HMAS Parramatta Lends A Hand In Cambodia

15 June 2011

Members of HMAS Parramatta conduct repairs to local Cambodian Primary School during a port visit to Cambodia.

A primary school in Cambodia received significant assistance in maintenance during the recent visit to Sihanoukville by HMAS Parramatta (Commander Heath Robertson, RAN).

A team of 40 personnel volunteered their time and efforts by replacing four failing concrete water tanks with a new 5000L plastic tank, providing the school with easy access to fresh clean water.

Volunteer ABMT Chris Ellis said the opportunity to help a school with vital equipment was rewarding.

“The original tanks were in a sub-standard condition. I felt good to be able to provide the kids with fresh water” ABMT Ellis said.

The volunteers also mowed lawns, painted the staff room, library and married quarters within the school, installed a swing and made skipping ropes.

Another volunteer LSMT Terry Lucas said the skipping ropes were keenly sought after by the students.

“There were plenty of kids around wanting their own custom made skipping rope,” LSMT Lucas said.

The excess rope was donated for further projects around the school.

After completing the physical improvements, the volunteers took time out to teach students, many of whom are from Cambodian Navy families, how to play cricket and football.

A donation of $1600AUD from the Australian Embassy contributed towards providing the materials and some extra tools required for the work.

Parramatta’s Welfare Committee also donated $200AUD which was put towards purchasing books for the School’s Library, more than doubling their current collection of books.

The School Principal was overwhelmed by the Parramatta’s efforts. He allowed Parramatta to permanently leave her mark with a small area on one of the school buildings’ set aside for all the volunteers to sign.

Whilst in Sihanoukville, Parramatta also competed against the Royal Cambodian Navy in a friendly soccer and volleyball match. At full time both sports proved to be close, with the soccer a hard fought one all draw and the Parramatta volleyball team being narrowly defeated.

Parramatta has since departed Cambodia and continues on her South East Asian Deployment.

Leading Seaman Terry Lucas from HMAS Paramatta plays with local school children after conducting repairs to local Cambodian Primary School.

Members of HMAS Parramatta stand in front of a Cambodian Primary School following the completion of repairs during a port visit to Cambodia.