A partnership between two local organisations has resulted in countless happy faces among the remote villages of Papua New Guinea.
FMS Group, the major sponsor of Mackay skateboarding event Rumble on the Reef, travelled to PNG last week to hand-deliver skateboards, helmets and safety gear to Skate PNG – a small community group located in Taurama.
The delivery was part of the community engagement program within FMS Group, focused on giving back to the people who reside in mining regions. It was also thanks to a collaboration between The Rumble, FMS Group, TSG and Postal Skateboards to develop a world first Pacifika Cup, held at the 2024 Rumble on the Reef event in Mackay.
The winner of this competition was Josh O’Loughlin who represented PNG and donated his prize to the small skateboarding community – Skate PNG – who deliver development and coaching programs in Port Moresby.
FMS Group PNG Area Manager John Wilshere, who is also the former Captain of Rugby League Team PNG Hunters, said it was a privilege to support the PNG community in this way.
“Working in this country, it is important that we engage with and support the local community and this delivery of skateboarding equipment will have an immense impact on the children here who are learning to skate with limited resources,” Mr Wilshere said.
The Rumble Head of Partnerships Donny Fraser said it was a monumental moment for his team.
“This has put our entire crew on an emotional high,” he said.
“Thanks to FMS Group and their team for supporting the Mackay event for years, it has been a backbone of developing skateboarding in the Pacific, and it’s a privilege to work with them to be able to support PNG and developing skateboarding in our neighbouring countries.”
With operations across Australia and Papua New Guinea, FMS Group provides a wide range of services across all industries including mining, construction, marine and renewables. Their partnership with Rumble on the Reef began in 2023 and has produced remarkable opportunities for the Mackay skateboarding community.
Rumble on the Reef 2025 will be held at the Mackay Sugarbowl Skate Park on September 25 to 27.
FMS Group PNG Area Manager and former PNG Hunters captain John Wilshere shares a special moment with young locals in Taurama, after delivering skateboards and safety gear to support the growing skateboarding community. Photos supplied
Rainee Shepperson, FMS Group Marketing and Communications Manager, shares a moment with a local child in Taurama
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