Tuesday, 24th of July, 2012 was an historic day for YWAM Medical Ships Australia (MSA). Amidst the land based primary health care and optometry clinics, and the onboard dental clinics, the ship also hosted two functions, a breakfast with Steamships Ltd, YWAM MSA’s largest PNG Supporter, and a luncheon with Sir Rabbie Namaliu, former Prime Minister of PNG and PNG Patron for YWAM MSA.
YWAM MSA’s top priority is to encourage and facilitate the ongoing history of partnership between these two nations, and the jovial atmosphere at the day’s events indicated not only good outcomes, but also genuine relationships forming.
The Steamships breakfast helped to showcase and advocate YWAM MSA’s good work in PNG. The nation’s largest media outlet, EM TV, were clearly impressed and have asked YWAM MSA’s CEO Ken Mulligan and Australian Patron, the Hon. Mike Reynolds, AM to participate in further in studio interviews to help spread the word and find further partnership in PNG.
A short time after the breakfast was concluded, the ships next major event for the day, a luncheon with Sir Rabbie Namaliu. Esteemed guests included Mike Reynolds, Australia Patron for YWAM MSA, Mr Ewen Jones MP, Mrs Jane Prentice MP, Townsville Chamber of Commence President Dawson Willkie, Dr Daryl Holmes, Townsville City Council, and several other prominent Townsville businesspeople attending.
Both the breakfast and the luncheon featured several guest speakers.
Dr Daryl Holmes took a break from the onboard dental clinic to come and share with the guests not only why he is so heavily involved with YWAM MSA, but also some real, and sometimes comedic stories from his experiences on the ship that day.
Whilst talking about his long term partnership, and heart for PNG and YWAM MSA’s work, the Hon. Mike Reyonds AM, described his involvement as one of the most enriching, productive and rewarding initiatives he has ever been apart of.
Hearing from former PNG Prime Minister, Sir Rabbie Namailu, on his first address as PNG patron for YWAM MSA, was the clear highlight of the luncheon. He explained how after learning of an organization doing such good work to help his country at a breakfast in Townsville earlier this year, he was compelled to accept the position. Sir Rabbie spoke of how he would like to see the program extend further in the nation, and as time goes on he is confident that the more people hear and learn, it will gain greater support.
Ken Mulligan, YWAM MSA CEO concluded, “We’re about building friendships, and then out of that, we can provide good outcomes.”
YWAM MSA will continue to converge and convene with key stakeholders from Townsville and Port Moresby throughout the week, in addition to operating the health care clinics.
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