What is the PNG Advisory Support Facility?

The Papua New Guinea Advisory Support Facility is a donor program that provides advisory support to PNG Government agencies. It is funded by AusAID as part of its development cooperation program to PNG. ASF is embedded within AusAID's public sector initiatives to support the Government of Papua New Guinea. The facility has been in operation since 1996 but in 2003 entered a second phase, known as ASF.

ASF advisers operate in an advisory and educative capacity rather than as a consultant or in-line replacement for a PNG public servant. Their primary focus is to enhance skills and build capacity within their host agency, rather than to simply conduct reviews, write reports or 'do the job'.

Who manages the ASF?

Coffey International Development, an international development company, is the Managing Contactor for ASF.

Is it safe to live in Papua New Guinea?

Yes, as shown by the fact that there are many hundreds of expatriate families currently living in Port Moresby and other parts of the country. It is true that Port Moresby and other major centres do have a high crime rate and this cannot be ignored. Care does need to be taken to minimise risks to person and property and this will mean making some changes to your lifestyle, including living in a secure apartment block. Initially, security measures such as bars on windows, dead-locks and security fencing may seem intrusive but security awareness soon becomes a part of normal life here and does not unduly bother advisers or their families. Accommodation, transport and activities are planned and arranged to accommodate restrictions so residents can, and do, participate in a range of activities. The fact is that expatriates are rarely the victims of crime on Port Moresby – this burden falls mainly on PNG citizens who are usually unable to take the same precautions.

What health services are available?

Depending on where you are located in PNG and the nature of the illness, the health services are good to adequate. In Port Moresby there are 24 hour medical facilities, doctors and dentists, as well as a range of specialist services provided through the private hospitals. In other centres the medical and hospital services are more limited. Most expatriates travel to Australia for specialised treatment or surgery, but medical facilities are more than adequate for day-to-day complaints and for the treatment of tropical diseases. Vaccinations and prophylaxis are important and you should consult your doctor about these. There are several chemists in Port Moresby and other major centres, carrying the usual pharmacy lines. If they do not have a particular drug in stock, chemists can get it in within a week or so.

What is the standard of accommodation in Port Moresby?

Excellent accommodation in Port Moresby is available (although there is some pressure on the higher range apartments in 2007). Prices range from K1500 to K2700 per week for apartments – as always 'you get what you pay for' and security and comfort improves the more you pay. Most advisers live in secure 'compounds' (not as daunting as they sound!) that have communal facilities such as a swimming pool, tennis court, barbecue area and a 24 hour controlled access gate. Most apartments are fully furnished, including washing machine, drier, stove, microwave and fridge. Television sets are often not provided but can be purchased new or second-hand. Smaller appliances (e.g. kettle, BBQ) can also be purchased readily – or you can bring them with you. Many advisers live in comfortable apartments (often with ‘million-dollar' sea views) while others prefer the convenience of hotel apartments or self-catering rooms.

What are the restaurants like in Port Moresby?

There are some excellent restaurants in Port Moresby , offering a range of cuisines. Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Malyasian and Greek restaurants complete with those offering a more typically western menu. Seafood is plentiful and relatively cheap – seafood buffets of barramundi, prawns and lobster are common. Restaurant prices vary but compare favourably with Australia . Wines are a bit more expensive than in Australia with a restricted range available compared with Australia

What are the schooling opportunities in Port Moresby?

There are pre-school and limited child-care facilities available in Port Moresby .

There are international schools in Port Moresby , catering for children up to Year 12. These schools have internationally trained teachers and are considered to be of good quality. Students are both expatriate and national PNG children. The junior school follows the local International Education Agency curriculum while the senior school offers ACT school leaving certificates (Grades 10 and 12), the PNG Higher School Certificate and an International Baccalaureate program.

What recreational activities are available?

There are many recreational activities available including tennis, squash, golf, sailing, snorkeling, running, aerobics and weight training (there are several gyms). In fact, you do not need to be very good at any of these sports to be able to join in – most clubs have social as well as competitive sessions.

There are many opportunities to enjoy water sports. There are active sailing groups (A Class, TISSY, Hobie 16s and Optimists) and fishing (marine and freshwater) clubs which provide training and access to boats and equipment if necessary. There are a number of PADI affiliated dive centres in the major coastal centres as well as an active scuba club in Port Moresby . The opportunities for weekend diving or snorkeling trips are world class.

There are excellent opportunities to experience the diversity and beauty of PNG, such as attending cultural shows, trekking (e.g. Kokoda Track), visiting villages, going on a wild-life expedition, traveling up the Sepik River, or staying in a wilderness lodge or a five-star resort.

How often are there flights to and from Australia?

There are daily international flights from Port Moresby to Australia via Cairns and from Brisbane on most days. There are also weekly flights to and from Singapore , Tokyo , Hong Kong and Manila .

Can I take holidays in Papua New Guinea?

PNG is a beautiful country with a wonderful range of places to visit. All advisers are encouraged to make the most of their placements to enjoy the environmental and cultural diversity available, and most do. There are good quality hotels and facilities available at major tourist destinations and information is widely available on the best spots to visit. Domestic travel and accommodation is, however, relatively expensive.