Royal recognition for humanitarian heroes

PICTURED: Rotarians and friends in front of one of the 50 containers they packed with medical equipment bound for Cambodian hospitals.

The Cambodia Hospitals Project has been recognised by the King of Cambodia, who awarded the project’s founders the Monisaraphon Medal, Grand Cross – Cambodia’s highest civilian honour.

Since 2008, a powerful humanitarian initiative led by the Rotary Club of Osborne Park, WA, has been transforming hospital care in Cambodia, at a fraction of what it would cost to build from scratch. For less than one per cent of the replacement value, the club has provided Cambodian hospitals with essential second-hand medical equipment and training, leading to dramatically improved patient outcomes and countless lives saved.

The genesis of the Cambodia Hospitals Project lies in a long-standing friendship between Rotarian Pip Asphar and Perth-based orthopaedic surgeon Dr Tim Keenan. Dr Keenan, who had been working with doctors in under-resourced hospitals across Southeast Asia, shared the critical need for functional hospital equipment with Pip. Their shared vision became the catalyst for a project that has since delivered 50 shipping containers packed with lifesaving gear to
Cambodian hospitals.

In Australia, advanced healthcare systems often retire perfectly serviceable equipment due to rapid technological upgrades. Recognising this opportunity, Pip and Tim mobilised their networks across Perth to source surplus hospital equipment. With the help of local Rotarians, volunteers and generous hospital partners – including Sir Charles Gairdner, St John of God Subiaco and Osborne Park Hospital – the equipment was collected, stored and prepared for shipping. Logistics support came from Budget Truck Hire and Goldstar Transport, while vital storage facilities were provided free of charge by community-minded individuals.

PICTURED: The Cambodia Hospitals Project was recognised by the King of Cambodia with the Monisaraphon Medal, Grand Cross – Cambodia’s highest civilian honour.

In 2014, the project was formally registered with Rotary Australia Repurposed Equipment (RARE) and supported by Rotary Australia World Community Service (RAWCS), enabling donors to receive tax-deductible receipts for contributions toward shipping and logistics.

But the Cambodia Hospitals Project is about more than equipment – it’s about education and sustainability. Nurses, doctors and technicians from Australia have travelled to Cambodia during their annual leave to train local staff in the operation, calibration and maintenance of the equipment. Consultant Nurse Educator Kareen Dunlop played a pivotal role in infection control education, tackling shockingly high post-surgical infection rates caused by poor hygiene practices. With support from the Sangora Foundation and a Rotary global grant, Kareen and others launched a comprehensive hand hygiene initiative at a 600-bed hospital in Phnom Penh. The project installed 275 hand basins, upgraded water systems and created washing facilities for families and visitors – all within seven months.

PICTURED: Hospital beds are in high demand in Cambodia. 

Building on the program’s success, the Rotary Club of Osborne Park, alongside the Rotary Club of Hawthorne and a Phnom Penh-based club, supported the construction of a new surgical wing at Kampong Speu Referral Hospital. Funded by a $300,000 donation from Dr Chris Keenan and managed through RAWCS, the facility includes two operating theatres, surgical supplies and patient beds. Since opening in 2022, the theatres have performed more than 140 surgeries per month. Recognising the urgent need for post-operative care, the club has since fitted out a recovery ward with 24 beds, sourced and shipped
from Perth.

The impact of this sustained Rotary initiative has not gone unnoticed. His Majesty King Norodom Sihamony of Cambodia awarded Pip Asphar, Dr Tim Keenan, Peter Lugg and Kareen Dunlop the Monisaraphon Medal, Grand Cross – Cambodia’s highest civilian honour – in recognition of their service and dedication.

This flagship project has united Rotarians, hospitals and humanitarian donors under a shared mission to relieve suffering and restore dignity through accessible healthcare. With continued support from RAWCS and a new crowdfunding campaign underway, the Rotary Club of Osborne Park remains committed to delivering hope, equipment and training to where it’s
needed most.

More Info: To support this life-changing initiative, donations can be made via RAWCS, Project No. 59-2014-15.

PICTURED: Rotarians loading a shipping container.