Stephanie Harris, a young Australian researcher, travelled to East and West New Britain Provinces in Papua New Guinea under the New Colombo Plan (NCP) to undertake field research for her honours degree at Curtin University in Western Australia.

Stephanie interviewed a range of people including women at markets, workers, bank managers, extension officers, and local socio-economic researchers, to understand how people earn money, improve their livelihoods and invest in the future.

"My involvement with the New Colombo Plan program has allowed me to make important research connections. I hope to become more involved with research in PNG in the future, and this mobility scholarship has given me a foot in the door. I have made many friends amongst our research partners, and will return home with valued memories," Stephanie said.

"The kindness and concern from the Enabling Environment Program, Cocoa and Coconut Institute, East New Britain, and the Socio-economic Section, Oil Palm Research Association, West New Britain, towards both my welfare and the success of my trip was incredible."

Recently, Australian High Commission staff gathered to hear about Stephanie's field research.

Deputy High Commissioner Ms Bronte Moules said, "Papua New Guinea is Australia's strategic partner and it is wonderful that the New Colombo Plan supports young Australian's like Stephanie to learn about the diversity and experience of our nearest neighbour. People from Australia and Papua New Guinea have a lot to learn from each other."

The New Colombo Plan supports Australian undergraduates to study and undertake internships in the region to increase Australia's knowledge of the Indo Pacific.