Christmas Luncheon Sydney - 2017 with Sir Michael Somare

The Papua New Guinea Association of Australia (PNGAA) invited Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare GCL GCMG CH CF SSI KSG PC MP to be our guest at the annual Christmas luncheon on Sunday 3 December 2017 in Sydney. Sir Raymond Thurecht OBE travelled to Sydney to attend with Sir Michael. 135 people attended the special lunch. Sir Michael renewed acquaintances with people he had known pre-Independence and who were instrumental in the changeover of government from Australia to PNG in the lead up to 1975. He also renewed acquaintances with old friends and met current Australians and Papua New Guineans living in Sydney and surrounds who retain close connections with a land that is close to their hearts.

Ross and Pat Johnson took along a photo collage which included a wonderful photo of the young Michael Somare, a photo of Pagei Patrol Post near Wewak and a photo of some of the members and staff of PNG’s 2nd House of Assembly Select Committee on Constitutional Development. It was a happy day celebrating our two countries.

Photos with thanks to Alistair Where, Roger Caroll and Yana Di Pietro.

A young Michael Somare

Pagei Station- West Sepik

Early days

Early days

Early days

Some of the Members & Staff of the 2nd House of Assembly

Sir Michael in front of the Original PNG Flag

PNGAA Merchandise on Display

Sir Michael & Liz & Greg Corner

Sir Michael, Kylie Adams-Collier & Sumasy Singin

Ross Johnson, Sara Turner, Andrea Williams, Sir Michael Yana Di Pietro, Murrough Benson & Doug Wood

PNGAA Committee: Ross Johnson, Sara Turner, Andrea Williams, Sir Michael Somare, Steven Gagau, Yana di Pietro, Murrough Benson and Doug Wood

Andrea Williams, Julianne Ross Allcorn, Amanda Watson and Rebecca Hopper

Ross Johnson & Sir Michael

Quentin Anthony and Sir Michael

Sumsay Singin

Sumsay Singin with Sir Ramon Thurecht

Yana Di Pietro & Sir Michael

Jennifer Gagau, Sara Turner, Yana Di Pietro & Steven Gagau

Yana Di Pietro, Sir Michael, Kylie Adams-Collier & Sumasy Singin

Sumasy Singin & Robin Mead

Sara Turner, Sir Michael, Jane Turner & Roger Carroll

Doug welcomes Sir Michael Somare

Doug Wood & Sir Michael Somare

Sir Michael speaking

Sir Michael speaking

Sir Michael speaking

Sara speaking

Mary Singin & Steven Gagau

Silent Auction

Silent Auction

Sara Turner, Sir Michael Somare, Roger Carroll and Jane Turner

Patron Fred Kaad OBE and Sir Michael Somare

Gaynor, Fred Kaad and Sir Michael

Sir Michael

Sir Michael with Rob Hicks

Sir Michael with Amanda Watson

SIr Ramon Thurecht, Sumsay and Sir Michael

PNGAA Christmas Lunch 2017

PNGAA Christmas Lunch 2017