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HomeNewsLocal fundraiser key to success of Australian Doctors International

Local fundraiser key to success of Australian Doctors International

Did you know that Seaforth is home to our very own ‘doctors without borders?’

Formerly based in Manly, Australian Doctors International (ADI) has a very focused international challenge – improving the health outcomes of our nearest neighbours in Papua New Guinea.

I’ve worked and volunteered for them as a communications adviser (mostly pulling together their annual reports) over a number of years in the past and have learned how valuable their work is, and on very VERY little funding.  The disparity between Australia’s healthcare access and those in remote PNG communities is mortifying.

Infant mortality continues to be an issue, among many others, and ADI teams are working hard to set up effective medical systems and training to improve these outcomes.

Founded by former Manly independent MP Dr Peter Macdonald, ADI moved from Manly to Seaforth a few years back when it was offered a home in the new Bupa building on Sydney Road.  They are about to host their major fundraiser at the end of February, at Q Station, and they’d love the local community to get involved.

This year they are aiming to raise $50,000; they’ve partnered with another charity Waves For Water Australia (W4W) to support at-risk communities and frontline health workers now battling even worse conditions thanks to the pandemic.

Stable health services, good hygiene practice and clean water are universal human rights.

ADI and W4W have already distributed portable water filters to patrol teams, providing clean drinking water for remote communities and health clinics – many of which operate without clean running water. Their fight to improve health security will continue in 2021.

Their joint fundraising event is at the iconic Q Station in Manly. The evening sunset session will be a celebration of the organisations’ work to date, with introductory speeches from W4W Country Director, Melanie Koeman, and ADI Founder, Dr Peter Macdonald.

Guests will also hear from health workers who have worked on the frontline in remote PNG in the fitting context of the history of Q Station. The event will feature live music, a DJ, canapes and drinks, a raffle and live auction. The highlight of the evening will be the auction of impressive prizes  from our amazing local businesses, including weekend getaways, stunning art works, dining vouchers, surf lessons and gear, a signed 2020 Sea Eagles jersey, and more, all valued over $12,000.

Tickets are available now and further donations from local businesses are welcome!

EVENT DETAILS                                                                                  

Fundraising goal: $50,000

When: Saturday 27th February 2021

Time: 5:30PM till 8:30PM      

Where: Q Station Hospital Precinct, North Head

Entry: ticket price $75            

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Manly Observer is an experiment in providing non-sensationalist hyperlocal news on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. We cover the big news across the LGA, but with a hyper focus on the Manly electorate encompassing Balgowlah, Seaforth, Freshwater, Brookvale and Curl Curl up to Dee Why. It is run by those living in the community for the benefit of an informed community. We care about an informed and connected community. That’s it. Simple. Thank you for your support in keeping quality local news alive!

Kim Smee, Editor


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