Ex Kiap Event in Woodend, Queensland
On 09 November last year (2024) about 35 former kiaps and family and friends gathered at the Victoria Hotel in Woodend to share memories of a past life in Papua New Guinea.
Attendees came from all the Eastern states including Tasmania and South Australia. Several of those attending met colleagues they had not seen for decades.
The most senior kiap present was Chris Warrillow, 1959 vintage, and he caught up with Max Heggen who 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 has to ask – where did those decades go !!! Also attending was Rick Nehmy who was back in Moresby from December 2004 to September and sent regular articles for KUNDU.
Many thanks to Phil and Elza for organising another very enjoyable gathering at Woodend. Chris and Deryck.
Images were provided by Deryck Thompson.
Roger Coles and Jonathan Halls
Max Heggen, Ruth Lermond, Samantha Larkin, Lyn Richardson and Terry Larkin
Paul Greblo, Guy and Terry Jeffries, Doug, Dalgleish, Jeff Van Oosterwijck
Terry Jeffries, Deryck Thompson, Guy Jeffries, Phil Browne, Jeff Van Oosterwijck, Doug Dalgleish and Daniel McKenna
Rick Nehmy and Dave Young
Sue and Peter Hurn, Shirlee and John Reid
Deryck Thompson, Guy Jeffries and Phil Browne
Dave Agg and Bob Lachal
Bill Paterson, Lois Logan and Jill Paterson
Carol and Bob Lachal and Deryck Thompson
Daniel McKenna, Rick Nehmy, Bill Sanders and Paul Fearman
Elza Marais Strydom, Deryck Thompson and Chris Warrillow
