- Pikinini Playtime School Students
Past President Dr Phil Saxby continues to lead efforts in Vanuatu to improve dental health services, with ongoing work to establish a new dental clinic in partnership with the Rotary Club of Port Vila and Pikinini Playtime School. The clinic will bear the names of the Rotary Club of Brisbane and the Rotary Club of Port Vila on its nameplate, recognising both clubs' involvement in this project.
This initiative falls under the Rotary Australia Repurposing Equipment Northern Region (RARE), a project of Rotary Australia World Community Service (RAWCS) Northern Region. Swire Shipping has provided valuable support with the freight of essential dental equipment, which has been consigned to the Rotary Club of Port Vila for installation.
Progress and Next Steps
The project involves multiple phases, starting with the shipment and unpacking of dental equipment, including chairs, benches, wall shelves, an air compressor, and related tools. Dr Saxby has been closely involved in planning and coordinating these activities, including:
- Unloading the container and positioning equipment within the clinic.
- Preparing for the installation of plumbing, vacuum, and electrical services, which will require cutting a channel across the concrete floor to accommodate drainage and utility conduits.
- Planning the construction of a small shed to house the air compressor and vacuum units, likely to be located behind the existing toilet facilities.
Dr Saxby has indicated the need for multiple trips to Vanuatu to oversee these tasks, with an initial visit focused on unpacking and preparing the clinic, followed by a second visit dedicated to completing the installation of dental services. While he is capable of managing the plumbing, electrical, vacuum, and drainage work independently, additional assistance would help reduce the installation time and improve efficiency.
Additional Support and Involvement
Dr Saxby may be accompanied by his engineer brother, who recently completed a full dental lab installation and could provide valuable expertise. All necessary plumbing, electrical, drainage, and vacuum materials have already been packed and shipped with the dental equipment.
Further updates will be provided as the project progresses, with ongoing efforts to ensure the successful installation and operation of the dental clinic, benefiting the Vanuatu community in the long term.