50th Anniversary of the Disbandment of PNGVR. 1973-2023
Following the Association AGM and an hour to view the museum exhibits, 46 people attended a lunch at the Everyman’s Hut in the Museum Precinct at Wacol to remember the 50th Anniversary of the disbandment of PNGVR in 1973.
Association President Phil Ainsworth welcomed all and gave a short address on the formation and history of the PNGVR.
Then, on behalf of the Patron, Phil presented Robin and Steve Milner with the Patron’s medal for their excellent maintenance of the Museum precinct and their assistance to and co-operation with our Association whenever we are in the precinct. They ensure our Museum building is well looked after and well presented.
Lunch was served and between the main course and sweets a number of ex PNGVR members gave a short address to the assembled on their experiences in PNGVR.
· Peter Rogers DFC—Integration
· Colin Gould MBE—Father and Son in the PNGVR.
· Paul Brown—How he came to join the PNGVR
· Mike Griffin—The University Platoon
· Bob Collins—Co-operation between PNGVR and the civilian population, Police, Cadets and Calaboose.
· Glen O’Brien—a number of amusing incidents in his time with PNGVR.
· Phil Ainsworth—Serious incidents during training.
Then it was on to coffee and camaraderie until slowly, everyone drifted off, having had a great get together once again.
Once again the caterers provided an excellent meal.
Our thanks go to the National Servicemen’s Association for the use of the Everyman’s hut on the day and for their assistance with food and drink. Congratulations of Paul Brown, Colin Gould MBE, Kieran Nelson and other Committee members for their organisation of the lunch and their efforts in making sure the day ran smoothly.
The Welcoming address by President, Phil Ainsworth, and the addresses given by Mike Griffin - PNGVR University Platoon and Bob Collins - PNGVR and co-operation with other organisations and civilians in PNG can be viewed below.
| Welcoming Address. 50th_Anniversary of the Disbandment of PNGVR |
| PNGVR University Platoon story. |
| Address October 2023 - co-operation. |
The Museum precinct looked great on the day. The Everyman's Hut on Right of photo.
President Phil Ainsworth welcoming guests. L-R. Steve Ford, President of Forest Lake RSL, Phil Ainsworth, Sharon Ford, Alex Garlin (NSAAQ)
The Head Table. Andrea Williams, PNGAA, Steve Ford, Phil Ainsworth, Association President, Sharon Ford, Alex Garlin.
Mal Zimmerman saying Grace in Pidgin.
Robin and Steve Milner being presented with the Patron's Medal by President, Phil Ainsworth.
Peter Rogers giving address - Integration.
Paul Brown giving address. How he came to join PNGVR.
Mike Griffin giving address - The University Platoon, PNGVR.
Bob Collins giving address - Co-operation between PNGVR and the civilian population, Police, Cadets and Calaboose.
Glen O'Brien speaking on a number of amusing incidents in his time in PNGVR.
Fran and Doug Ng.
Sarah Weight, Wendi Ng, Ainslie Ng. These ladies were a tremendous assistance with the serving of nibbles, table clearing etc.
Elaine Glover and Leigh Eastwood. Elaine was recovering from a recent fall.
Mrs Shorthouse and Kerry Glover.
Kevin Shorthouse AM. OL. and his wife.
Mal and Marie Zimmerman, Joyce McGrade.
Susie Rogers and Bob Collins.
Frank Kummer, Paul Brown, Alex Kummer.
Jessica Harrington, Ron MacDonald, Peter Rogers (the younger).
Gerry McGrade, Lucy Junker
Frank Kummer, Paul Brown, Kieran Nelson standing.
Chaplain Ron MacDonald saying a closing prayer.
