EYOS Expeditions, in partnership with Think Water Cairns and Bushmans Tanks, recently turned an adventure into a mission of impact, fostering connections with the vibrant communities of Iwa Island in the Solomon Sea and Nulia on Panapompom Island in Papua New Guinea.
-
Bringing Water, Building Resilience
Recently, EYOS led expedition operations for the residential yacht The World while she sailed through the Kimberley, Solomon Islands, and Papua New Guinea. With a generous donation from one of the yacht’s philanthropic residents, EYOS staff coordinated an initiative to install three water tanks designed to boost the local islanders’ rainwater harvesting capabilities. The provision of these tanks—three 11,500-liter giants—has made a tangible impact on these communities, offering a critical resource that many of us take for granted: clean, reliable water.
These tanks were fabricated, transported, and delivered swiftly by Bushman Tanks within days. Think Water Cairns assembled the essential pipes, fittings, and tools to bring this vision to life, transforming a well-intentioned plan into a reality that will have lasting benefits. The initiative underscores the power of thoughtful partnerships in addressing the immediate needs of remote communities.
-
A Profound Connection to Papua New Guinea
EYOS Founder and Expedition Leader, Rob McCallum, brought a deeply personal touch to the journey. Having grown up in Papua New Guinea and conducted biodiversity assessments for the United Nations, Rob’s understanding of the region runs deep. “Exploring the world’s most remote corners comes with a responsibility,” he reflects. “We have a duty to give back to the environments and communities that welcome us.”
Angela Pennefather, EYOS’s PNG Specialist, echoed this sentiment. “Water security, medical aid, and education for girls are fundamental for stability in these areas. For the low-lying islands of PNG and the Solomon Islands, which are disproportionately impacted by climate change, immediate support can make all the difference.”
Angela highlighted how small gestures can leave a lasting imprint. “A single 11,500-liter water tank may not seem like much in Australia, but for a community without the means to store drinking water, it can be the difference between resilience and vulnerability.”
-
Creating Lasting Impact in Remote Corners of the World
For Think Water Cairns, being part of this mission was an honor. “These tanks are going to remote islands where they will literally change lives,” Rob McCallum noted, acknowledging the role of each partner in making this initiative a success. It’s a testament to the power of collaboration, the spirit of adventure, and a commitment to leaving a place better than you found it.
From the decks of The World to the shores of Papua New Guinea, this project exemplifies what’s possible when expedition travel intersects with purpose. It’s not just about exploring the unknown—it’s about fostering a true connection to a place and ensuring that those who live in these far-flung corners can thrive long after the yacht has sailed into the horizon.