The Lily Magazine 3rd Annual Homemade Competition wrapped up in Port Moresby with a celebration of innovation, sustainability, and community spirit — showcasing how creativity at home can lead to nationally recognised ideas.

Photo Credit: Lily Magazine | Winners with Lily editor Margo Nugent. From right, 1st Geno Geno, 2nd Carole Cholai (represented by Anna Samol from Sista Luv Foundation) and 3rd Nicholar Boas

Taking out the top prize this year was Port Moresby agriculturalist Geno Geno, owner of The Seed Supplier, for her ingenious Areca Fibre Mulch — a sustainable gardening mulch made from discarded betel nut husks. Her eco-friendly creation not only helps reduce street waste but also supports tree and plant growth in dry conditions. Geno’s practical approach to transforming waste into resource has turned a local challenge into a green solution.

Second place was awarded to Carole Cholai, founder of the SistaLuv Foundation, for her one-sided post-mastectomy bra — a thoughtful, hand-sewn design that provides comfort and dignity to breast cancer sufferers and survivors. Carole’s design has evolved into a growing social enterprise that now partners with the Port Moresby General Hospital Cancer Unit to deliver care and support to women in recovery.

Third place went to Lae agronomist Nicholar Boas for her Warapipe Herbal Blue Salt, infused with antioxidant-rich butterfly pea flowers and inspired by her desire to address lifestyle-related illnesses such as high blood pressure and diabetes.

Photo Credit: Lily Magazine | Winners with Sponsors

The 2025 competition drew 150 entries from across Papua New Guinea, with 15 finalists chosen to take part in a four-day training workshop at the Women’s Business Resource Centre, supported by the Australian Government through the PNGAus Partnership.

This year’s winners have shown that creativity with purpose can spark positive change — from sustainability and health innovation to social impact.

Media Partners congratulates Geno Geno, Carole Cholai, and Nicholar Boas and ALL participants for their incredible achievements and looks forward to continuing to support PNG’s homegrown talent through media, design, and business innovation.