Yoka and husband Willem Van den Brink, have called Australia home for more than four decades and, along with other family members Michael, Stephen and Mark, decided to put their boat to good use.

They are on their way to Port Vila, Vanuatu, to help distribute aid to those less fortunate and in need.

Crystal Jane’s was built by Willem in Melbourne. He began in 1993 and the boat launched in 1999.

“We came from Port Stephens. We are heading off to Gladstone soon and then we will go to Vanuatu,” Yoka explained. 

“We work together with an organisations called Liberty for the Nations. After Vanuatu was hit with a cyclone a lot of things were ruined.

“They have needed at least 26 containers in the last two years. We will meet them at Port Vila, and distribute the contents of one of the containers there to the people of Vanuatu.”

Those contents include mostly be building material and clothing.

“We wanted to help because they really need help and it’s a great feeling to give to others,” she said. 

“There are so many people these days that only think about themselves, and I think it is very important to give back to the community.”

They have some adjustments to make to the ship and are hopeful of staying in Port Macquarie for a couple of days before departing.