Mal Price (Program Chairman) introduced the PNG Project program led by Tony Austin
Mal reflected on his PNG observations “PNG is only 184 kms from the tip of Australia, however must endure third world country facilities, the country has an abundant wealth of natural resources. Having been lucky enough to experience firsthand, it has had a profound effect on me and others in our party. The gratitude shown has been humbling to say the least. I look forward to our continuing involvement”.
Mal referred to the members of the PNG project
- Rotary Club of Mount Martha
- Rotary Club of Warrnambool
- Wannon Water
- Oro Community Services Foundation (our PNG partners began with an initial membership of 3 last year has now grown to 12)
Mal confirmed it is a very picturesque part of the world, however the facilities and resources available to us, i.e. vehicles are not reliable. All that we require must be taken into PNG and transported into remote inaccessible areas. Last year it required a dinghy trip for up to 10 hours; it was the only way to get to Embessa.
Mal welcomed Tony to the lectern to talk about PNG Project.
Tony presented information about this year’s project work at
- Martyr’s Memorial school
- Embogo Secondary school
- Embogo village
- Kongoho village
- Embessa village
- Sarawasa & Karaisa area villages
- Possibly the Sangara Rural health facility (in negotiation)
Clubs and organisations providing support
Roger Skipsey Rotary Club of Mount Martha commented; Tony & I crossed paths about a year ago. We are providing a SkyHydrant water filter and a cheque to make up a contribution of $5,000 tonight.
Cliff Heath Rotary Club of Warrnambool East pledged $3,000 to go towards the solar pump installation. Cliff commented that the rotary Club of Warrnambool East was thrilled to be part of the project and to be able to contribute to what Tony has been achieving over time.
John Harris and Annie Grundy (apology from Andrew Jeffers - Wannon Water Managing Director) spoke; it’s our pleasure to represent Wannon Water. We contributed $11,000 towards a pump in 2016, Wannon Water saw the project as a great opportunity to see a result of funding in our quest to assist to provide ‘safe water’. John Harris presented a cheque to the project for $6,500 on behalf of Wannon Water.
John went on to say; The Rotary Club of Warrnambool and its partners can take pride in the contribution made to provide the simple basic necessity of providing clean safe water. Well done Tony and your team!
Roger Skipsey, RC Mount Martha, presenting SkyHydrant water filter for PNG
