PNGAA’s 75th Anniversary Lunch, Brisbane, 8 August 2026
PNGAA’s celebration at the Ship Inn, Brisbane, for its 75th anniversary luncheon on 8 August 2026, was another tremendously successful and enjoyable day organized by Brisbane member, Belinda Macartney, with support from former editor, Christine Leonard, and a team of helpers! It included guest speaker, international cocoa marketing expert and author, Grant Vinning, who surprised guests with a delicious chocolate tasting.
Which chocolate? Only the best, he told guests - from Bougainville!
Since 2016 Grant has coordinated the judges at the annual Bougainville Chocolate Festival.
Grant began his 70 year connection with the Pacific when his parents moved to Lae in 1954. He later lived in three Pacific countries. His career took him through the Pacific, working to improve the income of agricultural producers by improving the marketing of their products.
Grant has also researched a century of plantations in PNG. His talk was entertaining, fascinating and greatly enjoyed.
Special guests were the energetic PNG Consul-General, Reatau Rau, and Susan Rau, who shared some thoughtful words with guests, including the significance of bringing our community together.
CG Rau acknowledged PNGAA’s lengthy commitment in connecting people and generations, and to retaining and building the ongoing shared story.
CG and Mrs Rau are wonderful representatives for PNG, and members enjoyed the opportunity to meet them.
Storyteller and artist Grim Jordan kindly and generously donated a special print of the Lesser Bird of Paradise which has gone to a welcoming home. Jordan showcased a couple of his spectacular paintings at the lunch and was asked to share a few words about this special past year, a highlight of which was meeting His Royal Highness Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh, on his visit to honour PNG Independence. Jordan was impressed with the Prince’s knowledge about PNG’s birds and animals whilst they discussed his artworks.
A slideshow from the Paspaley’s Pearl Expedition Cruises circumnavigation of New Britain last November added colour and interest to the day, with a reminder from Andrea Williams that Pearl is donating 10% of each PNG booking to PNGAA’s education program.
Friendships were renewed and new friends met at the lunch.
Thank you to PNGAA Management Committee members Phil Ainsworth - also President NGVR/PNGVR Ex members Association, and Jane Rybarz for attending.
PNGAA’s Treasurer, Jane Rybarz, met up with a family friend from Lae in the 60s, Judith Brady, and also the delightful Derek Brown with whom she had been in touch with whilst writing the book ‘The District Commissioner’, to be released soon.
Bronwyn Vickers invited friends, the Hassett’s, not seen for many years. Bron also brought along a photo of them together in a canoe, taken in 1964 at Boroi Village, north of Bogia. A reminder of the camaraderie and resilience of outstation life then, and the opportunity to bring memories and generations of friends who shared extraordinary lives, together through the PNGAA.
Belinda Macartney and her amazing team - Chris, Jess, Erica, Ally, Rowena and Rosalie did it again on Saturday 8 August 2026 at PNGAA’s luncheon celebrating its 75th anniversary! Thank you! And special thanks to all who attended. What a cracker of a day!
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