A Sydney harbour ferry is set to leave Australia within a week transporting valuable medical supplies to Solomon Islands.
The Lady Wakehurst will also become an inter-island ferry after it arrives late this month, with likely runs from Honiara to Malaita, Makira and Western Province.
The Consul for Solomon Islands in New South Wales Sir Trevor Garland says the ferry has been purchased by Craig Short, who has worked as a helicopter paramedic in Solomon Islands and has a love of ferries.
Sir Trevor says the aim is to provide a safe, clean passenger service that will set a benchmark for Pacific countries.
He says the ferry will also transport equipment from St Vincents Hospital in Sydney to help improve emergency and operating room services in Solomon Islands.
"Equipment has a very short life in hot countries. A lot of projects are put in but usually no budget for repair and replacement. So they're things that will make patient care much more comfortable, they're beds and there are cardiac monitors and there are anasthetic machines and new operating room tables."
Sir Trevor Garland
