Business execs put a smile on girl’s face

BUSINESS executives have come together through the Rotary movement to put a smile on a family from Tomba, in Western Highlands province.
It was goodwill cut through political barriers and bureaucratic dust that got things done at a fraction of the normal cost.
Little Bethina Peter was suffering from a life-threatening growth between her eyes and her doctor in Mt Hagen Dr Ben Yapo referred her to the Rotary Club of Boroko, which organised for her treatment in Sydney’s Westmead Hospital under a programme called Rotary Overseas Medical Aid for Children (Romac).
Romac was set up in 1995 in PNG by former Boroko Rotarian, past deputy governor  and current chief executive of Port Moresby Chamber of Commerce and Industry Dave Conn, with close friend Barrie Cooper, then president of Rotary Club of Kangaroo Flats in Bendigo and under patronship of then chief justice Sir Arnold Amet.
All costs to get Bethina and her mum Maglina from Tomba near Hagen to world-class treatment at Westmead in Sydney were met by Rotary here and in Australia.
Rotary is a worldwide organisation made up predominantly of businessmen and women who give their time and money to help the less-fortunate .
“I guess in PNG, it is our daily dose of community service obligation.
“Our chamber president Ron Seddon and our chamber secretary Rio Fiocco currently run Rotary Against Malaria and they have brought treated bed nets to all parts of PNG.
“This is a multi-million dollar project and a huge amount of work, all unpaid, all voluntary – Rotary’s administrative fees are the lowest you will find anywhere!
“There is a symbiotic link between Rotary and business. Using our business links and the goodwill of businesses all over the world, we can achieve extraordinary tasks at a fraction of the normal cost.
“In January, we send our first case, from Buka, to the Starship Hospital in Auckland, and you can bet we will be using the recent linkages the chamber has been developing with NZ businesses and the New Zealand High Commission to assist this process.
“All I need to do is call and Rotary’s name breaks down all barriers.
“Business is about networks, so why not use them for good deeds too? We just get things done without all the bureaucratic bull-dust! Business makes things happen.”