28 June 2022

Iconic Cat® dealer backs the PNG Hunters

Credit: PNG Hunters.Hastings Deering has announced its partnership with premier rugby league team the Papua New Guinea (PNG) Hunters, with Queensland once again the proud home of the Hunters for the QRL 2022 Hostplus Cup. With more than 70 years of operation in PNG and as the nation’s Cat® distributor and service partner, Hastings Deering, like rugby league, holds a strong place in the community. “For many people in the country, rugby league is what unites everyone as Papua New Guineans, and as people,” the PNG Hunters CEO, Scott Barker, said. 

“The Hunters team demonstrates our desire to create strong pathways for emerging talent, a value we share with Hastings Deering. This partnership extends beyond the field, where Hastings is helping our players prepare for life after football through skills-based training which will lead to employment opportunities in PNG.” “Off the field, our players are pillars in the community, supporting social awareness programs including the prevention of gender-based violence and promotion of health education.” “COVID-19 has certainly been a difficult time for everyone, but I know watching the Hunters is a highlight for the PNG people. We’re excited to watch the boys play in this year’s season,” Hastings Deering PNG Area Manager Andrew Dare said. “Our strong family culture at Hastings Deering is aligned to the Hunters, and more broadly reflects a set of shared values and joint connection with Papua New Guinea”

As the country’s national sport, rugby league has the highest participation rate in PNG, with a large number of emerging all-female teams. Mr Mark Scott said beyond showing Hasting Deering’s dedication to its local communities, this partnership is founded on the alignment of people and community-focused values.   “The PNG Hunters have shown immense resilience in the face of COVID-19 and have been true sportsmen off and on the field, consistently giving back to their community,” Hastings Deering CEO, Mark Scott, said. “A core value we share with the PNG Hunters is the celebration of our people and their commitment to success. We believe our people are the heart of our business.” he said.

“We’re proud to elevate such an upstanding group of men through our partnership with the team and support them once again this season.” Hastings Deering currently have 23 business centres, including six in PNG, with locations across Queensland, the Northern Territory, New Caledonia, and Papua New Guinea.