The purpose of their itinerary was to tour the villages where 40 water tanks, many financed by people in Inverell, have been built by donations organised by Rosemary. The tanks have transformed the lives of residents living in arid and difficult conditions.

Growing up across the road from Rosemary, Laura, 26,  now works with a Queensland organisation which delivers full-time early intervention for children with autism.

She said the invitation to Myanmar fulfilled a long-term desire.

“I’ve always wanted go and be a part of the foreign aid that Ro is always a part of. She is involved in so many different charities and it’s always inspired me.”

The trip exceeded Laura’s expectations.

“It was inspiring. In certain points it was confronting to see what the conditions of some people in the world are living with, but also to see such a strong message of hope and community,” Laura said.

“What Ro has done, is not just a physical tank, providing water to thousands of people in the dry region in central Myanmar, but also it proved hope and a sense of ownership.

“Not only is it providing water, but it’s providing jobs for local labourers, and carpenters; it’s feeding the economy with all the suppliers of cement and all the resources and materials that they need to make the tanks; and also a sense of ownership in the community when they’re actually building it, and achieving it and reaping the benefits.”

The 3000 and 5000 gallon tanks serve nearly 8500 people in communities and schools, and many have fresh, collected rainwater for the first time. Laura witnessed the quality of water that communities had been using, and the lengths taken to obtain it.

“So before the tanks were built, most of the people would walk very long distances, often hours and hours, with yokes, or oxen and cart to the local village to a tube well. Although it’s water, the salt levels are really quite high. Or they would go to the local lake.” 

She described the conditions of these bodies of water, where residents not only drew drinking water, but used the lake for laundry and bathing as so poor she would not wish it on her worst enemy.

“It’s hard to fathom and explain to people just how filthy the water was that they were drinking. For me, that was probably the most confronting.”

The attitude of the villagers and children made an impression on Laura.

“Although they’re living in these conditions, they are the most beautiful, optimistic, grateful people I’ve ever met. So it gives you a whole new perspective on life.”

Laura knew about the tank project setting out on the trip, but once on the ground, she decided to provide a community with a tank herself.

“I didn’t have a true understanding of the impact until I really saw it for myself. I think it’s just a basic life essential; water is the basis of life and that everyone should have the opportunity to have access to clean water.” 

“Building one tank is just a start. One tank is a whole village.”

Rosemary and Laura have recently received word that six new tanks had been built. 

“Ro’s goal is 100 and I hope to see that happen very soon,” Laura said.

She indicated that the trip opened a door to future visits and opportunities to make a change in countries in need.

“I wouldn’t even think twice about it,” Laura said.

“Ro is one person and I I’ve seen first hand what one person can do.”

She spoke of one person Rosemary has worked closely with, Saya Toe, who delivers the tanks and employs a team to make them.

“He’s got it down to a fine art that they can build a tank from start to finish in five days, and it costs $1000 which is really nothing is it in the scheme of things?

“When you look at the longevity and the life that it’s giving to villages, it’s nothing to us, but everything to them.”