Geelong connexion with Macuata

from w
Some of my friends once again are supporting local development in Macuata, such as Joy Baxter. Vina'a va'alevu Joy. Geelong, the largest rural town in Victoria, has a committed group of Rotarians that come and go to Fiji such as to Nabavatu village to help with water pipes, building projects and school gifts.

Unfortunately recent new rules mean that containers full of gifts get stuck at Lautoka wharf as customs duty is now expected on second-hand goods. This is surprising but that story doesn't get into the Fiji media.

from Fiji Times
Geelong gives back to Macuata communities

Serafina Silaitoga
Thursday, September 22, 2011

VOLUNTEERS of the Australian Geelong Rotary Club have helped build two houses in a Macuata village. The group gave back to two families at Nabavatu Village, that used to live in tin shacks.

Group leader Joyce Baxter said her team was humbled to have made a difference in people's lives in Vanua Levu. "We have completed another project in Dreketi," Mrs Baxter said. "We have been coming to Fiji for six years to help the community with material we brought from Geelong donors. The families, one of whom is a single mother and another a disabled man, deserved our help. And after doing a survey of the houses, we chose these two as our priority."

Mrs Baxter said the team also inspected the water piping system built last year. "We only need to carry out minor repairs but otherwise the piping system from the reservoir to the homes is in good condition. We plan to return next year but that will depend on our budget. We have another project we want to set up in Dreketi next year, so if all goes well, then the team may return."

The team also gave medical equipment to the Dreketi Health Centre and helped staff conduct clinics.