(from left): Matt Hayward, Kristen 'KJ' Jewson, John Groves (the master builder), Mitch Brown, Ava Pearson, Hudson Sirovs, Al Sirovs and (front) Dan Snart.
Not your average meeting last Wednesday: Not only did we welcome a new member (see separate article above), but the team that went to Pentecost Island, Vanuatu to erect the X-Ray Unit at Mauna Health Centre fronted the club.
This wasn’t a simple task by any means: Master Builder John Groves eloquently outlined the enormous task of getting the X-Ray and Pathology Lab Unit built. After a two day trip, by Air to Port Vila, then by ‘Rock Hopper’ plane to Lonorore and a three-hour boat trip to the Mauna Health Centre, the task was to unpack the “flat pack” building which was shipped in two containers from our project shed in Arundel in February this year. There isn't much flat space there! To get it up the hill and re-erect it was a massive task. “Without the huge work of locals, it would never have happened”, John said.
Hard work it might have been, but the team was unanimous in declaring the exercise as a “once in a lifetime experience”. Twelve days of basic accommodation in a guest house, no electrical power (except in the Medical Centre), locally cooked
meals, rainwater (boiled). “We were surprised that, with the exception of some short term “Bali Bellies”, no serious illness resulted”. Apparently, due to lack of rain in preceeding days, there was a bit of a water shortage. Then, upon arrival, it rained for 11 out of the 12 days… Wanna beer? A three hour trek to a ‘Yacht Club’…
But it wasn’t all work: Dancing with the locals, the very obvious appreciation of the people for the donation of the building with the resultant improvement of local health care.
And local airline trouble are not unique to Australia: After a three hour return trip by boat… there was no flight. Cancelled. Eventually, a day later, they got back. And very much worth mentioning: the team met its own airfares and travel expenses!
John Groves will lead a follow-up team to go back on the 11th October to put down the floor boards (which needed replacing due to water damage). Another team, led by Dr Graham Sivyer, will go there to train the local staff on the operation of the X-Ray and blood pathology equipment.
Thank you, team! Your work and dedication did Rotary proud.
Check out the Photo Album (photos by Kristen ‘KJ’ Jewson) – see right hand side