Message from the Chair

As another year comes to an end, it is interesting to look back on the last 12 month’s achievements, and to reflect on what the future holds.

It has been a productive year for ROMAC with our systems and processes being reviewed, updated and then being tested. We moved back into receiving and treating patients across Australia and New Zealand after COVID. We completely revised and updated our By Laws, developed a new Strategic Plan, Child Protection Policy and Procedure and a new Code of Conduct. We are in the process of updating our Constitution and our online systems for patient referral and management.

We were restricted to treating only 9 patients in the last 12 months because of access to Hospital beds. But our vision for 2024, with our new and revised systems and processes in place, and with Hospitals gradually freeing up beds, is 32 patients. That will certainly test out systems and processes, but we do feel confident that we will be able to do it.

None of this has been or will be possible without the dedication and commitment of our team of hard-working volunteers. While we are still looking for more members of our team, I would like to acknowledge and thank the current members for their untiring efforts during 2023 and to wish them and their families all the very best for the festive season and for the new year.

Similarly, I would like to thank all the ROMAC supporters, Rotarians and Non-Rotarians, who have continued to give and support ROMAC. Our achievements would not be possible without your on-going support. 

Merry Christmas everyone and all the very best for 2024. We will re-start our E-News next February.

Yours in Rotary

Ian D'Arcy Walsh

Senri

Senri will return home to the Solomon Islands on Sunday 17th December after his initial surgeries in April and May this year, and many months of intense physiotherapy. He is excited to be finally going home to see family and friends and spend Christmas at home.

Senri will continue his treatment with a local physiotherapist but will return to Australia for further surgery on his hand mid to late 2024 under the care of Dr Sarah Tolerton and supported by ROMAC.

Pictured: Senri at his school graduation.

Update on New Zealand Patients from Vanuatu

Diana and Fransisca arrived together from Vanuatu on November 16 2023. Neither child required extensive surgery but both needed blood vessels plugged under general anaesthetic. The procedure took one to two hours and did not require any surgical incisions.The entire procedure was carried out by inserting a medical device through a vein in the groin which travelled to the damaged vessel and released a plug. Both girls were released from the hospital back into Ronald McDonald House on the same day as their procedure. They were up and running the following day.

Host families from Downtown Rotary Club (Liz Thomson) and Remuera Rotary Club (Wayne and Sharon Brewer) have taken the families out and about, including a visit to the Auckland Zoo. Their final clinic is scheduled for December 13 with flights for their return home booked for December 15 – just a day under a month since their arrival.

Apakuki Update

Five months have passed since sixteen-year-old Apakuki (Kuki) had a major operation at the Starship Children’s Hospital, Auckland New Zealand. This was to replace a life-threatening narrow section of his aorta. The operation involved open heart surgery, including a temporary heart by-pass. He spent 3 days in ICU.

Following the operation, Kuki’s mother Litea wrote an open letter of appreciation to ROMAC and the Rotary family. She included an invitation to visit the family at their traditional family home on Beqa (Benga) Island to catch up with Kuki’s family and their extended family. As I had a planned visit to Fiji, and in conjunction with New Zealand and Australian ROMAC executives, I made contact with Litea.

I made arrangements with Litea to meet her and family at the wharf landing at Navua town on 19 November for the 30-minute trip, in an open fibreglass boat, to Nawaisomo village on Beqa Island located about 5km off Viti Levu, Fiji’s main island (Beqa is the home of the famous Fijian Fire walkers.)

Kuki’s family boarded the boat - mum Litea, dad Niko, Kuki (16), Litia 12, Niko junior (7) and Ratu Josefa (5), plus several other passengers and various provisions. Then it was down the Navua River and then the open sea to Beqa Island. 

At the family home, a bundle of root Waka (non-pounded kava) was presented to the village headman on behalf of ROMAC.  This is a very important protocol to be followed by visitors. The presentation was followed by a ‘sevusevu’ (welcome ceremony). Next, a Tanoa (large wooden bowl) of kava was prepared. Then a Belo (coconut shell) of ‘grog’ (kava) was progressively offered to the assembled group, ROMAC representative first, then in order of village ranking.

Meanwhile, Litea was organising her many helpers to prepare breakfast. Later in the day, a delicious lunch of local produce was also served. We then had an interesting village tour with Litea. Kuki, who is full of life having made a full recovery, was out on the reef fishing with several village boys.  When Kuki returned from fishing he was grinning from ear to ear. He had had such a good time on the boat with his mates, especially as they had caught lots of fish. 

Next, we were taken in by boat with Kuki, his mum, and several young cousins to Nanuku, which is a private uninhabited island. This was an opportunity to spend quality time with Kuki. He showed me just how connected he is with the land and the sea. Also, I could see that the young boys and girls of the village hold him in high regard and look up to him.

While on Nanuku, I took the opportunity to present Kuki with a couple of small gifts, on behalf of ROMAC. He particularly loved a backpack that folds into a small bag with a carry handle.

Then it was time for the boat ride back to the mainland and to say Moce (goodbye) to Kuki.  It was a great privilege to have the opportunity to meet Kuki and be able to report back to ROMAC on his welfare. 

Craig Ritchie PP

Rotary Club of Burnside, Adelaide, South Australia, November 2023

Pictured: Apakuki and his new backpack, Craig Ritchie with Litea, Niko and Apakuki.

Regards

Minh Nguyen

ROMAC Southern Region Chair (Vic/Tas)