The MV YWAM PNG set sail early this morning on its first deployment of the year, carrying over 70 volunteers from twelve nations, including six from Townsville. The voyage, conducted in close collaboration with the Western Provincial Health Authority in Papua New Guinea (PNG), will deliver vital healthcare and training services to some of the most remote communities in the nation.
The mission holds particular significance as Papua New Guinea commemorates its 50th anniversary of independence this year, marking a milestone in the longstanding partnership between Australia and PNG in health and development.
Honourable Mike Reynolds, YWAM MS Australian Patron and former Mayor of Townsville, emphasised the importance of the strong relationship between Australia and PNG, particularly through the sister-city connection between Townsville and Port Moresby, stating, “The bond between Australia and Papua New Guinea has been built over decades, and the sister-city relationship between Townsville and Port Moresby reflects this deep connection. Townsville’s medical ship, the MV YWAM PNG, is a living example of this partnership in action—demonstrating how collaboration between our nations leads to real, life-changing impact for communities in need.”
Mr Ken Mulligan, YWAM MS Managing Director, highlighted the impact of volunteers and the importance of long-term transformation: “This voyage is about more than delivering medical care—it’s about standing alongside communities, listening, and working together for lasting impact. With so many Australians and Papua New Guineans among our volunteers, this is a mission that emphasises the real people-to-people connection between our nations.”
The MV YWAM PNG’s first deployment of the year is a testament to the deep ties between Australia and Papua New Guinea, not only at a government level but through grassroots initiatives and volunteer efforts. The collaboration between Townsville, Port Moresby, and the broader PNG community continues to strengthen healthcare accessibility and capacity-building in some of the most remote regions. As the ship sets out on this journey, it represents the ongoing commitment of Australians and Papua New Guineans working side by side to make a tangible difference in the lives of those who need it most.
YWAM MS is proudly supported by the PNG National Government, the Australian Government
through the PNGAus Partnership, Henry Schein, Kumul Minerals, Western Provincial Health Authority, NCDC, Hiri Koiari Open Electorate, PNG Ports Corporation, Parkside Group, Port of Townsville, Ok Tedi Mining, Colgate-Palmolive, 1300SMILES, Honeycombes Property Group, Sir Brian Bell Foundation, Ela Motors, Mills Dental, Mitsubishi Electric, Days for Girls, AkzoNobel, Lions Recycle for Sight, City of Townsville, Pro-Ma Systems, Pacific Islands International, Rotarians Against Malaria, AVIS, Coutts Redington, Mun, Pacific Marine Group, Medical Dental Solutions, Kingdom Air Conditioning, Dawson & Associates, Hu-Friedy, Trukkai, Gearbox Solutions, Luminell, Lancini Property & Development, Wison/Ryan/Grose, Universal Cranes, World Vision, PwC, Septodont, Mocom Australia, PVW Partners, 3M, GE Healthcare, Austal, FileMaker, and Pacific Towing.