The PNG Project and the PNG Projects Group (PNGPG) has evolved over several years of Rotary clubs working in Papua New Guinea.
During the 1990s through to 2016, Rotary Club of Geelong member Anton Van Doornik coordinated several PNG projects, where he established PNG contacts, set up a logistic protocol for container shipping and organised a PNG base for volunteers to work from.
Anton’s last trip to PNG was in 2016, as his health deteriorated from 2017 and he passed away in 2020. Anton’s organisational legacy is still being used today.
In 2017, Tony Austin, of the Rotary Club of Warrnambool, took over the project coordination and registered the project with Rotary Australia World Community Service (RAWCS).
The project has two foci:
- Assisting remote communities access clean water by providing water bores/wells and pumps and, where it can, supporting communities with health, education and aid resources;
- Growing the project by increasing the number of supporting clubs and organisations into what is now generally known as The PNG Projects Group.
The PNG project teams usually consist of five to six volunteers. Teams fund their own travel, medical and food expenses. Project materials are purchased through fundraising and grants. When in country, the teams work with PNG National Elijah Sarigari, an Honorary Rotarian of the Rotary Club of Warrnambool.
The PNGPG has provided clean water solutions and aid materials to communities in Sariri, Kongoho, Popondetta, Embogo, Karaisa, Sarawassa, Bobo, Emo, Foru, the Oro Fishing Community, Embessa, the Popondetta Hospital, the Martyr’s Memorial Secondary School and the Popondetta Secondary School.
The PNG Project is currently supported and endorsed by the PNG Oro Community Services Foundation, Rotary Districts 5580, 9780 and 9820, District 9780 DIK, the Rotary Clubs of Balwyn, Bellarine North, Geelong, Mount Martha, Warrnambool and Warrnambool Daybreak, Wannon Water, Alderdice Warrnambool, The Medical Re-purposing Network Inc., His Excellency Mr John Kali CMG OBE – High Commissioner (PNG) and Mr Sakias Tameo, Minister and Deputy High Commissioner (PNG).
Any club or organisation interested in finding out more or becoming involved can email pngprojectsgroup@gmail.com