AHHA Newsletter Jul - Dec 2016 Issue 15

NEWSLETTER

Bản Tin Số 15

Issue 15. July - December 2016

EDITOR’S WORDS Welcome to AHHA issue 15 newsletter.

In this edition, you’ll read about our chairman’s highlights since the last issue, a report of the 2016 annual field trip to Cambodia & Vietnam and its translation in Vietnamese and Cambodian, a happy young cataract patient cover story. We have included an array of heart warming volunteer stories.

Congratulations to Michael Luong and Danny Low for their well deserved awards. Appreciation plaques presentation to Redlands school and Hai Son Shipping & Transport P/L. Our volunteers have been busy with many fundraising activities and they have extended their helping hands to raise fund for the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) & the Dead Fish Crisis in Vietnam.

Our thanks to Max Bunter for his many contributions to AHHA over the years and well wishes for his retirement.

A beautiful poem from Lai Van Linh and 5 pages of photos spread for your enjoyment.

Thanks to all who have contributed to this issue especially our first timers and young volunteers as your contribution are essential to the newsletter’s success.

Happy reading, Stephanie Wong Photos Courtesy: Michael Zhang Anh Kieu Van Tay Nguyen Ted Mlynarz

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Letter from the Chairman

HIGHLIGHTS

Dear supporters, AHHA had a very hectic schedule in the last new months. I am very glad that by working together between our volunteers and donors, we have continued successfully to raise fund and carried on with our charity work to help the underprivileged.

We are very proud that our volunteers have raised fund to help the relief of dead fish crisis in Vietnam where thousands of poor fishing families livelihood are affected and also raised fund to support United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) to continue its work for worldwide refugees in need in July.

Throughout the months of May to September, our volunteers continued to work hard to raise fund from communities in many ways they could.

They were at Nho Ban Ngheo lunch for waitering and dish washing to raise fund, at the Moon festival in Cabramatta to promote AHHA and collect donations, at Freedom Plaza in Cabarmatta for regular Sunday BBQs, at Mother Day concert to sell flowers, and at AHHA’s 15th Annual Fundraising Dinner at Crystal Palace, Canley Heights, Sydney.

It was our pleasure to present Appreciation Plaques to Redlands School in Sydney with its annual lunch sizzle and Hai Son Shipping company for their free shipping of our heavy instruments to Phnom Penh.

The major highlight for this year was the amazing 2016 field trip with medical and humanitarian mission in Cambodia and Vietnam and the inaugural eye and dental conference for local students and

doctors in Phnom Penh. Please read article Cambodia Field trip 2016 for details.

Following our volunteers’ return from the field trip, new initiatives for scholarship to help the poor Cambodian students and AHHA Melbourne fundraising committee were established in October.

We also would like to congratulate our volunteer Michael Luong for being awarded Paul Harris Rotary Fellowship for his dedication to charity with AHHA and I finally thank our long serving volunteer Mr Max Bunter for his many years contribution to AHHA and wish him well in his retirement.

Dr William Trinh Chairman

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CAMBODIA FIELD TRIP 13 - 28th August 2016 “Treat them with the CARE, RESPECT and DIGNITY” From the inception of the organisation as Vietnam Vision Project (VVP) in 2003, later as Vietnam Vision ProjectsAustralia (VVP-A) and now Australian Health Humanitarian Aid (AHHA), the respectful treatment of all patients has been uppermost when helping those in need.

Today and into the future this respectful and dignified treatment continues.

Arriving in Phnom Penh, capital city of Cambodia, late on Saturday 13th August 2016 the team of 60 volunteers immediately commenced organising for the first week of operations. With the help of our Cambodian partners, the Cambodian International Sight Association (CISA) chaired by Mr Sean Ngu and local volunteers it was all hands on deck to ensure all the planning,

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Writers Mr Ted Mlynarz & Dr William Trinh

organizing and work over the past year was implemented to ensure the best treatment was provided to those who had waited a long time for the opportunity to be treated.

Sunday 14th August was set-up day.

With equipment arriving from Australia and Vietnam the Eye and Dental Teams quickly swung into action to establish their areas of operations to enable an early start on Monday 15th August.

Poor patients from all parts of rural Cambodia were already at the hospital waiting to be treated. Most of dental patients were children with HIV and severe disabled from many different orphanages that have never been seen by a dentist in Phnom Penh.

The Eye Team operated from the Khmer Soviet Friendship Hospital while the Dental Team was located at the Dental Clinic of the Dental School at

Puthisastra University.

During the next three days, with regular 5.30 am wake up calls, both teams worked solidly and achieved great results. Patients came from far and wide and soon the waiting and examination rooms were full of patients being processed and ready for eye operations or dental procedures.

These people are extremely poor with very sparse resources to be able to afford the procedures and surgeries.

After three long days the volunteers earned a well- deserved break from surgical, medical and dental operations. However, this did not stop AHHA’s work. Several volunteers took part in a Humanitarian trip to Tangav Village in Kandal Province to provide medical examinations and medication to local villagers. Three hundred villagers were provided with

humanitarian parcels consisting of food and blankets while 100 students received school accessories and new uniforms.

Back in Phnom Penh, the Ophthalmology and Dental teams conducted seminars providing local medical and dental professionals with information on latest procedures in their areas of operation. Both seminars were enthusiastically attended with around 100 at the Ophthalmology seminar. The attendance at Dental seminar was also higher than expected.

On Saturday 20th August, a team consisting of AHHA and CISA volunteers travelled to Peamro and

Following this, a visit to Khan Dua Penh and a nearby village where 2000 villagers of Vietnamese origin are housed provided humanitarian support and presentations to school students.

On Monday 22nd August it was back to the 5.30 am wake-up calls.

Another three days of examinations, operations and procedures for both the Eye and Dental teams.

Following the work in Cambodia, some volunteers stopped over in Vietnam where humanitarian support was provided to the poor.

Patients from all walks of life were

HIGHLIGHTS

Cambodia Field Trip Results 2016 Eye Team Patients Screened. . . . . . . . . . . . 854 Surgeries - Cataract. . . . . . . . . . 402

- Pterygium. . . . . . . . . 22

Total Surgeries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 424 Sunglasses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2000 Prescription Glasses. . . . . . . . . . 100 Medicines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > 5000

Dental Team Patients Screened. . . . . . . . . . . . 467 Patients Treated. . . . . . . . . . . . . 359 Procedures - Fillings. . . . . . . . . . 875

- Extractions. . . . . . 265

Total Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . 1140

The assistance and enthusiasm from the CISA and local volunteers, mainly university students, was invaluable and together with our dedicated AHHA volunteers, wonderful work were accomplished to help the poor and the sick in Cambodia during 2016 mission.

All operations conducted were free to the individual, made possible by the fundraising efforts of AHHA volunteers and the generosity of sponsors, supporters, donors and the community at large.

Prey Pdao villages (about 60 kms from Phnom Penh) to screen patients for eye conditions which may require attention. Over 500 patients were examined of which 140 were diagnosed with cataract conditions which would require surgery. Arrangements were made to transport these to Phnom Penh for treatment during Week 2.

Sunday 21st August the Eye and Dental teams attended the Hospital and Dental Clinic at the University to prepare for an early start on Monday for the second week of operations.

treated and hopefully provided with a future where they can see again and become active and useful members of their village or community, and regain their self-esteem.

All operations conducted were free to the individual, made possible by the fundraising efforts of AHHA volunteers and the generosity of sponsors, supporters, donors and the community at large. All field trip volunteers paid their own air tickets, travelling, accommodation and catering expenses during the mission.

We would like to especially acknowledge the support of Mr Sean Ngu of Cambodia International Sight Association CISA, HRH Prince Tesso Sisowath and princess Sita Norodom of Cambodia, Prof Meng Ngy of Khmer Soviet Friendship hospital, Prof Callum Durward of Puthisatra University, Australian Ambassador in Cambodia Ms Angela Corcoran, Cambodian deputy prime minister Ms Men Sam An and Cambodian Minister of Health Dr. Nam Bunheng, Cambodian MP Ms Khoun Sodary and Cambodian MP Dr Cheam Yeap.

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CHUYẾN CÔNG TÁC THIỆN NGUYỆN TẠI CAMBODIA Từ 13 đến 28 Tháng 8 Năm 2016 Bài tường trình của Mr Ted Mlynarz & Dr William Trinh Dịch bởi Bác Sĩ Tâm Trần

“Đối xữ với bịnh nhân bằng ÂN CẦN, KÍNH TRỌNG và NHÂN PHẪM” Kể từ khi thành lập nhóm Vietnam Vision Project (VVP) vào năm 2003, cho đến khi lớn mạnh thành Vietnam Vision Project Australia (VVP-A) và bây giờ đi vào chính mạch Úc với tên Australia Heath and Humanitarian Aid (AHHA) thì tiêu chuẫn kính trọng nhân phẫm của mọi bịnh nhân luôn luôn được đặt lên hàng đầu trong mọi công việc làm.

đoàn ông Sean Ngu và các tình nguyện viên địa phương, tất cả các kế hoạch và các công việc đã được soạn thảo trước trong năm qua để đảm bảo công việc điều trị đạt tốt nhất cho những người bịnh mà họ đã chờ đợi một thời gian dài để có cơ hội được điều trị.

Tiêu chuẫn nầy sẽ được luôn luôn bảo tồn.

Ngày chủ nhật 14 tháng 8 là ngày tổ chức phòng óc đễ làm việc. Với các thiết bị đến từ Úc và Việt Nam, toán Mắt và toán Răng nhanh chóng thành lập các khu vực hoạt động chuyên khoa cho mình để sẵng sàng bắt tay vào việc vào ngày thứ hai 15 tháng 8.

Đến Phnom Penh, thủ đô của Campuchia, vào chiều ngày thứ bảy 13 tháng 8 năm 2016, AHHA với 1 đội ngũ thiện nguyện viên 60 người bắt đầu ngay công việc tổ chức cho công tác tuần lể đầu tiên. Với sự hợp tác của các đối tác Campuchia qua Hội Điều Trị Mắt Quốc tế Campuchia (CISA) do trưỡng

Toán Mắt hoạt động tại Bệnh Viện Hữu

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Các bệnh nhân nghèo đến từ các vùng nông thôn Campuchia đã đến bệnh viện chờ đợi từ trước. Hầu hết các bệnh nhân Nha khoa là các trẻ em bị nhiễm HIV và các trẻ em khuyết tật từ các trại trẻ mồ côi, các em chưa từng được chửa trị bởi các nha sĩ ở Phnom Penh.

Nghị Liên Xô-Khmer trong khi toán Nha khoa được đặt tại phòng khám Nha khoa của Đại học Puthisastra.

Trong ba ngày liên tiếp, các thiện nguyện viên thức dậy từ 5 sáng, cả hai toán làm việc kiên trì và đã tạo được kết quả tuyệt vời. Bệnh nhân là những người đến từ nông thôn xa, những người cực kỳ nghèo khó không thể có đủ tiền đễ chữa trị hay giải phẫu. Họ nhanh chóng chiếm đầy các phòng đợi đễ được khám bịnh, khám chửa mắt, mỗ mắt hoặc Khám chửa trị răng.

Sau ba ngày dài làm việc tận lực, các toán phẫu thuật Mắt, toán Y khoa và toán Nha khoa lấy 1 ngày nghĩ dưỡng đễ chuẫn bị cho các buổi Hội thảo chuyên nghiệp sấp tới. Tuy nhiên, trong ngày đó tổ chức AHHA vẫn tiếp tục hoạt động. Một số tình nguyện tham gia một chuyến đi trợ giúp nhân đạo đến làng Tangav thuộc tỉnh Kandal đễ khám

bịnh và cấp thuốc cho người nghèo địa phương. Ba trăm dân làng đã được trợ giúp nhân đạo bao gồm thực phẩm và chăn mền đồng thời trên 100 học sinh nhận sách bút và đồng phục mới.

Trở lại Phnom Penh, toán Nhãn khoa và Nha khoa tổ chức 2 buổi hội thảo Y khoa nhằm cung cấp cho các chuyên gia Y và Nha khoa địa phương các thông tin cập nhật những kỹ thuật mới nhất trong lĩnh vực chuyên môn của họ. Cả hai buổi hội thảo đã được nhiệt liệt tham gia với khoảng >100 hội thảo viên địa phương. Và lượng khán giả tại Hội thảo Nha khoa cũng cao hơn dự kiến.

cho công tác khởi đầu cho tuần lể thứ hai. Sau đó, đoàn viên AHHA đến thăm làng Khan Dua Penh và cư dân nghèo gần đó, nơi đây khoảng 2000 dân làng là người gốc Việt đang cư ngụ, đoàn cung cấp hỗ trợ nhân đạo cho gia đình nghèo và học sinh.

Từ ngày Thứ Hai 22 tháng 8 trong ba ngày kế tiếp, tất cả các đoàn viên lại dậy sớm từ 5 giờ 30 sáng tiếp tục hoàn tất các công tác khám bịnh, giải phẫu mắt, khám và chửa răng.

Sau khi kết thúc chuyến công tác thiện nguyện tại Campuchia, một số đoàn viên tình nguyện dừng chuyến bay tại Việt Nam đễ tiếp tục công tác hỗ trợ

HIGHLIGHTS

Kết quả sau 2 tuần lễ thiện nguyện Chữa Mắt Patients Screened. . . . . . . . . . . . . 854 Surgeries - Cataract. . . . . . . . . . . 402

- Pterygium. . . . . . . . . . 22

Total Surgeries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 424 Sunglasses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2000 Prescription Glasses. . . . . . . . . . . 100 Medicines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > 5000

Chữa Răng Patients Screened. . . . . . . . . . . . . 467 Patients Treated. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 359 Procedures - Fillings. . . . . . . . . . . 875

- Extractions. . . . . . . 265

Total Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . 1140 các chuyến đi thiện nguyện viên phải tự trả chi phí riêng cho mình gồm vé máy bay, di chuyễn, chỗ ở và dịch vụ ăn uống trong suốt thời gian làm nhiệm vụ.

Tất cả các hoạt động thiện nguyện đều miễn phí cho người nhận, có thể thực hiện được là nhờ vào những nỗ lực gây quỹ của các đoàn viên AHHA và nhờ vào hảo tâm của các nhà tài trợ, của những ủng hộ viên, của người đóng góp và của cộng đồng nói chung.

Ngày thứ bảy 20 tháng 8, một nhóm gồm các thiện nguyện viên AHHA và CISA đi đến Peamro và làng Prey Pdao (cách Phnom Penh khoảng 60 km) để khám sàn lọc bịnh mắt cho người nghèo. Hơn 500 bệnh nhân đã được khám mắt trong đó 140 người đã được chẩn đoán có bị chứng đục thủy tinh thể cần được giải phẫu. Bịnh nhân được dàn xếp đễ di chuyễn về Phnom Penh và mỗ cườm trong tuần lể thứ 2.

Chủ nhật 21 tháng 8 toán Nhãn khoa trở lại bệnh viện và toán Nha khoa trở lại phòng khám Nha khoa của trường đại học để chuẩn bị phòng ốc sẳn sàng

nhân đạo cho người nghèo VN. Chửa trị cho bịnh nhân nghèo khắp mọi nơi không phân biệt họ xuất xứ từ đâu với hi vọng mang lại tương lai cho chính họ, mang lại ánh sáng và tự tin về cho người nghèo đễ họ tự túc và trở nên hửu dụng cho làng xóm và cộng đồng của họ Tất cả các hoạt động thiện nguyện đều miễn phí cho người nhận, có thể thực hiện được là nhờ vào những nỗ lực gây quỹ của các đoàn viên AHHA và nhờ vào hảo tâm của các nhà tài trợ, của những ủng hộ viên, của người đóng góp và của cộng đồng nói chung. Tất cả

Nhờ vào sự hỗ trợ và sự nhiệt tình quý báu của Hội CISA và các tình nguyện viên địa phương, chủ yếu là sinh viên đại học, họ cùng với các thiện nguyện viên AHHA, chúng tôi đã hoàn thành công tác thật tuyệt vời đã giúp đỡ người nghèo và người bệnh tại Campuchia trong chuyến đi năm 2016.

Chúng tôi xin đặc biệt ghi nhận sự hỗ trợ của ông Sean Ngu của Hiệp hội CISA, Hoàng Tử Tesso Sisowath và Công Chúa Sita Norodom của Campuchia, giáo sư Meng Ngy của bệnh viện hữu nghị Xô viết-Khmer, giáo sư Callum Durward của đại học Puthisatra, đại sứ Úc tại Campuchia Bà Angela Corcoran, phó thủ tướng Campuchia Bà Men Sam An và bộ trưởng y tế Campuchia bác sĩ Nam Bunheng , dân biểu Campuchia Bà Khoun Sodary và dân biểu Campuchia bác sĩ Cheam Yeap.

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Writers Mr Ted Mlynarz & Dr William Trinh Translated by Ratana Ban

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Newsletter • Issue 15 • July - December 2016 | 9

COVER STORY

A future with sight Writer Mr Ted Mlynarz

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A sound of anguish was heard and several nurses, doctors and theatre assistants ran to assist the anaesthetist with a young boy who was presented to undertake cataract surgery. With the expertise of all concerned and the artistic talent of Dr Minh Tran (anaesthetist) the boy was calmed and the anaesthetic procedure continued.

The boy, Chanto OU, only 10 years of age from Kampong Cham Province in Cambodia developed eye cataract due to “a poke in the eye” with a sharp stick. The operation performed by volunteer Ophthalmologist Dr Tess Huynh during the 2016 mission to Cambodia held the interest of the operating theatre with a combined sigh of relief from all present when the operation was over.

The boy sat up with a huge smile and appeared grateful that the experience was over.

Cataracts in young are generally not common, however, they do occur. This young boy’s cataract operation was successful due to the care and skill of the AHHA volunteers who have shown provided their time and energy again and again with thousands of successful operations over many years. Theirs, and all volunteer contributions cannot be underestimated with improving the lives of people who otherwise could not afford this type of medical treatment.

Think of the future of this boy if he did not have the operation.

The news from the post operation check the next day indicated “ALL GOOD!”

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“We are humbled by your welcome, your warmth.”

Cambodia - AHHA’S new destination for charity Writer Dr Hien Tran

Before the field trip this year, a few supporters raised this question to me: “Why is AHHA going to Cambodia this year, why not Vietnam?”

I replied: “Why NOT Cambodia, why does it have to be Vietnam?”

“The AHHA team will go where there is a need for us to carry out our charity work.”

It is true to say that AHHA (under the name of VVP) started its first mission in Vietnam in 2003.

It has spent more than a decade in various parts of Vietnam to treat blindness due to cataracts for the poor living in these communities.

Over the years there has certainly been a significant improvement in the standards of eye care in the rural parts of Vietnam as more and more ophthalmologists have been trained to perform cataract operations.

This means that there has been a gradual reduction in the need and the want for overseas group like AHHA to help in the now and foreseeable future.

AHHA’s team of volunteers is indeed multicultural and so are the financial supporters of AHHA. Our ultimate aim is to help the poor communities regardless of their cultural, religious and ethnic backgrounds.

This is the main reason why AHHA’s management committee elected to carry its 2016 mission in Cambodia.

Despite many months of careful planning, the proposed field trip was filled with many uncertainties, as the team has never been to Cambodia on such a large scale before.

What lies ahead?

Have we planned for all possible clinical and logistic challenges with Plan A, Plan B or possibly Plan C? AHHA was fortunate to have the opportunity to work with our local partners :

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• Cambodia International Sight Association (CISA) • University of Puthisastra (UP) Thanks to the enthusiasm of our local partners along with their team of local student volunteers, and the efforts of all AHHA team members, the 2016 mission was a great success.

There have been so many positive feedbacks received by AHHA’s management committee during and after the trip.

One of the most common comments from our volunteers was along the lines: “Working in and helping Cambodia felt like Vietnam 10 years ago….”

They have found great satisfaction in joining the field trip this year.

The people of Cambodia, the local

Our ultimate aim is to help the poor communities regardless of their cultural, religious and ethnic backgrounds. health authorities and the Royal family have greeted the AHHA team with open arms, joy and appreciation.

For many of us, the short time we spent there was filled with fond memories and happiness.

At a personal level, Cambodia has made me feel very welcomed throughout the whole trip, and I certainly will go back there again.

So Cambodia …. be ready … we will be back !

Campuchia - Điểm đến mới cho AHHA làm công tác từ thiện Dịch bởi Bác Sĩ Hien Trần

OUR VOLUNTEERS kể nguồn gốc dân tộc, tôn giáo và văn hóa của họ. Đây là lý do chính tại sao Ban Chấp Hành của tổ chức AHHA đã chọn chuyến đi năm 2016 của mình là đến Campuchia.

Mặc dù mất nhiều tháng lên kế hoạch cẩn thận, lập dự thảo cho chuyến đi nầy đã gặp rất nhiều bất định, vì trước đây đoàn chưa bao giờ đến Campuchia với một một quy mô lớn như thế nầy.

Việc gì sẽ xảy đến đây?

Chúng tôi đã lên kế hoạch đủ đễ đáp ứng cho hết thảy mọi thữ thách có thể xãy ra trong chuyên môn và trong hậu cần chưa? kế hoạch A, kế hoạch B, hay có thể là kế hoạch C?.

AHHA đã may mắn vì có cơ hội làm việc với các đối tác địa phương: đó là Hội “Cambodia International Sight Association”(CISA) và trường đại học Puthisastra (UP).

Nhờ sự nhiệt tình của các đối tác địa phương cùng với 1 đội ngũ các sinh viên tình nguyện của họ, và nhờ những nỗ lực của tất cả các thành viên của Đoàn AHHA mà chuyến đi năm 2016 là một thành công lớn. Đã có rất nhiều lời phản hồi tích cực nhận được từ ban quản lý AHHA trong chuyến đi và sau chuyến đi.

“Chúng tôi cảm thấy ái náy trước sự đón tiếp nồng hậu của Quý vị” Trước chuyến đi thiện nguyện năm nay (2016), có 1 vài ủng hộ viên đặt câu hỏi với tôi: “Vì sao AHHA năm nay đi Campuchia, mà không đi Việt Nam ?”

Tôi trả lời: “Vì sao KHÔNG đi Campuchia, mà vì sao lại phải đi Việt Nam?” “Tổ chức AHHA sẽ đi đến nơi nào có nhu cầu cần chúng tôi thực hiện công tác từ thiện.”

Thật sự phải nói rằng tổ chức AHHA (dưới tên VVP) đã bắt đầu chuyến đi đầu tiên tại việt Nam vào năm 2003.

AHHA đã trải qua hơn một thập niên đi đến nhiều vùng khác nhau của Việt Nam để điều trị cho người nghèo bị mù vì bị đục thủy tinh thể (cườm).

Trong những năm qua chắc chắn là đã có cải thiện đáng kể trong các tiêu chuẩn chăm sóc mắt tại các vùng nông thôn của Việt Nam vì càng ngày càng có nhiều hơn các bác sĩ chuyên khoa mắt VN đã được đào tạo để làm công tác mỗ cườm. Điều này có nghĩa rằng hiện nay và trong tương lai gần đã có sự giảm dần mức độ cần kíp và ý mong muốn cho các đoàn thể từ hải ngoại như AHHA đến giúp đỡ.

Hiện nay các thiện nguyện viên của AHHA thực sự là những người đa sắc tộc của cộng đồng Úc và những ủng hộ viên tài chính cho AHHA cũng vậy.

Mục đích tối hậu của chúng tôi là giúp đỡ các cộng đồng có người nghèo bất

Một trong các ý kiến phổ biến nhất từ các thiện nguyện viên của chúng tôi nhìn chung như sau: “Làm việc và giúp Campuchia làm mình có cảm tưởng như là làm ở Việt Nam cách đây 10 năm...” Họ đã cảm nhận được sự hài lòng lớn lao khi tham gia chuyến đi năm nay (2016).

Người dân Campuchia, các cơ quan y tế địa phương và gia đình hoàng gia đã chào đón đoàn AHHA với vòng tay mở rộng, vui vẻ và lòng cảm kích. Đối với nhiều người trong chúng tôi, thời gian ngắn lưu lại tại đây chúng tôi đã có đầy những kỷ niệm đáng yêu và hạnh phúc. Ở một mức độ cá nhân, thì Campuchia đã làm cho tôi cảm thấy rất được hoan nghênh trong toàn bộ suốt chuyến đi, và tôi chắc chắn sẽ trở lại đó một lần nữa.

Campuchia ơi …. Sẳn sàng nhé ….

Chúng tôi sẽ trở lại !

Newsletter • Issue 15 • July - December 2016 | 13

OUR VOLUNTEERS

Volunteer Story:

Mark Kobdish I’m a new expat to Cambodia and was thrilled to stumble upon an opportunity to volunteer for the AHHA sight saving mission which teamed up with the Cambodian International Sight Association (C.I.S.A.) in order to provide free eye surgery for Cambodian people from around the country who were suffering from cataracts and pterygium.

I was convinced that those who were part of the AHHA team must be extraordinary people. And I wasn’t disappointed.

This is a wonderful group of individuals from many walks of life, who willingly and with great love made personal sacrifices, financial and otherwise, in order to improve the lives of the poorest of the poor in Cambodia.

Volunteering in the surgery department, which provided hundreds of eye surgeries, was a wonderful experience.

I was able to witness the process by which poor Cambodian people were given a chance to save or regain the ability to see the world around them.

They were so thankful and appreciative of being given the opportunity to receive medical care that they never would have been able to without the efforts of the AHHA team.

Smiles and sampeahs were everywhere.

One woman who spoke English very well asked me where I was from. I told her I was from the U.S. She then said that I was from Heaven. I thought that she had misunderstood what I said but then she looked at me in the eyes and stated, “You and all the volunteers who have come to help out poor Cambodians, all come from Heaven.”

It was hard to hold back tears.

Many of the cataracts that were removed were so advanced that they looked like opaque gemstones.

The people who were the previous owners of those cataracts undoubtedly went from blindness to vision in that eye in the days that followed.

Hats off to all the staff of AHHA and congratulations on what you have accomplished.

The medical team and support staff, including the fine volunteers from the Liverpool West Rotary Club.

Like others they have been returning volunteers for many many years.

The medical staff did a wonderful job of educating Cambodian medical students, as well as practicing Cambodian physicians, while they worked. Paving the way for a future generation of health care providers who will be able to treat diseases of the eye for fellow Cambodians.

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Volunteer Story:

Barbara Tarrant Taylor CISA, Cambodian International Sight Association, Cambodia, 6th – 25th August.

AHHA, Australian Health Humanitarian Aid, Khmer – Soviet Hospital, Phnom Penh, Cambodia, 13th – 25th August 2016.

It was a fantastic opportunity and my great privilege to work with CISA and AHHA in Cambodia and in Phnom Penh at the Khmer –Soviet Hospital during August 2016.

I came to Phnom Penh, Cambodia, in July, 2016 as a volunteer for CCPCR, the Cambodian Center for the Protection of Children’s Rights which is a charity for trafficked youngsters. After some incredible work with them I had the opportunity to work with CISA, Cambodian International Sight Association.

Through a friend, I was fortunate to meet the enigmatic and tirelessly energetic, Sean Ngu, founder of CISA, Cambodian International Sight Association. Sean invited myself and fellow volunteers, Nurse Mark Kobdish and Educational Psychologist James Webb, to join missions to screen people with sight conditions who were living in the more remote rural areas of Cambodia. The intention was to provide help for severe eye conditions and to offer free cataract and Pterygium surgery where feasible. I had little idea what these missions would entail however, I sensed it was a wonderful opportunity to do something to help make a difference to people’s lives – how amazing it actually was, I could not have predicted.

I went on three missions – all different, humbling, wonderful experiences. I am a teacher and entering unknown territory, medicine - I was fascinated. I learned how to take blood pressure (under supervision) and to help, support and reassure prospective patients. The gracious, dignified Cambodian people allowed the volunteers to examine them, even though some had never been to a doctor or seen a Westerner before.

Approximately 1,200 Cambodians, young and old, working in rural areas were screened. Sunglasses, reading glasses and eye drops were provided to alleviate symptoms and to aid prevention of sight conditions. These wonderful, humble, resilient people came from Kandal Province and the rice fields in Prey Veng Province in the south of Cambodia.

We also screened 600 Buddhist monks and nuns from Udong Temple, Kampong Speu north of Phnom Penh. This was a ‘ground-breaking’ mission as no temple had allowed screening to be done before - we were indeed, very privileged to be part of it. A considerable number of very deserving people were subsequently put forward for eye surgery later in August who without the help of CISA and AHHA and the volunteers, would not be able to afford surgery or have the opportunity to be examined.

Newsletter • Issue 15 • July - December 2016 | 15

The screening was an amazing experience for me and my opportunities only got better. To my amazement and great excitement, I was invited by Sean Ngu, CISA to assist with transferring the patients to and from the operating theatre for their operations at the Khmer-Soviet Friendship Hospital in Phnom Penh.

On Sunday, 13th August, I arrived at the hospital, met a great number of medical students assisting CISA and the AHHA volunteer medical team from Australia. I helped to set up the operating theatres and store room by carrying boxes, whilst trying not to get in the way…

The next day a great number of patients, who had travelled to the hospital the previous night, queued up to be screened.

Those who could be operated on were registered, and brought to the operating theatres. The patients clearly felt a mixture of apprehension and appreciation for what was about to happen to them – a thirtyminute operation would change their lives, for ever. However, professionalism, kindness and the genuine desire to help the patients wherever possible allayed their fears. I donned scrubs (first time ever) and helped where and when I could. The medical staff were incredible and explained what they were doing and

how they did it – I learned, as a lay man, a tremendous amount about medical procedures, ethics and the incredibly high standards and expectations of the AHHA volunteer medical staff. I boldly asked, and was privileged, to be given, the opportunity to watch some of the operations; I was fascinated by the whole process. The kindness and patience shown to me and to the patients was incredible – nothing was too much trouble to explain to me and it was clearly vital and integral in the high standards and best practice of all the staff to be calm and constantly reassure the patients, particularly as, in the main, they did not speak English. However, a smile and a hug and a pat on the arm translates as care and concern in any language.

The kindness and patienc patients was incredible – no to explain to me and it was cle high standards and best prac and constantly reas

I would like to say a special thank you to Alison Chong; she took me under her wing from day 1 and very kindly and brilliantly looked after me through-out the two weeks with great patience. She explained and discussed many of the aspects of the surgery and ensured I helped in the right direction. A big thank you as well during the second week to Helen Tran, who also kindly looked after me and took considerable time to explain procedures.

The days were all significant, however,

In August this year for the first time I joined the AHHA team on its field trip to Cambodia & Vietnam to provide cataract surgeries, dental treatments and humanitarian aid for the disadvantaged communities. Over two weeks in Phnom Penh, the Eye Team operated on 424 cases of cataract and pterygium, while the Dental Team completed 1140 procedures.

Volunteer Story:

Louise Pham 16 | Australian Health Humanitarian Aid

At the Khmer Soviet Friendship Hospital where the Eye Team was based, I was allocated to help the GPs assess patients’ health and suitability for surgery, and the post-op area where patients received eye drops, sunglasses and instructions to follow.

We were really fortunate to have had the Cambodian medical students volunteers helping us as interpreters.

The working hours were long, and sometimes hectic. On most days, wakeup calls were at 5.30 in the

ce shown to me and to the othing was too much trouble early vital and integral in the ctice of all the staff to be calm ssure the patients...

I feel privileged to have been part of the team that had given her the operation morning and we didn’t get back to the hotel until after 9 at night. These hours also accommodated the time taken for meals and for travelling to and from the hospital. Like many other major cities around the world, traffic congestion is a problem in Phnom Penh.

Working with cataract patients was uncharted territory for me, so I found it difficult to write about a patient “with a story”. However, attached is a picture of a lady I was fond of. Whenever I look at her beautiful smile, I feel privileged to have been part of the team that had given her the operation.

For the humanitarian aid project, we visited a house in Xa Tan Phu, 2 hours

one day particularly stood out – a patient came in who had been in a bomb blast and she required cataract surgery. The bombing incident had happened several years ago and this lady, in her 40s, had some facial disfigurement and lost an eye as a result of the blast. She was examined and the empathetic surgeons spent a considerable amount of time discussing the pros and cons of the surgery. They were very concerned that they did the best for this lady and it was complicated – the situation was carefully weighed up as there was a possibility that she could be blind after the surgery. At last, after some time and careful deliberations, the important decision was taken to operate. I was fortunate to be allowed in the theatre during the operation and the tension and seriousness of the situation were clearly evident. The theatre was, unusually, completely silent. Dr Troy Lim-Joon, the calm, cool, amazing ophthalmologist, performed the highly skilled surgery.

When the danger time during the operation passed, a wave of relief went around the theatre and everyone present was delighted that the operation was a success - a sigh of relief was breathed. I had witnessed something incredible and the lady would enjoy a better quality of life

outside of SGN, to donate some money and food packages to a group of very unfortunate children, ranging from 6 to 16, who had to earn a living either working in factories or selling lottery tickets. Every day after work they would come back to the house to have dinner and then learn how to read and write taught by its owner. I can remember being engrossed in reading novels about fictional characters just like these children in my childhood. So it was astounding to be in the same room with them as a reality decades later. Although the donations could help only temporarily, I feel we ought to give so that these children are not forgotten.

OUR VOLUNTEERS due this amazing medical staff.

This impressive medical team has been in existence for a long time and will continue their annual volunteering because of their skill, their passion and desire to make the world a better place.

I was a small part of it this year and I hope to be able to return next summer, 2017, and join them on another mission in Cambodia.

Thank you Ted, Jo, Marie, Maria, Max, Jim, Charlie, Michael, Anton, Karen, Joanne, Peter, Juliana, David, Troy, Dennis, Rex, Minh and Minh (!), Hau, Tess, Phong, Mandy, Stephanie, Helen, Alison.

I am sure I have missed a few names – I am so sorry, I appreciated all of you. You allowed me to experience a small part of your ‘day to day’ world and I am full of admiration for you, your collaboration, your perseverance, your skill and your friendliness and sense of humour.

Thank you.

Barbara Tarrant Taylor

extended to us. For instance at our first welcome dinner, it was an honour to have received our name card personally handed out by HRH Prince Tesso Sisowath of Cambodia.

In closing, I’d like to congratulate AHHA on the results of this year’s field trip, and thank the management team for all their hard work in making the trip possible, as well as team members for such a positive and unforgettable experience.

Overall, the trip was very well organised and the two weeks passed quickly. I am also appreciative of the gracious hospitality that the Cambodian International Sight Association had

Newsletter • Issue 15 • July - December 2016 | 17

Young Volunteer Reflections Jayden Ho • It’s not everyday that you see a 10 year old with cataracts. And never had I seen anyone with a complete eye missing or the joy on a person’s face when they see for the very first time in what could be just a year or even up to decades of blindness, something that cannot ever be replicated and is something that I had not ever seen in my life before my trip to Cambodia. Although these trips make such a difference to people’s lives, sometimes there is nothing that you can do to help them see again. The sheer sadness of seeing the patient just sit in silence with their eyes still blind as they hear the heartbreaking news is something that I will never forget.

• To call this trip insightful is a mere understatement, for the plethora of opportunities that I was given in the duration of the trip was far greater than anything I would have ever experienced in Australia. These opportunities such as watching an operation take place or seeing patients under as well as on top of hospital beds crowded in rooms has opened my eyes and made me truly appreciate the country that I live in and to make the most of what I have. Although I came into this trip with the intentions of learning something new, what I got out of it was more than I would have ever expected. Even though I did learn something new I also made new friends, realise how fortunate I am and overall became a better person.

• I wouldn’t describe the people part of AHHA as strangers, but friends that I hadn’t met yet. The passion that every individual part of the group displayed indicated to me that every single patient that went from the optom team to the gp team to the theatre would be in good hands the whole way. Everyone was brought together because they all had the same passion, to help disadvantaged people. This trip overall has been both an eye opening and exciting experience and I hope to be back next year.

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Justin Dinh • How would I describe my AHHA experience this year? Phenomenal.

Through the work, I’ve gained insight into the current conditions afflicting the people of developing countries. I’ve enjoyed the trip heaps as it has allowed me to meet new and exciting people, both fellow volunteers and patients.

Working with fellow enthusiastic teammates noticeably improved the allround productivity and increased the determination of the whole cohort. The satisfaction of being able to help those in a less fortunate situation than I was one of the many things that kept me working hard each minute of the day.

• Initially, it is easy to differentiate myself from the many hapless patients, as we seem so different. But I found that as you begin to talk to them, guide them and try to empathise with them you realise that they are not so

different to us, as people with minds and souls and emotions. It is only when you come so close to them that you remind yourself of their saddening issues, which has you only wanting to help them more, and then when you see them returning the smiles on their faces, it is learned that a single smile goes a long way.

• Smiles break through the language barrier, as emotions are a universal language. When I experienced this, I realised that happiness had snuck in through a door in my heart I didn’t know was left open. Interacting with the impoverished children of Cambodia and Vietnam whose lives I struggle to imagine, who are able to smile sometimes even more so than me has taught me a few things about happiness. It isn’t something defined by the multitude of possessions, nor is it a place the mind simply wanders to, it is a direction determined by the harmony of man and the life he leads, exemplified by the practicing of compassion.

• So the takeaway is; there are hours of work to be done, schedules to keep to and caution to be taken. But what comes with it is the biggest family I’ve ever been welcomed by, long lasting friendships, lessons learned in one of the best ways and a transformative life experience.

The best thing is: that’s only the tip of the iceberg, and if given the time and opportunity I would do it all again.

Nathan Huynh • This was a great experience that will benefit me as I will use this experience in an upcoming interview for a community service program. The first day that I was there, we visited a local hospital to help the young and old less fortunate people who had vision impairments. The job I took up was sitting down for 8 hours scanning documents of patient consent forms. However, during the other days, I changed jobs to dressing the patients in sterile clothing for their surgery. Through the many experiences during the trip, such as Sean’s talk and watching the operation, I gained much insight and knowledge into the living conditions of those less fortunate, and being able to bring them happiness has been a life changing experience for a young sheltered boy like me. This was a great opportunity to view the world through a different perspective and I definitely encourage going on this trip.

OUR VOLUNTEERS

Albertine Tran • As much as how often I acknowledge of how fortunate I am, nothing fully prepared me to witness the scarcity of opportunities and disadvantages in Cambodia and Vietnam. At times such as visiting orphanages or the cancer hospital, the confrontation of reality reduced me and a few others to tears.

On the first day of work, a 9 and 10 year old boy came in as two of the first 10 patients and as my job was vision screening (baefore sending them to the optometrists), the tests showed that despite both boys having perfect vision in one eye, their other eye was totally blind.

It dawned on me that these boys would forever have to see the world through one eye for the rest of their lives. Perhaps if they received help earlier or easier

(instead of travelling countless kilometres to the hospital), there could have have been a chance that they could see through the both eyes-- if they lived in Australia, this could have been prevented. After realising contemplating over the “what if” wasn’t going to do much good, I worked to my hardest so that I could leave the Khmer Soviet Hospital everyday knowing that I had put my personal “all” into each patient. One of the highlights was when a woman who came in week 1 and was legally blind for about 5 years. She was operated on one eye where she was found to have retinal detachment. Still hopeful, she came back in Week 2 and underwent successful surgery.

Her pure ecstasy shown by her dancing and tears of happiness from regaining vision, humbled me and made everything; from the 5am wake up calls to the all-day sweat worth it. It just goes to show how bringing a genuine smile to someone’s face is the biggest reward. The AHHA trip to Cambodia and Vietnam has formed long lasting friendship bonds between such inspiring philanthropic individuals who all brought their hard-working ethic and different ideas together. I cannot wait for the next opportunity.

Alfie Tran • This trip allowed for me to properly understand and appreciate all the privileges I have in Australia.

Undoubtedly, I enjoyed this trip extremely much and would love to contribute to AHHA next year. All the inspirational pep talks and working together in a non-profitable team has definitely given me opportunity to improve in many ways.

• The simple sight of how unlucky these children are who are living in poverty has changed my views on my own lifestyle. The suffering and ordeals of each child from the simple struggle of receiving a meal to getting to where AHHA was working for the two weeks, truly shows one how lucky they are to be born and live in Australia and the grand privileges we have. I’m sure each young student who came on this trip has gained much from this trip and shall pursue their dreams. Each day working was almost like a different journey, different faces, different people but similar smiles. I hope and can not wait for the next opportunity for another trip like this.

Newsletter • Issue 15 • July - December 2016 | 19

OUR VOLUNTEERS

Volunteer Profile:

Alison Chong After having arrived in Australia from Ireland as a newly qualified registered nurse in 1987, I immersed myself into my nursing career at the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne.

Quickly becoming interested in women’s health I spent several years working in Theatre at The Mercy Hospital for Women before completing Midwifery at the same Hospital.

Having had my own 2 daughters in the following years, we, as a family left Australia to run my father in law’s business in Malaysia and stayed there for 2 years.

On our return, I wanted to return to Peri- operative nursing but needed to avoid the shift work associated with Midwifery. It was then that I was lucky enough to be offered a position at RVEEH in Melbourne. It was here, in 1994, that my love for Ophthalmic nursing started! Since then, I’ve specialised in this field and have gained a broad experience in all aspects of Ophthalmic Nursing. For the past 15 years I have worked privately for a Melbourne based Ophthalmologist and have been lucky enough to have the benefit of his teaching and support to improve my skill and knowledge.

20 | Australian Health Humanitarian Aid

I was invited to join AHHA (VVPA) in 2008 as a nurse volunteer and was fortunate to experience, first hand, the incredible work they do for the needy in Vietnam and Cambodia. I quickly felt at home amongst the other volunteers and now think of them as my extended family.

I have joined the team on every field trip since (bar 1 due to my daughter completing her VCE that year). I will continue to help out in any way I can and for as long as I can. I feel honoured and fortunate to be able to use the skills that I have gained over the years to help those less fortunate than ourselves.

Melbourne Fundraising Committee

NEWS

On Sunday 2nd October 2016, a Melbourne fundraising committee was formed at the lunch meeting at Thy Thy Restaurant in Richmond, Victoria.

The following volunteers were elected for the committee positions: Chairperson Mrs Alison Chong, assistant chairperson Ms Billy Zjajic, treasurer Mrs Dunia Tucker, assistant treasurer Mr Peter Kandasamy, secretary Ms Alison Baum, public relation coordinators Ms Socheata Chea and Ms Elle Kandasamy, committee advisors Dr David Worsnop and Dr Juliana Chong.

AHHA wishes to thank them for their commitment and dedication.

Appreciation plaque to Redlands School, Cremorne On Wednesday 7th, September 2016, on behalf of AHHA, Dr William Trinh with Ms Stephanie Wong and William Junior presented an appreciation plaque to Dr Peter Lennox who is the principal of Redlands school in Cremorne, Sydney for the support of AHHA in the fundraising.

With the assistance and support from the school staff, students, AHHA Volunteers - Mr Ted Mlynarz, Mr James Leahy, Mr Charlie Hili, Ms Stephanie Wong and William Junior, an annual lunch sausage sizzle has been held to raise fund for AHHA since 2013.

Hai Son Shipping & Transport Pty Ltd A generous surprise During preparation for the 2016 Mission to Cambodia, it became evident that the necessary equipment to perform cataract operations was lacking. Due to the generosity of a long-standing supporter, Alcon Australia, the Phaco Infiniti machines were donated in Australia.

The donation is very much appreciated and arrangements commenced with shipping the Phaco machines to Phnom Penh in Cambodia.

The search for a suitable shipping agent proved difficult as time was getting short and the transport process needed to commence with a matter of urgency.

“Good things happen to those who do good things.”

Out of left field as if guided from above, Hai Son Shipping & Transport Pty Ltd, of 87 Marigold St Revesby NSW 2212 offered to include the machines with a shipment headed for Cambodia.

Not only did the offer provide transport and shipping, Hai Son did so at no charge to AHHA. A very generous gesture on their part.

The staff at both Alcon and Hai Son were extremely helpful with providing and shipping the equipment and their assistance will be forever appreciated.

At Hai Son, special thanks to Nina Bradley and Vu Ngo who ensured that the machines arrived in Cambodia in plenty of time and be ready when the AHHA team arrived.

The cataract operations would not have been possible without these machines.

Newsletter • Issue 15 • July - December 2016 | 21

NEWS

Medal of the Order of Australia:

Danny Low

Congratulations to Danny & his family for the award of the Medal of the Order of Australia in the General Division on 13th June 2016.

Danny is well deserved for his hard work, compassion, commitment to help the underprivileged for so many years in Australia & overseas. He’s a long time supporter of AHHA.

Fundraising Report Big or Small Your Donation MATTERS Writer Mr Ted Mlynarz

The work of Australian Health Humanitarian Aid (AHHA) can only be carried out with the help and support of a generous community. Every year, a number of fundraising events are conducted to provide sufficient resources to help those in need. In the past, AHHA has not only provided medical and dental support to those in Vietnam, it has also been involved with fundraising to help those affected by natural disasters in Australia, Vietnam, the Philippines and Nepal.

These fundraising events are organised to provide support to those affected by major disasters such as floods, bushfires, cyclones and earthquakes and are conducted in conjunction with various organisations such as: - Vietnamese Community in Australia – NSW Chapter (VCA) - Australian Vietnamese Health Professionals Association (AVHPA) - Rotary Club of Liverpool West (RCLW) Regular fundraising include a bi-monthly BBQ/Entertainment event held in Freedom Plaza, Cabramatta and has grown to become a popular social event eagerly awaited by the community and public at large. The support of Fairfield City Council has ensured the success of this event and has provided

22 | Australian Health Humanitarian Aid

an opportunity for AHHA as a community awareness and public education forum.

AHHA also gets involved in community events which also provide an opportunity to inform the public of the plight of poor and neglected people around the world. The annual Cabramatta Moon Festival is one such event with which AHHA, in conjunction with the Rotary Club of Liverpool West, has been attending for several years. The 2016 Moon Festival was attended by over 90,000 people many of who stopped at the AHHA/Rotary stall to engage in conversation and be informed of the work being done.

The Nho Ban Ngheo (NBN) Charity Group conducts monthly luncheons to raise funds for various community charity organisations. AHHA appreciates the support and commitment from the NBN group at the July 2016 luncheon.

A special Thank You is extended to the following organisations who contribute to the fundraising efforts: - New Good Luck Butchery, 6/45 Park Rd Cabramatta

- Delta Hot Bread, Casula Shopping Centre, 4B/509 Hume Hwy & Demeryck Ave., Casula.

Rotary Recognition:

Michael Luong

The Rotary Club of Liverpool West has been a longtime supporter and contributor to Australian Health Humanitarian Aid (AHHA) and recognises the effort and input of the many volunteers whose charitable work ensures success.

Paul Harris is the founder of the worldwide Rotary organisation and recognition of outstanding contributions is provided by the presentation of a Paul Harris Fellow (PHF).

Michael Luong for his contributions as a selfless volunteer has been recognised by the Rotary Club of Liverpool West for his charitable work with AHHA (Rotary Australia World Community Service (RAWCS) Project 14/2008-09) and with other charities and humanitarian programs.

With the PHF, US$1,000.00 is contributed to the Rotary Foundation toward its humanitarian and educational programs which include educational opportunities, food, potable water, health care, immunizations and shelter for millions of people around the world.

Congratulations to Michael!

FUNDRAISING

Again, Mr Vu Le has been an inspiration to the fundraising effort. Standing in heavy rain, his Master of Ceremonies effort at the June Freedom Plaza event was outstanding. Vu Le has attended numerous AHHA events and has become a valued supporter.

The musicians and singers should receive special mention for the contribution toward the day and entertaining the crowds who gather in Freedom Plaza.

The generosity of the community and public provides the resources for AHHA to continue with improving the lives of the underprivileged.

Newsletter • Issue 15 • July - December 2016 | 23

Fundraising efforts for the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) Writer Dr Hien Tran

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I can recall that it was the UNHCR that helped landed the leaky boat that carried my family and 200+ other people, on the coast of Malaysia in 04/1978. Many if not all Vietnamese refugees were in debt to UNHCR, an organisation that provided financial assistance and support to refugees in various camps in South East Asia for more than a decade from the late 70s to the early 90s.

Now in 2016, UNHCR continues to provide the same assistance for all the refugees around the globe.

More than 40 years on since 1975, Vietnamese Australians had the opportunity repay this debt, to help the organisation that helped us so much in the past.

The money raised will go to help alleviate the pain and suffering of some of the stateless people currently struggling in refugee camps in various parts of the world.

The fundraising campaign took place in July 2016 headed by the Vietnamese Community in Australia – NSW chapter. The drive was widely supported by the Vietnamese media, the local business communities and many health professionals from various states of Australia.

AHHA as an organisation, along with its volunteer members participated in this meaningful charity event.

We thank the following volunteers for their support:

FUNDRAISING

Redlands BBQ 2016 Writer Mr Billy Trinh The fourth Redlands annual fundraiser for Australian Health Humanitarian Aid (AHHA) was held on Thursday 23rd of June at Liggins Quad at the Senior School campus.

It was a very successful event, all sausages were sold out within half an hour! All proceeds will go towards helping AHHA to continue carrying out humanitarian services.

The sausage fundraiser would not be possible without the help of many people.

AHHA Organisation

$5,000.00

Mr Chinh DANG

$1,000.00

Dr Michael Tuan HO

$1,000.00

Dr Son HUYNH

$1,000.00

Drs Phuong Anh & Anthony LAM

$1,000.00

Dr Minh Pham NGO

$1,000.00

Dr Chinh NGUYEN

$2,000.00

Mr/Mrs Thuan & Thuy NGUYEN

$1,000.00

Mr Man Minh TRAN

$1,000.00

Dr Minh The TRAN

$1,000.00

Dr Tam TRAN

$1,000.00

Dr The Hung TRAN

$1,000.00

Dr William TRINH

$1,000.00

Dr Khanh Tien TRUONG

$1,000.00

Drs Hien Tran, Chau Tran, Brian Nguy

$5,000.00

I would like to thank the Redlands community for its amazing support; Dr Lennox & Mr King for approving the event; Ms Seaford for helping to coordinate, organise, promote and crowd management on the day; Mr & Mrs Loveridge for organising & setting up the BBQ and ordering drinks; year coordinators - Ms Jansons, Mr Castelli, Mr Posen, Ms Matthews, Ms Bergin, Ms Wang for spreading the word; my fellow student volunteers Oscar Wilson, Lewis Rae-Carrol, and Thomas MacDonald for serving on the day; Rotarian & AHHA volunteers - Mr Ted Mlynarz, Mr Jim Leah and Mum who gave up their precious time to come out and help.

Special thanks to Mr Ted Mlynarz & my parents for sponsoring the event.

The BBQ raised a total of $837.65 (sales + donations). This is a fantastic result and I know it will make a difference to many poor lives and their families.

I really appreciate all of your generous support and contribution in making this event a reality and successful one.

The overall event raised an incredible amount of $255,000!

Of this total amount, AHHA volunteers contributed an amazing total of $24,000 (nearly 10%) of the whole drive.

The funds raised were subsequently presented to the UNHCR. This event would not have been possible without the hard work of many in the community, the generous hearts of our AHHA volunteers and other fellow Vietnamese Australians who has never forgotten.

Newsletter • Issue 15 • July - December 2016 | 25

Field Trip Volunteers AHHA wishes to thank each and everyone of our 2016 humanitarian field trip volunteers. We are most grateful for your commitment, compassion and generosity which contributed to another great successful mission.

It takes enormous commitment, personal sacrifice and of course great leadership and teamwork to make each mission successful.

Ms Tanya Anhtuan Ms Alison Baum Ms Judy Bui Mr Ian Brookes Mr Max Bunter Mr Joe Cauchi Ms Socheata Chea Mrs Alison Chong Dr Juliana Chong Mr Martin Colantonio Dr Ryan Cornish Mrs Amanda Cunningham Ms Maria Dang Mr Dan Dang Mst Justin Dinh Dr Bernadette Gilmore Dr Oanh Ha Mr Glenn Hale Dr Aaron Hayek Mr Charles Hili Ms Trudy Ho

Dr Tuan Ho Mst Jayden Ho Mst Nathan Huynh Dr Son Huynh Dr Tess Huynh Ms Laura Johnston Ms Elle Kadasamy Mr Peter Kadasamy Dr Phuong Anh Lam Mr James Leahy Mrs Andrea Lee Dr Troy Limjoon Dr Dennis Lowe Mrs Monica Luong Ms Mai Lytran Dr Rex Martin Mr Michael Miranda Mr Ted Mlynarz Mrs Marie Myers Dr Andrew Narita Dr James Ngo

Dr Chinh Nguyen Mr John Nguyen Mrs Thuy Nguyen Dr Huy Nguyen Ms Christine Nguyen Mr Benjamin Nuttall Dr Nicolette Parkinson Dr Hau Pham Dr Yvonne Pham Ms Louise Pham Ms Joanne Rehe Dr Carolyn Ross Dr Michael Shiu Dr Michael Stefanescu Dr Albert Tran Miss Albertine Tran Mrs Helen Tran Dr Hien Tran Dr Minh Duc Tran Dr The Minh Tran Ms Tien Tran

Mr Michael Tran Mrs Ha Tran Mr Alfred Tran Ms My Linh Tran Ms My Phung Tran Dr Hung Tran Mrs Hang Tran Dr William Trinh Dr Theresa Truong Dr Khanh Tien Truong Mrs Dunia Tucker Dr Anton Van Heerden Dr Phung Vu Dr Patrick Wong Ms Stephanie Wong Dr David Worsnop Ms Helen Fuhong Xie Ms Kiera Young

All volunteers pay for their own expenses including airfares, accommodation, transportation and meals.

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THANK YOU

CISA - Cambodian Team We would like to especially acknowledge the support of Mr Sean Ngu of Cambodia International Sight Association (CISA), HRH Prince Tesso Sisowath and Princess Sita Norodom of Cambodia, Prof Meng Ngy of Khmer Soviet Friendship Hospital, Prof Callum Durward of Puthisatra University, Australian Ambassador in Cambodia Ms Angela Corcoran, Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Ms Men Sam An and Cambodian Minister of Health Dr Nam Bunheng, Cambodian MP Ms Khoun Sodary and Cambodian MP Dr Cheam Yeap.

The assistance and enthusiasm from CISA and local volunteers, mainly university students, was invaluable and together with our dedicated AHHA volunteers, wonderful work was accomplished to help the poor and the sick in Cambodia during 2016 mission.

Max Bunter Max Bunter has been a volunteer with Australian Health Humanitarian Aid (and Vietnam Vision Projects Australia) for several years. He has travelled on most missions to Vietnam and Cambodia since the Rotary Club of Liverpool West became involved in 2005.

Max’s contribution has been immense with his enthusiasm, organisational and entertainment skills ensuring the field missions achieved successful outcomes.

Volunteers who have travelled on the field trips will always remember Max with his rendition of “Waltzing Matilda” which was performed on every trip and reminded all of us where we are from.

On the recent mission to Cambodia, Max announced his retirement from participating in future trips.

AHHA acknowledges Max’s contribution and wishes to thank him for kindness and mentoring over the years.

Max remains a registered volunteer with Australian Health Humanitarian Aid and will continue to be involved with the organisation, in one way or another.

Newsletter • Issue 14 • January - June 2016 | 27

An ode to n Linh

Writer Lai Va

Ahha

s kindness May the ripple hnom Penh Siem Reap, P in an eg b at Th fluidity endlessly with Reverberate the end. eable future to se re fo e th Through

ring minds hearts and ca g n ro st , d o o G tive hands g gentle, proac tin en m le p m o C arity again eyes to see cl ed rr lu b to s der and on lands.

Working won ence in homes d en ep d in f o To lead a life

ed sally appreciat itude is univer at gr lt fe rt ea ersecutions Thus, h past horrific p s u o er m u n f nts yo cy of mad tyra From a societ rs at the mer ge lla vi r o o p rations. inary, .A.’s loving vib Amongst ord .H .H A f o s ed e planted se Do now feel th A angels uched by AHH to e b to ed s They feel bless heavenly skie e expanse of th ls fil at th d love disadvantage With wings of health to the ed is tim p o d is an od m e.

To give hope e towards a go p ca es d an ter future And see a bet

people!

PA, beautiful VV ., .A .H .H A Well done e and e good fortun av h s er te n lu May all vo lives, your present Happiness in n ght and actio ur every thou yo gh u ro th g iends, Flowin , family and fr es n o d ve lo y th Extend to all us of love. ernal conscio et r u yo gh u As it does thro y heartbeat! it ... with ever in se today! er m im , in Cabramatta al iv And in return st Fe n o o at M raising funds , good luck in re o m er h rt Fu d ones lost, milies of love fa e th to s ce len re.

Special condo morrow’s futu ’s present, to ay d to t, as p st passed, In yesterday’s ur beloveds ju yo f o ls u so e Troy, may th adise above.

To Helen and a heavenly par in s es en n re ility and se Rest in tranqu

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Newsletter • Issue 15 • July - December 2016 | 29

30 | Australian Health Humanitarian Aid

Fundraising Nho Ban Ngheo & Freedom Plaza

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Camb Field

32 | Australian Health Humanitarian Aid

bodia d Trip August 2016

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Camb Field

34 | Australian Health Humanitarian Aid

bodia d Trip August 2016

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