Congratulations to Order of Malta Australia member Alastair Furnival, who was awarded the Malteser International Medal of Merit in Silver during the 13th Order of Malta Asia-Pacific Conference, held in Singapore last week.

Awarded only on the most exceptional occasions, the Malteser International Medal of Merit in Silver recognises extraordinary dedication and impact in humanitarian service.

Alastair has been operating in the Pacific Islands for over 13 years and in 2019, he was appointed CEO of the Order’s clinic in Dili, Timor-Leste, at a time when the clinic was just two years old and facing significant challenges. Since then, Alastair has made around 30 trips to Dili, working tirelessly to strengthen operations, develop sustainable management practices, and build a dedicated team of 14 staff—whose morale, professionalism, and passion for service are now hallmarks of the clinic’s success.

Today, the clinic provides medical care to over 1,000 patients each month, with an additional 200 patients served through its mobile outreach program.

It is worth noting that Alastair’s position as CEO is entirely voluntary, and all his travel is self-funded—a true reflection of his unwavering dedication to the Order’s mission of serving those most in need.

Thanks to Alastair’s faithful response to God’s call to serve, the clinic has become what the Grand Magistry has fittingly described as “the jewel of the Pacific.”