For many Australians, Papua New Guinea is our closest international neighbour. For Ballina-on-Richmond Rotary Club, it’s also a community in need – and our local volunteers are determined to keep helping.

Just weeks after its first shipping container safely arrived at Haus Pikinini Orphanage in the highlands of Papua New Guinea, the club is already well on the way to filling a second container with donated clothing, toys, sporting equipment, educational supplies and medical goods.

The second shipment is due to leave at the end of August, and Rotary is calling on the Ballina community to once again lend a hand.

Co-ordinator and club member Wayne Crawford said the first container had already reached the orphanage and was being unloaded, while the second container was about two-thirds full.

“We’re hopeful that by the end of August it’ll be on the water as well,” he said.

How you can help

Ballina on Richmond Rotary members load up the last shipping container headed to PNG, where it’s welcomed with great enthusiasm (below)

Main photo: Rotary stalwart Wayne Crawford prepares the next shipping container ready for donated goods.

The club is seeking donations of new or good-quality pre-loved clothing for children and teenagers aged eight to 16, along with sporting equipment, toys, games, school bags, stationery, exercise books and other educational resources.

St Vincent’s Hospital has also joined the effort, donating medical uniforms, bedding and potentially medical equipment to support hospitals in Papua New Guinea.

Mr Crawford said the partnership with Haus Pikinini had grown over the past 12 months through an association with Queensland-based charity Someone Who Cares, which has long provided humanitarian aid throughout Papua New Guinea and the Pacific.

The connection was established through Richard Crandon and the charity’s founder, who have spent years coordinating donations to communities in need.

While the first shipment has already made a tangible difference, Mr Crawford said the need remained overwhelming.

“We’ll probably never get to the point where they’ve got enough,” he said, describing the ongoing challenges faced by many communities in Papua New Guinea.

Anyone wishing to contribute to the latest shipment can contact Wayne Crawford on 0413 292 629 to discuss suitable donations before the container departs later this month.

The children of Haus Pikinini community showoff their bikes sent by the Ballina community. (Photos: Ballina on Richmond Rotary/Facebook)