The launch of the direct flights between Townsville and Port Moresby will continue to be celebrated tomorrow morning with a breakfast at the YWAM Medical Ships Townsville Campus. The Prime Minister for Papua New Guinea, Honourable Peter O’Neill, will be the guest of honour.
Other guests in attendance include PNG’s Acting Minister for Public Enterprises and State Investments, Honourable Charles Abel, Minister for Tourism Arts and Culture, Honourable Tobias Kulang, Federal Member for Herbert, Cathy O’Toole, Mayor of Townsville, Cr Jenny Hill, and a range of key stakeholders from both Papua New Guinea and Townsville.
During the breakfast, guests will celebrate the achievements of YWAM Medical Ships, a Townsville based charity that has delivered over 600,000 healthcare and training services in hundreds rural and remote villages since 2010, in collaboration with PNG’s National Department of Health and provincial health departments.
Managing Director for YWAM Medical Ships, Mr Ken Mulligan, said that they were honoured to host the Prime Minister and his delegation at the campus.
“We’ve received tremendous support both within Townsville, our home port, and within PNG. All that has been achieved is the result of a range of government departments, businesses, and key stakeholders coming together around a shared vision to see communities reached.
“It is a special bond between our nations.
“When we recount on the thousands of lives that have been impacted, it is worth celebrating. It’s a great story of collaboration and teamwork.
“The launch of these direct flights between Townsville and Port Moresby will continue to strengthen this relationship, and continue to build on the great work that is being done,” said Mr Mulligan.
YWAM Medical Ships will be one of the biggest beneficiaries of the Townsville – Port Moresby flight, it is estimated that approximately 1,000 volunteers will travel between the cities on an annual basis. Over 40 of YWAM’s volunteers flew to and from Townsville and Port Moresby on the first flights out today.
Australian Patron for YWAM Medical Ships, Honourable Mike Reynolds, said established the Townsville – Port Moresby sister city relationship over 30 years ago.
“YWAM Medical Ships has played a significant part in strengthening the Townsville – Port Morseby sister city relationship, so it is more than fitting to celebrate, acknowledge, and honour all that has been achieved.
“We are very proud to welcome Prime Minister O’Neill to our city, and hope that the launch of these flights will develop a strong and wide range of relationships between businesses and communities between both our cities,” said Mr Reynolds.
YWAM’s Medical Ship, MV YWAM PNG, is currently in the Gulf Province. Over 100 volunteers are aboard for the voyage from 14 different nations.
Recent Comments