John Gibbs posted on November 15, 2010 10:32
We had an outstanding speaker in Col. Sandy MacGregor to tell us about MiVAC.
The MiVAC Trust is the initiative of Australian Vietnam Veterans who cleared landmines in Vietnam and have seen first hand the devastation caused by these indiscriminate weapons. Membership of the Trust has broadened to include ex-service personnel from other conflicts, humanitarian aid workers, members of peacekeeping forces and many concerned civilians.
It is the intention of the Trust to establish a Chapter of MiVAC in each State and Territory in Australia. Col. Sandy MacGregor is MiVAC's National Patron.
PROJECTS;
CAMBODIA - so far we have provided materials for a fence to be built around the perimeter of a school, which was bordered by a minefield. This enables the children to play safely without straying into dangerous areas. We have provided tools to a workshop and built a waste disposal storage area at the Sunrise Children's Village. MiVAC members, with the Ranelagh Community Group, raised enough money for 12 wheelchairs to be built by a Cambodian landmine survivor. He then distributed these wheelchairs to other amputees in the Siem Reap Province.
SRI LANKA - A donation from the Royal Commonwealth Society (Tas) has been forwarded with an equal amount from MiVAC to assist with the re-building of a school after a demining project in the area had been completed.
LAO PDR - Landmine and UXO clearance operations have been conducted by PCL (Phoenix Clearance Limited) with support by MiVAC funds in Khammouane and Xieng Khouang Provinces.
MiVAC supports the Shanti Volunteer Association (SVA) of Japan with their projects in Saravan province, building primary schools and water sources.