A Vision for Lasting Change

While Nick has spent years visiting Vanuatu through his mission work, Pacific Blueprint represents the brothers’ shared vision: to combine deep community knowledge with professional experience and networks to create lasting, meaningful change.

“Vanuatu is a beautiful location filled with positive, resilient ni-Vanuatu people with an incredibly rich cultural heritage,” says Andrew. “Their positivity is quite remarkable once you understand the amount of exploitation, poverty, and hardship that they endure. Education is not free and is a significant issue. Environmental catastrophes are common, providing basic medical needs is a challenge, and for many ni-Van people being able to access clean drinking water and basic sanitation is unachievable. These issues are just the tip of the iceberg.

“Our early thinking was that if we apply our commercial and management ‘know how’ to Pacific Blueprint’s operations, and utilise our networks, we can provide even greater opportunities and assistance to vulnerable ni-Van communities,” Andrew explains.

At the heart of Pacific Blueprint’s vision is a simple yet powerful philosophy: "Charity with dignity.” Every initiative, from funding school fees for children to installing life-saving water filters, is designed to create sustainable impact. “For about $80, we can source, install and provide a family with a water filter which will provide clean drinking water for about ten years. This prevents a lot of illness and saves lives,” explains Andrew. “Or if we can get just one child into school, that breaks a cycle for them, for their children, and their children thereafter. We believe starting with individual change creates change in the community.

“We are supporting people and communities who are our friends. For them, their pikinini’s (children), and extended families and communities, they simply don’t have the opportunities that we have. While the need is immeasurable, we are not overwhelmed with the enormity of poverty but rather keep moving forward one step at a time. Each small step takes us closer to achieving our goal of creating generational change.”

Creating a Positive Impact

Pacific Blueprint’s early projects are already making a difference with initiatives such as school fee sponsorships, clean water access, school infrastructure improvements, and employment opportunities, all run directly by ni-Vanuatu people.

“There are many stories, but I have my favourites, like the story of Florence,” says Andrew. “We received $15,000 funding from Thrive Advice, a regional accounting firm, to start a community school in Florence’s community. She now manages the entire project. The renovations for the Tomasavot Community School are now underway and the school will hopefully commence later in the year.

“Or the story of Sam, who lived in a small shed with several other men with little to no chance of employment or prospects. He is now employed with Nick and helps out with Big Island Adventures which provides tourist activities for the benefit of the charity. He also helps out with youth projects.

“Or Jamie, who suffered a minor sporting injury as a youth but because of the lack of treatment has a major disability and is permanently on crutches. We employed him to do youth work with us and he inspires school students and other youths with his story. His impact is extraordinary as while many young people may not have a clear path or see a way forward in life, when they see what Jamie has achieved, it is inspirational.”

Building Foundations for the Future

Recognising the important work Pacific Blueprint is doing, FDC is proudly supporting the charity through a dollar-matching campaign, committing up to $10,000 to help extend the charity’s reach. And for Andrew, the support from FDC means more than just financial backing.

“I have had a relationship with FDC for more than 10 years and they are the most ‘giving’ organisation I’ve come across in my career, by some distance,” he says. “In the time I’ve known the FDC team, the business has grown considerably, and it’s certainly no surprise. I’ve often said someone needs to write a case study about FDC’s culture. There is an extraordinary retention of people within the business, no doubt due to a leadership team committed to their clients, their people and genuinely helping others.”

As FDC celebrates 35 years, the partnership with Pacific Blueprint is a reminder of the power of connection, and that by continuing to build meaningful relationships, we can help shape a better future for generations to come.

To learn more about Pacific Blueprint or make a contribution, visit pacificblueprint.com.au

Celebrating 35 Years + Counting.