Over 700 people from the Townsville community gathered in Townsville today for a memorable breakfast experience at YWAM’s annual fundraiser, “Breakfast by the Sea”.
Guests came together at Townsville’s YWAM Training and Medical Ship, MV YWAM PNG, to celebrate Townsville’s important relationship with Papua New Guinea (PNG) while raising funds for YWAM Medical Ships’ next deployment to PNG.
The morning featured entertainment, vibrant Papua New Guinean cultural performances, an auction and inspirational speakers, including JCU alumna and one of the first dentists to be trained in PNG in over 20 years, Dr Hilda Audubo.
Honoured guests in attendance included Federal Member for Herbert, Ms Cathy O’Toole, Townsville Mayor, Cr Jenny Hill, Sir Frederick Reiher, Chairman of Air Niugini, YWAM Medical Ships PNG Patron and former Prime Minister for PNG, The Right Honourable Sir Rabbie Namaliu, and Australian Patron, Honourable Mike Reynolds.
YWAM Medical Ships’ Australian Patron, Honourable Mike Reynolds, said he has been a strong supporter of YWAM Medical Ships since the beginning.
“I still remember the first meeting I had with YWAM, they shared the vision for a medical ship that would serve PNG based out of Townsville. Having set up the sister city relationship between Townsville and Port Moresby over 30 years ago, I was quite taken with the mission.
“To see where we are today eight years later is quite remarkable – sight has been restored, women have been saved during childbirth, thousands of children have been immunised against life-threatening diseases, and hundreds of local health workers have been up-skilled and equipped in their profession.
“Townsville’s contribution toward these incredible outcomes is worth celebrating. The event was a special time to honour the many local businesses and individuals who have extended their belief and generosity to make this a reality,” said Mr Reynolds.
Since 2010, YWAM Medical Ships has delivered over 911,000 healthcare and training services in PNG, including direct care to over 176,000 patients valued at a conservative 30 million AUD.
YWAM Medical Ships’ Managing Director, Mr Ken Mulligan, said the Breakfast by the Sea was a very special morning.
“Events like this are about strengthening relationships and acknowledging those who have been a part of the story.
“Townsville has been a huge support over many years, without the support we have received from our city, we would not be where we are today. We are so proud to be based here, we hope that our guests felt equally proud as we highlight the lives that have been touched in hundreds of remote villages in PNG,” said Mr Mulligan.
The MV YWAM PNG and her team of volunteers will depart Townsville for another eight-month deployment to PNG in mid September.
Supporters of YWAM Medical Ships work in PNG include: PNG National Government, Puma Energy, Australian Aid, Henry Schein Halas, Steamships Trading Company, Network Communications, Morobe, Gulf, Western, Central, Oro and Milne Bay Provincial Governments, Lions Recycle for Sight, Port of Townsville, New Britain Palm Oil, Manolos Aviation, AkzoNobel, Gearbox Solutions, National Fisheries Authority PNG, PNG Ports Corporation, Sohe District Development Authority, Kiriwina-Goodenough District Development Authority, 1300SMILES, Honeycombes Property Development Group, Parkside Group, Haymans, Townsville City Council, Ela Motors, Ports North, Luminell, Northern Management Group, Lancini Property & Development, Mitsubishi Electric, Coutts Redington, Medical Dental Solutions, Pacific Islands International, Pro-Ma Systems, Pacific Marine Group, , Universal Cranes, Rotarians Against Malaria, Townsville Bulletin, Alcon, Mun Global, Sentry Medical, Hu-Friedy, Climatrol Air Conditioning, Alphapharm, GE Healthcare, BuzzOff, NQ Cowboys, Wilson Ryan Grose Lawyers, PwC, Trukai, and FileMaker.
A snapshot of the morning can be viewed below:
Recent Comments