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A 26 year-old Western Province man was helicoptered to Daru Hospital yesterday morning in a serious condition after sustaining penetrating trauma that left his abdomen open and organs exposed.
The man presented to the YWAM Training and Medical Ship, MV YWAM PNG, late Sunday night in a critical condition.  The vessel is serving on outreach patrol in the Bamu Rural LLG and the man’s family had paddled their canoe against the tide for 14km (over two hours) to reach assistance.
He was rushed into MV YWAM PNG’s new day procedure unit (doubling as a trauma treatment room) and provided initial treatment by a team of volunteer doctors and nurses from several nations, alongside Middle Fly District Health Services (MFDHS) staff participating in collaborative patrol.

The man was stabilised in the MV YWAM PNG’s new day procedure unit.


A YWAM Medical Ships’ Senior Clinic Lead, Hannah Peart, said the patient’s situation was very serious.
“Our team worked hard throughout the night to stabilise this man until safe evacuation at first light for surgery at the distant provincial hospital.  In addition to the several doctors and nurses that cared for him, it was strategic to have Middle Fly District Health workers with us who provided valuable local knowledge and expertise – they are familiar with facing all sorts of challenging situations.
“This patient was in an extremely difficult scenario.  There are no roads here and transporting him via dingy for hours over open-ocean to Daru was definitely not an option. Western Provincial Health was also not in a position to arrange air evacuation for logistical reasons.
“Fortunately for everyone, a Niugini Heliworks helicopter was due to be joining the ship yesterday morning to transport one of our primary health care teams for a three-day patrol to West Kikori.  They agreed to urgently redirect to get the man to Daru.  We are all so very grateful,” said Ms Peart.
The patient was delivered in a serious but stable condition to Daru Hospital yesterday morning and taken straight into theatre.
One of YWAM Medical Ships’ Senior Field Managers, Dr Sarah Dunn, said that the incident illustrates the excellent outcomes that can be achieved with teamwork and the value of helicopters in supporting remote field work.
“Working together across local community effort, volunteer professional skills, district health workers, provincial level health services and corporate partners, this man has had the best chance of surviving his injury.  It points to great possibilities for developing access to service for rural Papua New Guineans through team work and strong partnerships.
“In particular, access to a helicopter yesterday has been the game changer.  Our vision is to have more helicopter operations incorporated into our field activities, primarily to support extended-range patrol to even more remote areas.  But also to be available, of course, for life saving flights like the one this morning.

The Niugini Heliworks helicopter landed in Oropai before transporting the patient to Daru Hospital.


“You really ‘feel’ the remoteness of these communities when crisis hits.  Honestly speaking, the whirl of helicopter propellers is an absolute life-line.  We are very grateful to Niugini Heliworks for their investment of flying hours this year to come alongside the work of the ship and help extend our reach to serve more people, more effectively,” said Dr Dunn.
Mr Gordon Mase, a/Family Health Services Coordinator for Middle Fly District Health Services expressed his gratefulness for the partnership witnessed yesterday and over the past years of collaboration.
“It is paramount for our people, and for delivery of health services in particular, that we uphold teamwork and partnership, mutually sharing our expertise and resources to serve well and really achieve satisfaction as health professionals.
 
“I am honesty really happy. It is hard to fully find words for what has happened here with this patient. These situations are just so challenging – it is very difficult to save a life in these remote locations. But together, we have done it for this man. Together, we have made a difference – it’s just wonderful.
“I sincerely thank YWAM for the support with logistics, including the helicopter, and human resource. It is such a big bonus that we appreciate. We value and honour the work YWAM does in the District and look forward to strengthening our working relationships with all our partners,” said Mr Mase.
YWAM’s Medical Ships, the MV YWAM PNG and the MV Pacific Link will continue to operate in the Southern Region, Huon Gulf and Madang Province until the end of June.
Major supporters of YWAM Medical Ships include the PNG National Government, Australian Aid, Puma Energy, Steamships Trading Company, InterOil, Western, Gulf, Central, Milne Bay, Oro and Morobe Provincial Governments, PNG Ports Corporation, Curtain Brothers, Niugini Heliworks, Rotarians Against Malaria and Pro-Ma Systems.
 
YWAM Medical Ships was recently informed that the man passed away a few days after arriving at Daru Hospital. His condition was very serious with extensive injuries. Our heart goes out to his family and village at this difficult time. We were privileged to be a part of the efforts alongside Middle Fly District Health and Daru Hospital to save his life.
 

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Discipleship Training School - Townsville Campus

Our Discipleship Training School (DTS) gives you the opportunity to set aside five and a half months of your life to grow in your faith while serving the world around you. After 13 weeks of training and discipleship at our campus in Townsville, Australia, we take you on nine weeks of cross-cultural outreach. The DTS is a life-changing experience!  

Dates
  • 13 October, 2024 - 14 March, 2025
  • 26 January - 27 June, 2025
  • 13 July - 12 December, 2025
  • 19 October, 2025 - 20 March 2026

 

10802NAT - Certificate III in Discipleship (Non-Current - in transition period)

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Discipleship Training School - Port Moresby Campus, Papua New Guinea

The DTS will run from our satellite campus in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. The DTS will include a unique combination of discipleship, hands-on missions experience during both lectures and outreach, and the opportunity to make history as we establish a new campus in Port Moresby for generations to come.

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  • 26 January - 27 June, 2025
  • 13 July - 12 December, 2025

 

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Introduction to Global Health & Development

Be immersed in a powerful combination of essential basic healthcare knowledge and community development training, with a focus on preventing illness, promoting holistic wellbeing, and empowering communities to develop their strengths.

Townsville Campus

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Port Moresby Campus
  • 14 July - 13 December, 2024
  • 13 July - 12 December, 2025
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HLT31220 - Certificate III in Basic Health

HLTAID009 -  Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

HLTAID013 - Provide First Aid in remote or isolated site 

HLTAID014 -  Provide Advanced First Aid

HLT31220 - Certificate III in Basic Health

HLTAID009 -  Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

HLTAID013 - Provide First Aid in remote or isolated site 

HLTAID014 -  Provide Advanced First Aid

 

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Global Health & Development Gap Year

Our Global Health & Development Gap Year calls those whose heart beats to see communities thriving - physically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually. The Global Health & Development Gap Year is designed for both those that have experience in the health / community development industry, and for those who are starting out on their journey of healthcare in missions.

10802NAT - Certificate III in Discipleship (Non-Current - in transition period)

HLT31220 - Certificate III in Basic Health

HLTAID009 -  Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

HLTAID013 - Provide First Aid in remote or isolated site

HLTAID014 -  Provide Advanced First Aid

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26 January - 12 December 2025

 

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Discipleship Bible School

During the course, you will have an opportunity to dig deep into the Bible, reading through all 66 books, gaining an overall perspective of God’s story. You will learn techniques for effective Bible study, and your speakers will help unlock the Bible’s fascinating content.

You will also be taught on topics. For example – you will look at Worldview and Origins as you study through Genesis, Exodus, and Job. Or you might look at Leadership and Worship as you study the life of David in 1 & 2 Samuel, 1 & 2 Chronicles, and the Psalms. Each book is filled with insights to be discovered!

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Introduction to Radio & Media

Good communication is essential for strong relationships, healthy families, and communities! Our mission is to train and equip effective communicators to share good news and influence positive community growth.

CUA31020 Certificate III in Screen and Media

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Our wide range of registered training courses are designed to help equip you for your field of passion.

We combine elements of informal, formal, and non-formal education to not only impart knowledge and skill, but also good character, important life skills, and the motivation to serve and invest into the lives of others.

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Join YWAM Staff

Our volunteer staff team is a diverse mix of different nationalities, ages, skills, giftings, and backgrounds. Their dedication and passion makes what we do possible and we are always looking to expand our team!

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We have a range of pathways within our training and ministry that allows you to specialise in your area and grow your skillsets. From Hospitality to Global Health you can upskill yourself while impacting those around you

 

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Joining us for a Discipleship Training School (DTS) or Gap Year with us soon? We have compiled a few resources to help prepare you for the amazing journey that’s ahead!

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Do you have a child that is interested in a YWAM DTS or Gap Year? We have created some resources for you as your child navigates their YWAM experience. 

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YWAM Precinct

Our recently developed YWAM Precinct located in Townsville’s CBD is the perfect hub for youth to find belonging and empowerment. A high, medium and low ropes course, brand new cafe, and multi-purpose warehouse space for seminars and other activities allows youth the opportunity to flourish through adventure based learning.

 

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Youth Ambassadors

As a Youth Ambassador you will have the opportunity to lead your peers and the wider community in helping to support the work of YWAM Medical Ships in Papua New Guinea.

 

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We offer the opportunity for students to complete their work experience at our city campus in Townsville. This unique opportunity gives students the ability to not only explore a future career pathway, but also get a taste of working with a local charity that is dedicated to serving the community.

 

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Schools & Youth Leaders

We know that really quality, committed youth workers, teachers and families are some of the best things young people can have in their formative years. Our hope is to make your job a little bit easier by offering adventure based learning, mentoring resources, leadership and training pathways, and service based learning opportunities for youth. 

 

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Transitional Accommodation

YWAM operates a home in Townsville for at-risk youth. YWAM receives tenant referrals from local collaborating youth support organizations.

 

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Vision & Approach

We have the hope to create a safe environment for the youth of Townsville to be, believing everyone has the right to hope for an abundant and healthy life physically, mentally, socially, and spiritually. YWAM works in partnership and by invitation through Australia and Papua New Guinea.

 

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Our school seminar programs are designed to empower and motivate youth to live full and productive lives. Book these engaging and interactive seminars to strengthen your young people. 

 

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Youth Adventures is the ultimate service based learning opportunity for young people. We do all the work for your school or youth group so you can do the mission!

 

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Impact Summer

Make an Impact during your Summer as you engage in epic adventure, learning and serving. 

Gain valuable skills through hands-on learning experiences at The Stable and the new YWAM Precinct, complete with hiropes and rock climbing wall.

 

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VET in Schools

Vocational education is one of the best ways for young people to explore their passions and get equipped. We offer several registered training programs for youth. In addition to all of the expected elements of a training program, our courses have an emphasis on building good character and the soft skills needed to be employable, while also giving students the chance to practice their skills within our organisation. 

 


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Adventure based learning programs are complete with a high, medium, and low ropes course, cafe, and multi-purpose youth space to run programs with a ‘learn by doing’ and ‘challenge by choice’ philosophy.
 

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Precinct Cafe

Help build healthy lives and communities in Australia and Papua New Guinea while dining at the YWAM Precinct Cafe

YWAM Precinct Cafe is a not-for-profit cafe located at 312 Walker Street in Townsville’s CBD.

 


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Dental Trailer

YWAM Medical Ships is now operating a Dental Trailer in collaboration with key stakeholders in Port Moresby with the purpose of providing dental services, training opportunities, and health education to schools in the National Capital District.

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Ship Outreaches

YWAM Medical Ships - Australia & PNG has been operating medical and training vessels in PNG since 2010.

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Our Footprint

Delivering basic services in Papua New Guinea (PNG) poses enormous challenges with 84 percent of the population living in remote, rural areas.

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Join the YWAM Medical Ships team by becoming a Community Ambassador or Youth Ambassador in your local community.

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Mission Building is a volunteer program that gives you the opportunity to experience life at our campus all while supporting our work in Australia and PNG. Join us for two weeks to three months at a time that suits you!
 
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Youth Adventures
Youth Adventures is the ultimate service based learning opportunity for young people. We do all the work for your school or youth group so you can do the mission!
 

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Townsville City Campus - DTS, Volunteer, Donation
Support our community service projects and youth work in North Queensland by giving a donation to the YWAM Townsville City Campus. The campus also serves as the headquarters for the YWAM Training and Medical Ship, 99.9 Live FM, all training activities, youth work, and a home-base for all of our volunteer staff and students.
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Join us in the vision of building healthy lives and communities for a healthy Papua New Guinea by giving a tax deductible donation that has the power to change lives!
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Joining us on outreach in Papua New Guinea soon? We are looking forward to having you! Your volunteer fees can be paid online on this page

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YWAM Medical Ships - Port Moresby Campus

Payments are in Papua New Guinean Kina (PGK) currency. Volunteer payments, donations, and projects in Port Moresby, PNG.

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All of our staff are full-time, self-funded volunteers, including our Managing Director! Each of our volunteers raise their own financial support outside of the organisation. This includes essential living expenses, outreach costs, and travel expenses.
Our staff include accountants, cooks, administrators, mariners, outreach leaders, medical personnel, trainers, housekeepers, program developers, communications officers, youth workers, and so many more! It truly does take a dedicated and diverse team to make what we do possibl

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