For the past 20 years, Palladium has committed 1.5 percent of its profit before tax to global giving platform “Let’s Make it Possible.” Through this platform and in partnership with the Kyeema Foundation, Palladium funds humanitarian relief efforts to respond to disasters.

Yule Island, located just off the coast of Papua New Guinea’s National Capital District, is home to around 2,000 people across four clan groups. Despite its proximity to the mainland, the island has long faced challenges accessing essential services. Climate change and environmental degradation—particularly saltwater inundation and erosion—have forced several villages to relocate. Combined with limited water, sanitation, and hygiene infrastructure, these challenges have significantly impacted the community’s health and well-being.

For years, women and children have borne the brunt of the island’s water crisis. Collecting water means long, physically demanding walks to distant water sources, often carrying heavy containers over considerable distances. Poor water access also contributed to hygiene and sanitation challenges, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases.  But with support from the Palladium Our Communities Fund, the Yule Island Water Project has helped change that reality, bringing clean, accessible water closer to home.

A Community Mobilized

The Yule Island Water project focused on improving water infrastructure by installing additional water tanks, laying poly pipes, and creating new collection points. The goal was simple: reduce the time and effort required to access clean water while improving overall hygiene and sanitation for communities.

From the very beginning, the Yule Island Water Project was driven by the dedication and hard work of the local community. Volunteers came together to dig trenches, transport heavy equipment, and carefully install the new water system. Their tireless efforts led to significant improvements: previously underserved areas now benefit from a steady water flow, reaching nearly 1,000 residents; thirteen households gained access to running showers and flushing toilets, transforming sanitation conditions; three new water collection points drastically cut down the distance women and children must travel to fetch water; and two additional water tanks expanded storage capacity, ensuring a more reliable and consistent water supply for the island. Through their collective action, the community has not only improved its infrastructure but also strengthened its resilience and self-sufficiency.

"This project is a perfect example of how local communities can take ownership of critical infrastructure when given the right support," says Sinéad Magill, Palladium’s co-CEO. "We’re not just providing clean water; we’re helping empower communities to sustain and manage these improvements long-term."

Transforming Daily Life

The impact of these changes goes far beyond convenience. For women, easier access to water means fewer injuries, less time spent carrying heavy loads, and more opportunities for income-generating activities, caregiving, and community engagement.

For children, no longer having to accompany their mothers on long water-fetching trips means more time for education, play, and rest. With better sanitation and hygiene, the risk of waterborne diseases is also expected to decline, improving overall health outcomes across the island.

Community Ownership for Lasting Impact

The success of the Yule Island Water Project is a testament to the power of collaboration. Thanks to the support of the Palladium Our Communities Fund, Yule Island families now have a healthier and more secure future – one where access to clean water is no longer a daily struggle, but a given right.

Perhaps the most significant outcome of the Yule Island Water Project is the sense of ownership and pride it has instilled in the community.

"This is about more than infrastructure – it’s about sustainability," adds Magill. "The community has been engaged from day one, which means they have the knowledge and skills to maintain these systems for years to come."

Thanks to the support of the Palladium Our Communities Fund, Yule Island families now have the resources they need to build a healthier, more resilient future. Clean water is no longer a distant necessity – it’s a foundation for better health, improved livelihoods, and a stronger community.