Giving back through business with Kay Galamo

When Kay Galamo accepted the role of General Manager at Lamatlik Investment Limited in 2020, he never imagined the incredible impact he would make. As an experienced accountant from Port Moresby, Kay brought his expertise and passion to the clan-owned business on Lihir, determined to create locally-owned jobs and build financial security for the Lamatlik clan.

Lamatlik Investment Limited was established in 1995 as a car-hire company with the support of leading gold mining company Newmont. “While it was a small operation when I got involved, you could see the potential of this business,” Kay says. He drew on the expert support of the Apeketon Business Hub, co-designed with and funded by Newmont and delivered by Australian Business Volunteers, to take the business to new heights.

“Four years into the role, we now have 18 cars, employ 12 local people, own our office, we have opened a branch at Kavieng, and we’ve diversified our service from car-hire to logistics and providing the island’s first taxi service,” Kay says. 

Kay achieved this growth not by taking loans or shortcuts but by working closely with the nine business directors and clan representatives. He focused on increasing cash flow with existing assets and introduced essential governance practices to ensure long-term success. “We now have Annual Meetings, reporting of cash-flow, business structures and a five-year plan to meet the growing demand. We’re also looking to expand to other regions. This is about maximising benefits for the clan and ensuring that when the mine closes we will have long term sustainability.”

One of the most significant milestones came when Kay and his team attended corporate governance training through the Apeketon Business Hub. This training helped the directors and clan representatives understand their responsibilities in running a business and where they could add the most value. “We saw a big difference in business culture after that.”

The results of Kay's hard work and dedication are remarkable. Within three years, all Lamatlik employees were on salaries, and the clan received K200,000 in dividends. He wants to see the clan thriving with access to education and the basic necessities of life.

With family and grandchildren on Lihir, Kay's passion for the island and its people is evident in everything he does. As he says, "Lihir is a small place, and we're all connected. When one clan does well, we all benefit." Through his work with Lamatlik Investment Limited, Kay Galamo is not only giving back to his community but also setting an inspiring example.

Lihirian businesses are at the forefront of implementing strong governance practices that drive growth, resilience, and long-term sustainability. On Lihir Island, Papua New Guinea (PNG), the Better Business Governance (BBG) program, delivered through a collaboration between Newmont’s Sustainability Team and Australian Business Volunteers (ABV), is empowering local enterprises to thrive. Through the Apeketon Business Hub, this initiative supports landowner groups and business owners in building robust governance frameworks tailored to their unique needs.

Empowering Lihirian Business Leaders

The BBG program has made a tangible difference to the operations of Lihirian businesses. Local leaders have embraced the tools and knowledge provided to enhance their governance capabilities, positioning their companies for sustainable success.

Peter Kalayen, a member of the Executive Committee for LPA, a trust fund managing 18 landholder groups, is one of many participants who have benefitted from the program. “Absolutely! Vital training to upskill local contractors, directors, and bookkeepers,” he said, reflecting on the practical skills gained to improve decision-making and regulatory compliance. Peter plans to implement several governance changes within his organisation to further enhance its operational effectiveness.

Andrew Okam of Matapudon Ltd, a specialised labour hire company, found the program transformative. “The concept of good governance, specifically on how to make good judgments and decisions, stood out for me,” he remarked. Andrew intends to refine his business plan, ensuring it aligns with better business practices to increase productivity and efficiency.

Similarly, Genievieve, director of Argen Ltd, praised the program for its focus on practical skills such as understanding financial reports and effective board management. “This is excellent training. I highly recommend it to other local and national directors,” she shared. Her company is now poised to pursue new opportunities while maintaining a strong governance foundation.

A Model Built on Local Knowledge and Expertise

A key strength of the BBG program is its unique delivery model, which blends the deep local knowledge of the Apeketon Business Hub team with the expertise of ABV’s skilled volunteers. This partnership ensures that the program addresses the specific challenges faced by Lihirian businesses while integrating globally recognised governance practices.

ABV volunteers, experienced professionals from Australia, work closely with the local team to deliver tailored training and mentoring. “Our volunteers are not just trainers; they are mentors who collaborate with local staff to provide personalised guidance,” explained ABV’s Business Hub Manager, Henry Ume Taule. This combination of external expertise and local understanding ensures that the program is both impactful and sustainable.

Building a Sustainable Future for Lihir

The BBG program includes five days of intensive training, complemented by one-on-one coaching, and aligns with PNG’s Internal Revenue Commission and Investment Promotion Authority standards. Participants learn to navigate their roles, analyse financial reports, and implement effective governance structures.

By equipping Lihirian business leaders with these tools, the program is helping create a strong foundation for the local economy. Businesses that complete the training emerge more resilient, compliant, and prepared to seize opportunities in a competitive market. This initiative is not only driving individual success stories but also contributing to the broader sustainability and prosperity of the Lihirian community.

Small business owners face numerous challenges and local entrepreneurs in Lihir, New Ireland province, are no exception.

They need to research, find startup funding, maintain a budget, grow their presentation skills, become a master salesperson and find committed staff.

To help business owners through these stages, the Australian Business Volunteers (ABV) deliver the YES Bisnis program—a small business training initiative, equipping local entrepreneurs with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed.

Dr Bea Duffield has been a volunteer for ABV for 11 years and encouraged her husband, Gavin Blakely, to join ABV in 2019. They have delivered two YES training sessions together and are keen to continue creating positive impacts in the Pacific.

"Our workshop is interactive with activities and reflection sessions. Participants gain practical skills and actionable insights that they can immediately apply to their businesses," Gavin said, with Bea adding, "And we have a lot of fun too during the sessions!"

The program is funded by Newmont Corporation and delivered through the Apeketon Business Hub on Lihir.