Nathan Cleary is launching a $5 million free medical outreach program in Papua New Guinea and underprivileged Australian communities.
In an inspiring move that blends humanitarian outreach with community leadership, NRL superstar Nathan Cleary has announced the launch of a $5 million free medical outreach program set to run from July 1 to July 11, 2025. The initiative will deliver life-changing healthcare services to underserved communities in Papua New Guinea and disadvantaged areas across Australia.
According to the official statement released by the Cleary Foundation, the campaign aims to reach over 500 individuals with services ranging from general medical screenings and health education to more complex surgical procedures and essential medications. The initiative will be executed in partnership with a network of volunteer Australian and PNG-based doctors, nurses, and public health workers.
This is about giving back to the people who inspire us through their resilience and strength,” Cleary said at the press conference held at Penrith Stadium. “Health is a basic right, not a privilege. If I can use my platform and resources to help just one family avoid unnecessary suffering, then it’s worth every cent and second.”
A Mission Rooted in Empathy
Although Nathan Cleary is not of Papua New Guinean descent, he has long been vocal about his admiration for the nation’s vibrant rugby culture and the spirit of its people. His earlier visit to PNG for an NRL community event reportedly left a lasting impact on him. It was then that he witnessed first-hand the healthcare struggles faced by rural and remote populations.
The initiative’s Australia component will focus on indigenous and low-income communities in Western Sydney and parts of rural New South Wales, areas where healthcare access remains a challenge despite urban proximity.
A 10-Day Health Blitz
The 10-day outreach will kick off in Port Moresby, where a temporary mobile clinic will be set up with local partners. From there, a team of 50 medical professionals will rotate through clinics and outreach posts across selected PNG provinces and later return to Australia to complete the campaign.
Services will include:
General health check-ups
Pediatric and maternal care
Minor and major surgical interventions
Vision and dental screenings
Distribution of essential medications and health supplies
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