YWAM Ships Newcastle (YSN) had the pleasure of hosting Mr. Billy Naidi, CEO of the Milne Bay Provincial Health Authority (MBPHA), and Dr. Mamadi, Director of Curative Health MBPHA, June 25th to 27th 2019.
Milne Bay is a maritime Province of Papua New Guinea, where YSN operates a vessel the s/v Ruach, to deliver medical and training services to isolated and disadvantaged island communities.
On Thursday, 27th of June 2019, Mr. David Stephenson (YSN Managing Director) and Mr. Billy Naidi signed a Memorandum of Understanding, which formalises the partnership between YSN and MBPHA and the passage of services to be provided by YSN within the Milne Bay Province.
“This MOU creates a legitimate platform to effectively deliver these [medical and training] services. In many ways this represents the start line, rather than the finish-line” said Mr. Stephenson.
“It is bigger that what we would think, in terms of opportunity” said Mr. Naidi, “the relationship can go deeper. […] We are privileged to have friends here and we’re looking forward to all the support the Newcastle community will give to the Ruach.”
The Lord Mayor Councillor Nuatali Nelmes hosted a Civic Reception for the signing, emphasising the growing connection between Newcastle and the people as well as the Provincial Government of Milne Bay, PNG.
“Your work has not been unnoticed here in the city and it is a pleasure to support it” said Councillor Nelmes to Mr. David Stephenson.
YWAM Ships Newcastle vessel, the s/v Ruach, is currently in Townsville and will head back to the Milne Bay Province in July for its second deployment.
More pictures of the event here.