Chatswood Catch-Up

18 November 2024

Attending the latest PNGAA Catch-Up were Warren Martin, Wendy Smith, Greg Corner,  Ros & John Godlee, Steven Gagau, Peter & Lucille Stace and Roy Ranney.

It’s an informal social gathering at the Chatswood Bowling Club in Sydney which kindly offers the venue at no cost to the group. 

Members attending the November Catch-Up at Chatswood, Sydney

This gathering is held once a quarter on the third Monday of the month. It is a small gathering with attendees bringing their own coffee/nibbles, so there is no cost involved nor is there an agenda.

Usually between four and ten people turn up. It is very low-key, but everyone is made welcome. If getting to the venue isn’t too onerous a drive, please consider it for 2025. Roy Ranney usually promotes the date on the PNGAA Facebook site and in newsletters.

PNGAA Sydney Christmas Gathering

8 December 2024

Celebrating Christmas at the PNGAA Sydney Luncheon

Thirteen PNGAA members gathered on Sunday, 8 December, at the Norths Collective (previously known as North Sydney Leagues Club). We all ordered our own meals and beverages, and I believe everyone found the venue acceptable. It offers outside parking and a multi-level undercover parking so it’s a useful venue for future occasions. 

Those attending include Greg Corner, Lisa Bleijee x3, Wendy Smith, Janice Iredale, Peter and Jeanne Barr, Rod Miller, John Notley, Jane Rybarz and Roy Ranney. Thanks everyone for turning up!

Andrew Cadden

Victoria Ex-Kiap Gathering

9 November 2024

Thirty-five former kiaps with their families and friends gathered at the Victoria Hotel in Woodend to share memories of a past life in Papua New Guinea. Attendees came from all of the eastern states including Tasmania and South Australia. Several of those attending met colleagues they had not seen for decades. 

(L-R) Deryck Thompson, Guy Jeffries and Phil Browne

The most senior kiap present was Chris Warrillow of 1959 vintage, who caught up with Max Heggen whom he had last seen on Bougainville in 1969. Deryck Thompson, Guy Jeffries and Phil Browne were on the last intake of Australian patrol officers in February 1972, and this was the first time they had met together since then. Yes, one should ask—where did those decades go!!!

Also attending was Rick Nehmy who was back in Port Moresby from December 2004 to September 2006 and sent regular articles to the journal then known as Una Voce.

Many thanks to Phil and Elza for organising another very enjoyable gathering at Woodend.

Chris Warrillow & Deryck Thompson

PNGAA WA Lunch

Upcoming lunch planned for 23 May 2025 at the RAAFA Club, Bull Creek from 11.30am.

Canberra Christmas Luncheon – 14 December 2024

This was yet again another success.

Dr Theresa Meki from ANU (photo courtesy ANU)

This event provided a platform for informative discussions and drew attention to the need to preserve and recognise Papua New Guinea’s cultural heritage.  A big thanks to Courabyra Wines for supplying two bottles of their award-winning wines and to all of you for your active participation and support.  With two speakers, the gathering was very informative.

Deveni Temu and
Keimelo Gima

Deveni Temu spoke about his work in restoring the Hugh Stevenson Collection of over 200 contemporary paintings,
60-plus sculptures and several artefacts held at the Michael Somare Library of the University of Papua New Guinea in Port Moresby which are in desperate need of proper curatorial care and space for display.  Our other speaker was called to Melbourne at the last minute but, with the wonders of modern technology, we connected by Zoom with Dr Theresa Meki from ANU, who enlightened us on the work being carried out in getting women from PNG recognised
in the PNG Dictionary of Biography. An initiative aimed at celebrating and documenting the less popular nation-builders of Papua New Guinea.

Another guest was Keimelo Gima from the University of PNG, who was interested in the rich oral histories he heard during the afternoon.
JOHN REEVES

Some of the group at the Canberra luncheon (Photos courtesy of John Reeves)