Former Parkes man, Mr Ken Mulligan, Managing Director of YWAM Medical Ships, has been recognised in the Papua New Guinea’s 2017 Queens Birthday Honours List.
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Mr Mulligan has been awarded with an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) in recognition of his leadership and personal commitment to the work that YWAM Medical Ships is doing in remote areas of Papua New Guinea, based out of Townsville.
The announcement of the award follows the return of the YWAM Medical Ship, MV YWAM PNG’s, return to Australia after an eight-month deployment to Papua New Guinea.
Over 290,000 healthcare and training services were delivered, including direct care to over 29,000 patients in hundreds of remote villages.
Mr Mulligan along with his wife Robyn, originally from Peak Hill, have been serving as a full-time volunteers with YWAM for over 30 years.
YWAM Medical Ships Managing Director, Mr Ken Mulligan, said that he was humbled and privileged to receive an OBE.
“We receive this wonderful honour on behalf of so many people who have worked tirelessly and voluntarily for the people of Australia and Papua New Guinea,” he said.
“I’m grateful for our community in Parkes who have supported Robyn and I over so many years. This achievement really is for our family and friends who have journeyed with us and believed in us, it's really quite remarkable to reflect on all that has happened since I left the family farm all of those years ago – I’m very humbled.”
YWAM Medical Ships Public Relations Manager, Mrs Anna Scott, said that Ken and Robyn’s vision, passion and leadership have made a tremendous impact on many lives both in PNG, North Queensland, and beyond.
“We are just so proud that Ken has been acknowledged in such an honourable way for his many years of service and commitment,” she said.
“Ken’s tenacity and visionary leadership has led our organisation to greater levels of growth and innovation that has literally changed lives.
“A special story from one of our recent outreaches was the story of Mandy, a six year old girl who was blind with cataracts. After surgery onboard the MV YWAM PNG, her sight was restored.
“Ken and Robyn’s hearts for people really is just so inspiring – I’m honoured to serve alongside them and congratulate Ken on this wonderful achievement.”
The MV YWAM PNG will be docked in Townsville until September for renovations and routine maintenance before she returns to PNG for another eight-month deployment.
Health professionals, mariners and general volunteers are invited to volunteer onboard the MV YWAM PNG during her next outreach from October to June.
For more information, visit www.ywamships.org.au