Townsville Community Gathers to Raise Funds for PNG

Over 350 members of the local business community will gather tomorrow morning for a memorable breakfast experience at YWAM Medical Ships annual fundraiser, “Breakfast by the Sea”.
Guests will come together at YWAM’s Medical Ship, the MV YWAM PNG, to celebrate the remarkable stories of lives transformed while raising funds for the MV YWAM PNG’s upcoming outreach to Papua New Guinea (PNG).
Honoured guests in attendance include Queensland Premier, Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk, Federal Member for Herbert, Ms Cathy O’Toole, Labor Senator for Queensland, Senator Claire Moore, State Member for Townsville, Mr Scott Stewart, YWAM Medical Ships PNG Patron and former Prime Minister of PNG, Sir Rabbie Namaliu and Australian Patron, Honourable Mike Reynolds.
Queensland Premier, Ms Annastacia Palaszczuk, said that she was honoured to be attending the event.
“The MV YWAM PNG and her team of volunteers are delivering vital healthcare and training services to remote areas in PNG – our nearest internationl neighbour.
“I’m very proud to have the YWAM Medical Ship based out of North Queensland, it is a joy for me to celebrate and support the incredible outcomes that have been achieved alongside other members of the community.
“The generousity that has been extended to PNG via the medical ship from the Townsville community really is outstanding and quite unique, the event tomorrow should be another excellent extension of that support,” said Premier Palaszczuk.
The MV YWAM PNG has been in Townsville for the last three months undergoing further renovations before her return to PNG next week. The completed renovations include the construction of an improved patient waiting area outside the clinics, a medical re-stock room, a training space for local healthcare workers and the addition of an extended-range patrol tender.
Townsville schools have also been supporting the YWAM Medical Ship by collecting toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap and glasses for the upcoming outreach. Over 4,800 items have been collected over the last three months.
YWAM Medical Ships’ Managing Director, Mr Ken Mulligan, said that he was grateful for Townsville’s strong support as their operations continue to grow and expand.
“We are so thankful for the way that our city has embraced YWAM Medical Ships over the years, first with the MV Pacific Link and now with the MV YWAM PNG, it really has been a wonderful journey.
“It is important to gather together and commemorate what has been achieved while considering what our part is to play as we move forward – that is what tomorrow is all about,” said Mr Mulligan.
The MV YWAM PNG and her team of volunteers will set sail for an eight-month deployment to the Southern Region and Huon Gulf on Wednesday.
Since the beginning of this year, over 80 volunteers from Townsville have participated in YWAM Medical Ships work in PNG, helping to deliver healthcare and training to over 30,000 patients in 171 villages.
Local supporters of YWAM Medical Ships work in PNG include Port of Townsville, 1300SMILES, Honeycombes Property Group, Puma Energy, Parkside Development Group, Network Communications, Australian Aid, Northern Management Group, Lancini Property Development, Townsville Bulletin, Townsville City Council, Medical Dental Solutions, Lions Recycle for Sight, Coutts Reddington, Pacific Marine Group, Universal Cranes, Rosshaven Marine, Wilson/Ryan/Grose Lawyers, PwC, 99.9 Live FM, NQ Cowboys, and Food Relief NQ.