I am a proud Kiwi who has married an Australian (Trans Tasman sport viewing is entertaining!) and I live on the beautiful island of Espiritu Santo (Santo) Vanuatu with my husband and our two children.

I first came to Vanuatu as a VSA volunteer in 2011 as a Waste Management Adviser for the Luganville Municipality and Sanma Provincial Government, and I never left!  After more than three years as a volunteer, I decided to make Vanuatu home. There was so much more work to be done in the area of waste management, but most importantly I could see the potential to assist in building the capacity of the local council staff to help create long term sustainable change.   So, in 2015 I started my own consulting business, where I continued to work with local Councils, Government Departments and NGOS.  I feel really privileged to be able to make a life for my family in Vanuatu and that I have been accepted into the local community.

Whilst living in Santo I have been an active member of the community serving for six years on the Board of ProMedical the local Ambulance service and a Board member for the South Pacific World War II Museum project.

Before volunteering with VSA I worked in New Zealand for Christchurch City Council as a Community Engagement Adviser and for URS. Prior to that I lived and worked in Ireland for RPS Engineers in the Stakeholder Engagement Unit. 

VSA has always been something I wanted to return to when the time was right. I am passionate about developing authentic relationships with local organisations, collaborating with them to develop volunteer assignments that will provide them with opportunities to gain new skills and knowledge and ultimately add value to their wider communities.

VSA Mary OReilly v2