Founder & Athlete
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Scientist, Surfer & Development Coordinator
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Operations, Strategy & Watersports
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Rugby League and Social Impact Development
David Westley David Westley was born in Bai Village, Rabaul. At the age of 8 his family relocated to Cairns, Australia. He began playing football when he was 12, representing local, regional and state teams before being scouted by the Canberra Raiders to play in the NRL while playing in the Queensland U19’s.
In the Australian National Rugby League, David played with the Canberra Raiders, Parramatta Eels and Manly Sea Eagles. For 6 years, David also represented his country internationally as a member of the PNG Kumuls. A highlight of David's time with the Kumuls was taking part in the World Cup where he was selected as a member of the World 13, a team chosen from players of all participating countries. Whilst having a fulfilling career, David was plagued with major knee injuries resulting in early retirement. Since then, David has worked as a Development Officer with Queensland Rugby League and the Australian Rugby League, as a trainer for the SP Hunters and PNG Kumuls and as Head Coach of the PNG Orchids. David is passionate about building the capacity of sportspeople in Papua New Guinea. Throughout his storied professional career in sport, both on and off the field David has accumulated a wealth of knowledge, skills and experience which he is eager to share. |
PNG Education & Operations
Kila Mala Kila runs education operations for Grass Skirt Project in Port Moresby and Papua New Guinea.
For 8 years Kila represented Papua New Guinea internationally in Outrigger Canoeing. After retiring as a competitive athlete, Kila recognised the need for more programs, training and amenity for sports within communities and settlements, including his own village of Hanuabada, NCD. Kila's love of sport has driven him to work in various capacities in, and around, elite sport including coaching, administrative and management roles for team PNG at the 2013 Pacific Mini Games and the 2015, 2019 Pacific Games. Kila was the first Master OSEP educator in PNG and the first to be certified as a member coach of the Australian Strength and Conditioning Association. In 2019, Kila is also undertaking Level 2 ASCA training. He will be the only person in PNG to hold this qualification. This accomplishment will enable him to train and develop other coaches to international standard. With Grass Skirt Project, Kila is developing a prototype for a community-based education and training facility in Hanuabada. This will enable him, and other educators to provide access to life-changing health and wellness messaging, training, coaching, and sporting equipment. |