Australian-based international veterinary charity Vets Beyond Borders (VBB) will deploy its first veterinary team to Papua New Guinea (PNG) in April 2026, marking a significant milestone in its expansion across the Pacific.
Among the volunteers heading to PNG is veterinary nurse Helen Spry from Inverell NSW, who has just been named the inaugural recipient of VBB’s Buddy Giving Program Volunteer Excellence Award in recognition of her longstanding commitment to animal welfare.
Spry is about to embark on her 12th deployment with VBB’s VetMatch program, which delivers animal health services and community education across the Asia–Pacific in regions with limited access to veterinary care.
Over the years, she has volunteered in the Cook Islands (three times), Sardinia, Thursday Island (three times), Nauru, Vanuatu (twice) and Fiji—bringing her experience and dedication to some of the region’s most challenging environments.
In PNG, Spry and her five Australian colleagues will work alongside the RSPCA of PNG for two weeks, supporting local veterinary services and animal welfare initiatives.
“Deploying our first team to Papua New Guinea marks an important milestone for Vets Beyond Borders as we expand our work across the Pacific,” VBB chair Professor Nick Sangster said.
“We congratulate Helen on being named the inaugural recipient of the Buddy Giving Program Volunteer Excellence Award. Her unwavering commitment, skill and compassion exemplify the spirit of the award and the values at the heart of our organisation.
“We are incredibly proud to recognise her contribution as we take this next step.”
“The work I do with VBB makes a difference,” Spry added.
“It’s a privilege to be part of it. To be able to go and help animals in remote places, show communities how to care for their animals, and give them a better life is incredibly rewarding.”
Well done and thanks for helping the animals.