This project was a cooperative initiative of the Governments of PNG and Australia, designed to support capacity building and school infrastructure development at province and school community level in all provinces of PNG.
An ongoing program of primary and community school facility development was established, independently managed by school communities with assistance from Local Level Government, NGOs, relevant Provincial Division of Education offices, and supported by appropriate Government of NPG departments.
In supporting education, BEDP also played an important role in poverty reduction - the overarching theme of the Australian aid assistance program at the time of design.
Project activities were conducted under four main areas: capacity building, maintenance and minor works, infrastructure, and project management.
Coffey International Development General Manager (Asia Pacific), Kit Black, who was in Sydney to accept the award said, “We are very pleased to have been involved in this important AusAID project, and receive this award on behalf of all of the people in PNG who were involved in the many achievements of BEDP”.
One of the real achievements of BEDP was the engagement of local women in the planning and implementation of school infrastructure, as well as the planning and implementation of the project itself. Women were able to benefit personally and develop capacity to contribute to the development of their community more broadly.
Coffey Managing Director, John Douglas, said, “The judges noted the strong community involvement, particularly of women. The outcomes were highly regarded by local communities as well as the provincial and national governments - a great achievement we are very proud of”.
Coffey Geotechnics also received a Gold Award on the night in the Transport and Civil Infrastructure category for their work with SMEC Australia and AECOM on the $2 billion Gateway Upgrade Project in Brisbane for the Leighton Abigroup Joint Venture.
Mr Douglas, said that this year’s double gold was an outstanding achievement by the Coffey International Development and Coffey Geotechnics teams.
“Being awarded by the industry is extremely satisfying as Australia has a large amount of quality engineering firms delivering good projects. This shows the depth of talent and exceptional quality coming from Coffey's teams."
Image on right: Receiving the Consult Australia Award for BEDP: Anne Stasinowsky, Coffey International Development Project Manager and Kit Black, Coffey International Development General Manager (Asia Pacific)
