Elementary school children in the small rural outpost of Oum Number 3 in Papua New Guinea kicked off the school year with a sporting goods donation from PanAust.

Covering multiple sporting codes, four types of sports balls were gifted along with a volleyball net, ball pump, sports whistles and trophies, putting sports in the hands of not only the school, but the local community.

PanAust discovers, develops and sustainably operates its business in an environmentally, socially and culturally responsible way and is committed to supporting communities surrounding its operations.

The company’s community development activities in Papua New Guinea focus on health and education with an emphasis on the maintenance and establishment of infrastructure to support these activities.

“PanAust is committed to providing support, including subsidising school fees and scholarships, for elementary and secondary students from the villages located in or around the Frieda River site,” said Daling Zheng Managing Director and CEO of PanAust.

“This gift of sporting goods is just another way in which PanAust through its subsidiary Frieda River Limited is making a positive impact and changing lives in Papua New Guinea. Sports brings people together and helps build a sense of community, and we are pleased to be giving villagers something to smile about after recent rain events,” he said.

The remote Oum Number 3 village borders the East Sepik and Sanduan Provinces and currently is only accessible by boat.

The gift was delivered by Frieda River Limited Community Affairs Superintendent Tino Hombi who made the two-hour trip from the Frieda River site operations camp to the isolated village.

Witnessing the handover of the sporting goods was LLG Ward Councillor and village spokesman Moses Yuanis and other Oum Number 3 community leaders, including the school board chairman and parents.