Australian High Commission
Papua New Guinea

150914 Volunteer making a difference on and off the court in PNG

Volunteer making a difference on and off the court in PNG

Sport is an integral part of Papua New Guinean culture. Each weekend the Alice Wedega Park, in the beautiful coastal town of Alotau in Milne Bay Province, becomes a flurry of activity. People from all walks of life gather to watch and cheer on friends and wantoks (relatives) as they compete in one of the town’s many sports codes. The sports of netball, basketball, soccer, rugby and volleyball are all well represented and supported.

Australian volunteer Camilla Bullen, an avid netballer, had the privilege of being involved with the Alotau Netball Association for almost two seasons.

“I’ve seen firsthand the positive benefits netball has on women and girls in the community. It enhances health and wellbeing; fosters self-esteem and empowerment; facilitates social inclusion and integration; and provides opportunities for leadership and achievement,” Camilla says.

“I grew up playing sports but never considered it as a powerful tool that brings people together, builds cross-cultural relationships and speaks a universal language. I’ve been able to break down some of the biggest cultural barriers simply by joining in.”

Camilla is living and working in Alotau through the Australian Volunteers for International Development program, an Australian Government initiative.

She’s volunteering with Nawae Construction Ltd, a local company who has taken an active role in providing community services through the establishment of the Christina Alexandrou Violaris (CAV) Learning Centre. Camilla’s role is to work alongside key staff to improve the quality of service delivery including adult literacy, HIV & AIDS education and awareness and sports for development.

“Achieving my assignment objectives is at the heart of what I do in Alotau, however, I’ve found my participation in community sports of equal importance. Netball is my outlet. It provides access to a sanctioned space allowing women to gather, develop social networks, discuss problems and at the same time keep fit and healthy,” Camilla says. Playing netball has led to lifelong friendships and becoming a valued member of the local community.

Camilla is now training three times a week with the provincial squad team ahead of the 2015 Digicel National Netball Championships. The week-long event will be hosted by the Alotau Netball Association from 21 – 26 September. This year’s tournament is expected to see affiliated associations from the Southern, Momase and the New Guinea Islands regions of Papua New Guinea.

In 2014, Alotau was runner-up against Port Moresby in the National Championships held in Kimbe, West New Britain. This year Alotau is determined to win the title on home soil in front of thousands of local friends and family.

“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity - a unique story to tell my children, grandchildren and hopefully one day great-grandchildren about the time I lived and worked in Alotau, became a valued member of the community and played netball with Milne Bay’s finest talent”, Camilla says.

The Australian Government has been placing volunteers in Papua New Guinea for more than 50 years.

This story has been developed by Scope Global, one of two delivery partners for the AVID program.