Construction will soon begin on new competition‑standard softball facilities at the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG), following a joint announcement by the Australian High Commission, UPNG, the PNG Baseball Softball Confederation and the PNG Sports Foundation.
The Softball Facilities Development Project, funded through Australia’s Economic and Social Infrastructure Program (ESIP), will deliver two competition‑standard fields and essential amenities by October 2026.
In this way, the facilities are expected to support both current and future generations of Papua New Guinea’s softball talent with safe, high‑quality infrastructure.
Australian High Commission Minister‑Counsellor, Elizabeth Le Bas emphasised the community benefits: “We are very happy to be delivering this project in partnership with PNG and recognise the power of sport and the many benefits it brings to the community. I want to thank our partners who are working hard to realise this project, and we look forward to seeing the new diamonds come to life,” she said.
Similarly, Vice Chancellor of UPNG, Professor. Ian Findlay highlighted the shared use of the facilities: “The University is delighted to partner on this project and provide a location for these Softball facilities. The facilities will be shared between the softball associations and UPNG, enabling both softball and the broader student body to benefit. Yet another step forward in enhancing sport in PNG,” Findlay stated.
In addition, President of the PNG Baseball and Softball Confederation, Jenny Paak explained the importance of the new fields for competitions.
“We’re looking forward to having the new fields to run our competitions. The location at UPNG will help provide a safe and secure place to play and being on campus may even help us attract new players from the student community,” Paak said.
Meanwhile, PNG Sports Foundation CEO, Micah James underlined the broader impact: “PNGSF is proud to play its part in this important project. The new fields will strengthen softball in PNG and increase community and competitive access to brand‑new, high‑quality infrastructure.”
Beyond these benefits, the project also aligns with PNG’s National Sports Policy 2020–2030, which promotes inclusive participation, improved sporting infrastructure and greater community access.
Importantly, PNG contractors, suppliers and tradespeople will be prioritised during construction, supporting local jobs and skills development.
