The Friends of Femili PNG (FFPNG) and Femili PNG team would like to say a big thank you to Fiona Gunn, who will be finishing in her role as Development Adviser this week. Fiona started her work at FFPNG as our CEO in December 2018, and has since had a massive impact on our organisation and the services that support survivors of family and sexual violence in Papua New Guinea. We will miss seeing her lovely face around the office every day, and wish her luck on her next adventure.
A message from Fiona
This week I finish up my work with Femili PNG / Friends of Femili PNG. It is with many mixed emotions for me, and a tough decision after 4.5 years with the organisation.
On a personal level, it has been a simultaneously challenging, rewarding, devastating, and inspiring role.
Challenging, as I remember feeling overwhelmed when I first started. I had a lot of support from the Chair, the Board and Femili PNG management, and in turn, tried to be the best support possible to the Femili PNG team.
Rewarding, as the highs have been very high. Like the moment we knew Friends of Femili PNG was successful in achieving base accreditation under the Australian NGO Cooperation Program. A gruelling two-year process of application, and we were one of the smallest NGOs to achieve this. It also meant that we could support Femili PNG’s expansion of its work with survivors of violence.
Devastating, as family and sexual violence is like the sea. The waves keep coming and coming. For every survivor Femili PNG has helped, there are easily 5, 10 more unable to access help. The work and the need for it will never end.
Inspiring, as I’m grateful to have worked alongside the best people. From the committed Boards of Femili PNG and Friends of Femili PNG, to the wonderful, collaborative team in Canberra who work hard to support Femili PNG’s management and staff.
Most of all, I’m grateful for my colleagues in PNG for introducing me to their beautiful country and patiently teaching me so much about Femili PNG’s work, the context of it, and the challenges they face on a daily basis.
They are all heroes, and I will miss them.
~ Fiona Gunn
Thank you Fiona!
Fiona – we are all extremely grateful for the commitment you’ve shown to Femili PNG’s services, and for the kindness and support you’ve offered to everyone on our team. We can’t wait to see where you go and what you do next, and hope you enjoy every minute of it.
