Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett will swap his suit and tie for his nail bag and tools as he embarks on a humanitarian mission in the Solomon Islands.
Mr Bennett will join fellow Rotary members to build an amenities block for a local school on a nine day trip.
Mr Bennett, who has been a member of Rotary for 15 years, explained that the school currently only had a basic unsanitary drop toilet.
“There are 400 students at the local school using really unacceptable amenities. Obviously it’s unhygienic and environmental unsustainable and that’s where we will come in and install a proper septic treatment system and toilet block to provide the kids with better sanitation,” Mr Bennett said.
While it is far cry from the Burnett electorate, Mr Bennett said he was looking forward to the challenges ahead and putting his building skills back to good use.
“It’s a great honour to be heading over with a tremendous team of passionate Rotarians, all local business owners, and work side by side as we do our bit to make life just that little bit easier for the students at this school,” he said.
“We are lucky and privileged to live in the Bundaberg region… this is my way of giving back and helping support those who are less fortunate.
“Community and international service is an important part of what we do at Rotary.”
This is not Mr Bennett’s first trip over to the Solomon Islands. Mr Bennett first visited the region to carry out construction activities at the local hospital on the Island of Munda back in 2006.
“It was heartbreaking to see the birthing conditions at the Hospital.”
“Like many Rotary Clubs and individuals worldwide, our Bundaberg Sunrise Rotary Club desperately wanted to help, so our team went in and built a new maternity wards.
“That trip was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life,” he said.
ENDS.
July 30, 2015.