Mr John Lawrence, Craig’s father, said this week that Craig, an economist, is presently working for the government there on infrastructure development and that he noticed that the national team was very short of the proper equipment to play the sport.

Mr Lawrence said that some players were playing in bare feet as they could not afford to buy boots. Boots there cost about two weeks wages.

He said his son had been working with the Queensland government and was contracted by the Solomon Islands government for 18 months to assist them with infrastructure development. He has about 12 months to go on his contract. 

The government minister he is working for is also the country’s national soccer coach.

Mr Lawrence said that when Craig, 45, came home recently he mentioned this lack of equipment at his church and church members and Craig donated the money to buy the equipment.

Craig finished school in Harden in 1987. 

Mr Lawrence, who lives in Canberra, said he returns to Harden regularly as his mother is a resident at the St Lawrence Apartments.

He also praised the town for its streetscape beautification project, saying it was a great improvement for the town.