Rotary Melbourne in PNG
Rotary Melbourne is proud to have supported the PNG Snakebite Partnership for more than three years, working collaboratively with St John Emergency Services PNG, CSL and the Australian Venom Research Unit.
As a result of this activity, our connection with Port Moresby RC has strengthened. PMRC had previously supported St John on other projects but increasingly became aware of the significance of the snakebite project. This culminated in a decision by that Club to fund a fully equipped snakebite rescue ambulance for St John.
RCM will continue to support the PNG Snakebite Partnership in conjunction with PMRC. St John’s new CEO Kai Tane, and Director Clinical Systems Dr Joe Norrie are keen to maintain our relationship. When I introduced myself to Kai he responded, “the team has briefed me on the amazing support that Melbourne Rotary has been providing to the snakebite project, and I truly appreciate the efforts.”
Evidence of Rotary’s growing support of St John PNG is the donation of a tenth Automated External Defibrillator (AED). The July handover ceremony, attended by Kai Tane, reflects Rotary’s commitment to ensuring life-saving equipment is available in places where people live, work and gather.
PMRC handing over an automated external defibrillator to St John PNG
Kai highlighted the critical importance access to an AED plays during medical emergencies, where “every minute without defibrillation reduces the chance of survival. Partnerships like this ensure more people have access to life-saving equipment when they need it most.”
Rotary and St John together are creating a safer, healthier environment and building a stronger network of community protection across PNG. It is wonderful that Rotary Melbourne continues to be part of this amazing story.
