1 May 2024
The Australian Army's 3rd Brigade Headquarter’s public affairs cell deployed to Wewak, Papua New Guinea, to deliver the second iteration of the PNG Defence Force (PNGDF) Smartphone Public Relations Course.
Trainees from the 2nd Battalion, Royal Pacific Islands Regiment (2RPIR), developed their skills in photography, videography, interviewing and information effects as part of the week-long course.
Members of 2RPIR will use these skills to capture imagery of their activities while on exercise or operation to keep the PNG public connected and informed.
PNGDF 2nd Lieutenant Jonnan Babao outlined what trainees had learned on the course.
“I learnt the meaning of the phrase 'a picture paints a thousand words', and that by educating and informing the community we can enhance the public’s faith in the PNGDF,” 2nd Lieutenant Babao said.
He said had seen great improvement from the group, especially in terms of creativity, photography skills, and implementing what they have learnt into a workable product.
“We plan on using the skills and knowledge to inform and educate the public on what their Defence Force is doing, which will enhance the reputation of the organisation in Papua New Guinea, our stakeholders, and the international community,” he said.
2RPIR Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Francis Vitata said the public relations training helped to enable lines of effort, including organisational reform and operational efficiency.
“It is also a reflection of our command philosophy, the pursuit of excellence, so we can portray all that we do,” Lieutenant Colonel Vitata said.
“It will enable us to work together to garner support from Papua New Guineans so the international community continues its trust and confidence in the PNGDF in terms of security.
“The training has empowered us to improve the reputation of the PNGDF by connecting with the Papua New Guinean people and outside world in a positive way.”
