Lae, Morobe Province – Friday 31 May 2025
The National St John Ambulance Council today marked a major milestone with the official opening of the newly refurbished Lae Ambulance Station, an essential infrastructure upgrade made possible through the PNG-Australia Policing Partnership (PNG-APP).
Construction on the project began on Friday 1 November 2024 and was completed with a formal handover on Friday 7 March 2025. The refurbishment replaces aging facilities with modern modular buildings, enhancing the station’s capacity to support emergency ambulance operations throughout Morobe Province. The upgrade includes both new infrastructure and renovated structures, featuring modern utilities and enhanced security systems.
The Lae Ambulance Station shares its premises with the Papua New Guinea Fire Service, reflecting a collaborative approach to public safety. National St John Ambulance (NStJA) leadership extended appreciation to the PNG Fire Service for its continued partnership.
Established in 2022 in response to a request from the Morobe Provincial Health Authority and support from the Lae City Authority, the Lae station has rapidly grown into a vital emergency hub. It serves Lae and the districts of Nawaeb, Huon Gulf, and Markham. Since opening, it has provided prehospital care to over 20,000 individuals. Emergency responses have more than tripled from 2,823 in its first year to 10,681 in 2024 demonstrating the community’s growing reliance on the service.
During the opening ceremony, dignitaries and stakeholders gathered to celebrate the station’s transformation and the vital role it plays in saving lives.
NStJA Chief Executive Matthew Cannon noted the station’s critical function:
“The Lae Ambulance Station is the second busiest within the National St John Ambulance Service network, playing a vital role in emergency response for Lae and the wider Morobe Province. The upgraded facility enhances crew safety, operational readiness, and the quality of care delivered to the community.”
Cannon also acknowledged the significant contribution from PNG-APP, saying
“This project represents a major step forward in our efforts to enhance ambulance services across Papua New Guinea. We are immensely grateful to the Australian Government and PNG-APP for their continued partnership in strengthening emergency medical systems.”
Dr Kipas Binga, CEO of the Morobe Provincial Health Authority, praised the partnership with NStJA and expressed optimism for continued collaboration. He also recognized the tripartite Memorandum of Agreement with the Lae City Authority and ongoing operational funding support from Lae MP Hon. John Rosso.
PNG-APP Assistant Commissioner Jamie Strauss commended the progress made by St John in Lae and emphasized the importance of supporting initiatives that provide direct community benefit.
The project’s successful completion underscores the power of collaboration in addressing infrastructure needs and advancing public health and safety in Papua New Guinea.
