10 March 2025
A powerful story of skill, confidence and leadership has emerged from the Australian Defence Force (ADF) Pacific Sports Program, as participant Joyce Mettakaisava reflects on her journey from student to life-saver.
About 18 months ago, Joyce attended a first aid training course facilitated by the ADF in Papua New Guinea (PNG). Under the instruction of Warrant Officer Class 2 Michael Allison, she gained critical first aid skills that would later prove to be life-saving.
“I was fortunate to attend the ADF training in Lae in 2023, and I was able to use the skills I learned. I am proud to say that last year I was able to assist in saving one of our colleagues,” Joyce said.
“I used the skills I learned, and that man is now alive and walking around. I saved a life – a life is something you can’t get back.”
Her story took a full-circle moment when she reunited with Warrant Officer Allison at an ADF sports training course this month in Port Moresby.
“Seeing Michael, the ADF trainer, again was beautiful,” she said.
After the first session, I ran out and said, “Thank you from the bottom of my heart, because you gave me the confidence to help someone in need’.”
Joyce’s journey through the ADF Pacific Sports Program extended beyond first aid. She also completed the sports trainer course and the Level 1 coaching course, which will assist in her local involvement in PNG AFL. The experience, she says, has transformed her.
“I am a better person after completing the course this week.
“Being a woman in a boys’ sport has given me confidence. I am not the same Joyce I was before. I will take these skills back to Lae and pass them on to others.”
Her growth and success are a point of pride for Warrant Officer Allison, who initially trained her in Lae. The impact of his instruction became clear when Joyce shared her life-saving experience.
“She was a very eager participant in our courses, taking part in both first aid and sports trainer programs,” he said.
“The course covered CPR, sprains and strains, fractures and dislocations, as well as allergies, asthma, choking, bites, stings and wound management.
“I’m extremely proud of her for putting her skills to work in a real-life emergency. It’s very rewarding to know that a skill I taught not only saved a life but also empowered a woman to have the confidence to step up in her workplace and lead.”
Joyce’s enthusiasm and gratitude left a lasting impression.
“She made herself known as soon as she saw me during this week’s course,” Warrant Officer Allison said.
“I was taken aback by her story, but once I understood the full scenario, I was humbled to have provided that skill set.
“Joyce has grown in confidence since we first met, even standing in front of 58 participants to thank me personally.”
Joyce’s journey is testament to the life-changing power of skills training, empowerment, and confidence. As she takes her knowledge back to Lae, her story serves as an inspiration for many – showing that learning, leadership and determination can truly make a difference.
Running from 3 to 8 March 2025 in Papua New Guinea, the ADF Pacific Sports Program included visits to local schools and provided Level 1 coaching, referee training, sports trainer certification, first aid, healthy lifestyle education and strength and conditioning programs – delivered in partnership with the NRL, AFL, Sports Medicine Australia and the Federation of International Touch Football.
