It’s been home to students from James Cook University, doctors from Townsville Hospital, and hundreds of other volunteers from around the world over the last eight months. Today, after delivering over 347,000 services in remote communities in PNG in the collaboration with PNG’s National Department of Health and local health providers, the MV YWAM PNG has returned to her home port of Townsville.
Over 32,000 patients from 166 villages have received direct care from the MV YWAM PNG’s team of volunteers over the last 8 months.
YWAM Medical Ships Managing Director, Mr Ken Mulligan, said it was a joy to see the MV YWAM PNG return to Townsville’s waters today.
“So many from our city have given so generously toward making this deployment a success.
“In addition to the support from the business community, over 100 volunteers joined us throughout the deployment from Townsville, including 12 nursing and midwifery students from James Cook University.
“Thousands of lives have been touched over the last 8 months, including three elderly sisters who had their sight restored after undergoing cataract surgery on the same day.
“What a delight to see the sisters embracing each other after the patches came off their eyes, they could see! The joy on their faces after such a transformation really was incredibly special.
“Having the ship home gives a great opportunity to share the stories and celebrate what Townsville has helped achieve, a huge thank you and congratulations to so many who have contributed! ” said Mr Mulligan.
The MV YWAM PNG will be in Townsville for two months of maintenance and re-stocking before the ship returns to PNG at the end of July.
Port of Townsville Chief Executive Officer, Ranee Crosby, said that the Port of Townsville will be providing free berthage for the YWAM Medical Ship for the eighth consecutive year.
“It is so unique to have a medical ship based in our city. We are very proud to be able to make these facilities available when possible to be used for the ship to undertake maintenance, re-stocking and further refit projects in between deployments.
“It was great to have the MV YWAM PNG come in to the Marine Precinct bright and early this morning,” said Ms Crosby.
During the vessel’s visit to Townsville, YWAM will host their annual event, “Breakfast by the Sea” on June 15th. The Townsville community are invited to celebrate another successful deployment to PNG while raising funds for their next deployment beginning in August.
To book tickets, visit www.ywamtownsville-org.staging.precedence.com.au/bbts
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, Stanley Hotel and Suites, 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.
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