February 18, 2016
by Bronwyn Marquardt
Two South Burnett electricians are part of an elite team of solar power specialists who will be restoring power to three schools at a remote Vanuatu island next week.
Owen Blamires, the owner of Wondai Electricial Service, and electrician son-in-law Brett Hyde will leave for the island of Tongoa tomorrow, February 19.
The island was slammed by Cyclone Pam last year, and the community’s three schools have been without power ever since, limiting their learning opportunities.
“The kids have been deprived of light and teaching opportunities,” Owen said.
“They have been unable to run the few hand-me-down computers that have been donated. They can’t read because the light is not good enough. And fuel is $5 a litre, so they can’t even afford to run generators.”
Families have no electricity at home either, and cannot afford batteries.
When Owen and Brett heard of the childrens’ plight, they were spurred into action.
The pair are solar power specialists and were the first operators to bring solar energy and smart homes into the South Burnett and many parts of Queensland.
“Solar power is the obvious choice for the island,” Owen said.
“It’s cheap, it has no ongoing running costs, and it’s environmentally friendly.”
The men are part of a small team of volunteers put together by the Solar Engineers Institute of Australia to restore power to the Tongoa community.
The group are flying to Port Vila on Friday, then taking a 10-hour boat trip to the island, where they will stay in huts and shacks.
They had to have hepatitis shots and take anti-malaria tablets, and have packed their own mosquito nets, pillows, sleeping bags, and life jackets.
Air Vanuatu has generously allowed the tradesmen an extra baggage allowance so they can carry their tools to the island for the project.
In addition, St John’s Lutheran School at Kingaroy – where Brett’s three children go to school – arranged a collection of books, pencils and notebooks, which Brett will give to students.
“As a father, it’s unbelievable to think that the simple things my own children take for granted like books, pencils and power are luxuries on this island,” Brett said.
“If I can help bring that to them, I have to do it.”
Several Australian solar suppliers have donated stand-alone battery systems and other materials required to carry out the work.
A bonus is that the tradespeople will teach locals how to carry out the work and how to maintain the solar energy system.
“Even if there is another cyclone, it should be relatively easy to have the power operating pretty quickly,” Owen said.
The group of about seven Australian solar specialist hope to complete the work within a week.
The pair have no qualms about taking time off work to volunteer, even though there will be no chance to enjoy the island’s charms, which include fishing, volcanic craters and geothermal activity.
Owen, a non-swimmer who is recovering from shoulder reconstruction surgery, says his biggest worry is the 10-hour boat ride from Port Vila, but that would be nothing compared to what the Tongoa islanders have already been though.
“Just to give back to people who are so much less fortunate than us is so important,” Owen said.
“To see the joy on those childrens’ faces when they have power again and can read and study will make it worthwhile.”
He intends to make a list of what the students and schools require, for a return visit.
“Even if the kids could have solar torches so they can read at night, and do their homework, imagine what a difference that would make,” Owen said.
“This could be the start of something big.”
Congratulations Owen and Brett. This restores some faith in mankind!
Good on you Owen and Brett, it’s people like you that make me proud to say I’m from the South Burnett
Good on ya guys. I am from Vanuatu, now live in Brisbane and was also involved with co-ordinating aid after Cyclone Pam paid us a visit early last year. I have some fantastic life-long mates from uni (USQ) there in Kingaroy who sent me the link to your story. My “wantoks” on Tongoa will be very blessed and lucky to have you there and I also feel that you will get just as much out of this experience as they will. Tank yu tumas Owen mo Brett!