Addressing maternal and infant mortality, the Vocational Training Team of midwives from Timor-Leste has arrived in Mackay to begin their training at Central Queensland University (CQU).

After three years of planning, the five-week training program for 13 midwives from Timor-Leste got off to a successful start in Mackay on Monday, 9 January, following a warm welcome by Mackay Rotarians and project partners during the weekend of 7 - 8 January.

After arriving at Mackay airport on Saturday, 7 January, and settling into their accommodation at CQU'S Canefield College, the team members participated in an induction program at the college on Sunday 8 January.

Here, during a morning program capably chaired by Mackay Northern Beaches Rotarian Karalyn Huxhagen the team members were given the opportunity to introduce themselves individually and outline what they each hoped to gain from the training. 

They were also introduced to the impressive team of Rotarians and project partners who are all working to ensure the team members have all their needs catered for while in Mackay.

Rotarian and other volunteers have stepped up to perform task such as driving the team bus, organising social and tourist opportunities, arranging attendance at church services, organising food, etc. CQU.

Academic staff in conjunction with Darwin Sunrise Rotarian Belinda Jennings have designed a special curriculum for the team's training, and the staff at Canefield College are ensuring that the team members are comfortably accommodated during their stay. 

During the Induction program, donations of medical equipment and other items were presented to the team members, as were "Welcome to Mackay" packs, provided by the Mackay Regional Council. 

This Vocational Training Team program has been made possible by Rotary Foundation funding contributed by District 9560, Rotary Districts in New South Wales and Victoria, as well as the global fund. 

The Team's visit has attracted the attention of the local Mackay media, including television reports on 7News Mackay and WIN News Mackay.

Rotarians in Mackay and surrounds are encouraged to participate in activities planned for the team while they are in the area. Two such opportunities are an Australia Day event, and the Rotary Foundation dinner which will celebrate the conclusion of the training program. See flyers with details and booking arrangements attached. 

Well done D9560; this in international service in action!