Media Release

June 3, 2008

PNG villagers care for injured Tasmanian teacher

The Parliamentary Secretary for Pacific Island Affairs, Duncan Kerr SC MP, has praised villagers in remote Papua New Guinea for caring for an injured Australian teacher who had been attempting a 2700km sea kayak journey.

Eighteen days into the solo journey from Port Moresby to Vanimo a leg infection halted Tasmanian Andrew Hughes near the village of Isidiudiu, just 450km from the PNG capital early Thursday morning (May 29).

“Details are sketchy but Mr Hughes has confirmed he was cared for by a family of villagers in Isidiudiu for up to five hours while waiting for his support boat to arrive,” Mr Kerr said.

“On behalf of the Australian Government I would like to express my sincere gratitude to that family, and indeed all the people of Papua New Guinea who have assisted Mr Hughes.”

Mr Hughes had been relaying his journey to students via a website (www.expeditionclass.com) and has reported he was transported from the village to Alotau, the capital of the Milne Bay province, where he is now receiving medical treatment.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is aware of the situation and will make Mr Hughes aware of services the Australian consulate can provide.

Mr Kerr, who represents the Hobart-based seat of Denison, said, “As the member of the Rudd Government charged with carriage of Pacific relations, I am delighted that a fellow Tasmanian was shown such generosity”.

Media inquiries: Mr Kerr's office - 02 6277 4991 - Departmental Media Liaison 02 6261 1555