PM salutes trio for their efforts

Normal, Sports
Source:

The National – Tuesday, February 1, 2011

By HENRY MORABANG
PRIME Minister Sir Michael Somare praised the Cragnolinis, Ni and Luciano plus Michael Nali for the initiative take to raise funds for flood victims in Queensland, Australia.
Sir Michael took his hat off for the trio for taking the lead, along with Maus Grass club, to carry out fundraising activities such as last Friday’s Queensland Flood Relief Fun golf event.
The Cragnolinis and Nali presented K50,000 each to the Australian High Commissioner, Ian Kemish, to kick-start the appeal which is now progressing effectively with many Papua New Guineans contributing financially with open hearts.
Before teeing off, Sir Michael said he was pleased with favourable response for this  cause from all good and corporate friends participating to support of our closest neighbours, Queensland.
“What matters most is the action to support Australia and it is good to see people who are willing to support when the Australians are in need,” he said.
This is the worst flood ever to hit Australia, and Queensland, in particular, would be pleased to see PNG taking part in such activities to raise funds.
Last Friday’s event was sponsored by two Rotary clubs, Port Moresby and Boroko, to raise funds which netted over K300,000 through registration of teams and pledges from corporate sectors and individuals.
Apart from fielding three golf teams, Sir Michael also committed K50,000, National Gaming Control Board another K50,000, Lutz K50,000, Maus Grass Club K10,000, Jason Tan of J Mart, also chipped in another K10,000 while Southern Highlands Governor Anderson Agiru donated K5,000 and others also chipped in.
Other prominent MPs, including Deputy Prime Minister Sam Abal and Rigo MP Ano Pala were part of the 39 teams that competed in the event.
He said it was PNG’s turn to reciprocate as Australians were always first to respond when PNG were hit with natural disasters.
Sir Michael appealed to residents in Lae, Wewak, Mount Hagen and other provinces to carry out similar activities for the flood victims.
The PNG government donated K10 million when the flood first hit the Australian northern state.
Australia High Commission representative Michael Shepherd was impressed especially with personal contributions towards last Friday’s golf event.
He said Papua New Guineans were amazing in supporting the flood victims in Queensland.