Oceania

Evictions could violate human rights: this is the concern expressed by the head of PNG Church, Sir John Cardinal Ribat, who warns against evictions that don't follow proper procedures, leaving families homeless

Hundreds of Faleata No.2 residents were turned away from Gym 1 in Tuanaimato as they were collecting the $150 back-to-school support which the district council, run out of funds, couldn't pay

Residents in Gizo, the Western provincial capital, signaled a growing number of thefts: in recent days mobile phones and personal belongings were amongst the most commonly stolen items, with thieves moving around residential areas and public places

A new category 5 aircraft rescue and fire fighting vehicle ARFF was handed over to the Lupepau'u International Airport in Vava'u to enhance emergency response and aviation safety

The RMI EPA Majuro Water Quality Laboratory and its staff have been audited and received full Microbiology re-certification to analyze drinking water under the Colilert® Method and marine and other surface waters under the Enterolert™ Method

A health alert was issued across Perth after a traveller returned from overseas with measles, with 10 new exposure sites listed across the city’s east and inner suburbs; measles, highly infectious, can develop 7-18 days after exposure to the virus

Vanuatu Police and the Australian Federal Police are investigating an abandoned yacht, believed to have contained two tons of cocaine, that was found drifting at Havannah Harbour in North Efate

A one-off public holiday will be observed today 12 March 2026 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the establishment of Queen Salote College, a leading all-girls Christian secondary school; date recalls birthday of Queen Sālote Tupou III, on 13 March

The First Lady of FSM, Madam Ancelly Simina, joined women leaders and community members in Chuuk State to commemorate International Women’s Day; This year’s celebration also marked the 16th anniversary of the establishment of the Chuuk Women’s Council