ensuring that Starlink operates in full compliance with Papua New Guinea’s telecommunications laws and regulatory framework.

The activation of Starlink services marks a significant step forward in expanding connectivity across the country—particularly in rural, remote, and underserved areas where traditional infrastructure has been challenging to deploy.

Read More: https://www.nicta.gov.pg/activation-of-starlink-services-in-papua-new-guinea/

30/04/2026

From the Archives | Where It Began

The year before this training, Founder, Lynne Shori, lost her youngest brother Fred.

Fred Palei died diving for sea cucumbers off Rambutso Island. It was income. Not recreation. One of few ways young men in Manus Province could earn money.

Ten days after Lynne returned to Australia from meeting her PNG family for the first time, Fred was gone. He had been diving alone. Had he known what he was doing — had anyone around him known — the chances are he would be alive today.

That loss became a question Lynne could not leave unanswered.

In 2008, under the instruction of Brad Greentree and supported by Co-Founder, Ruud Dautzenberg, Wantaim PNG delivered PADI free dive safety training to 75 local divers across Manus Province. One of the first things we ever did. One of the most important.

A few weeks after the training, Rambutso diver Nicky Hollen delivered news that stopped us in our tracks. A young diver had blacked out — just like Fred. But this time, his companions knew what to do. They saved his life.

That moment gave us something we have carried ever since.

Given the skills and the right support, communities are ready to be part of the solution.

That is not a tagline. That is what we witnessed. That is why we exist.

Wantaim PNG. Locally led development. Since 2007.

27/04/2026

Thank you Governor Hon. Powes Parkop and Governor Hon Allan Bird, not just for your words but your presence at this event and the signalling of your commitment to advancing women’s empowerment nationwide.

24/04/2026

From struggling to study in the dark to dreaming big for the future! ✨ This student is now empowered to reach her goals thanks to her SolarBuddy.org light.

Small lights, massive change. 💡

17/04/2026

Often, we are the first NGO to go to the remote villages in Manus Province. The distances and the remoteness of our Province is a challenge, but a challenge we are proud to face.

15/04/2026

With Manly Rotary Fun Run – we just got recognised as one of their top fans. 🎉

Powered by volunteers - the exceptional team at Rotary Club of Manly, friends and supporters.

In The Year of the Volunteer, we’re proud to be supporting this event.

15/04/2026

Ruth, our First Aid Co-ordinator, on delivering training to women and youth in rural communities, where most of Manus lives.

13/04/2026

Team leader, Apiu, shares observations on the impact of our work in Manus Province.

07/04/2026

Manus Province - land of the longest last mile 🌟

Come along for the ride as we head out on patrol to deliver lights to a school on the stunning south coast of .

Join us for a view beyond the headlines.

Welcome - this is our home🌴☀️