2001 Official Report
Well its over for another year...... and what a night it was. Singing, dancing, cavorting and a darn good time.
The reunion wasn't bad either!!
Seriously though folks, a record number of attendees made it along to the 2001 ex-PNG Reunion at the NSW Bowlers Club in York Street Sydney. It really was a night to remember. We had visitors from all over, including a really good roll-up of interstate visitors, especially from WA. We even had John Locke who flew down from PNG and Steve Mulligan from Tonga.
This year, we had a first, when we were blessed with the company of the PNG High Commissioner - Renagi Lohia who entertained us richly with his insights and his singing!
Interspersed with fine food, lashings of drink and great company we also had:-
The memorabilia table which included
carvings, tee shirts, newspapers, photo's etc. to remind us of 'the way we
were'.
The PNG Quiz (which once again proved
that the years and alcohol really are knocking a lot of you about).
A video running in the background
(bringing back memories without ever becoming intrusive).
A sing-along at the end of the night.
Shakeys Tours (apres function, for those
who really don't know when its time to go home).
And the verdict ...... a hoot, an absolute hoot!
This year for the 1st time we held a 2nd event – a "recovery BBQ" on the following day – Saturday 15 September at the Kokoda Trail Memorial Park, Concord. The event was aimed at giving those that had travelled from country NSW, interstate and overseas something extra to make their trip worthwhile and a chance to further catch up with those we may have missed the previous evening. While only approx. 30 attended the BBQ, which was a good role up for the 1st time, everyone enjoyed themselves and thought the idea was great and should continue as an annual event.
The BBQ was totally "BYO" and was open to families, including children. We now plan to continue this event annually on the Saturday following the Reunion dinner and hope that as the word spreads, more Westpac/Wales ex PNG staff will be able to attend. Attendance at the dinner is not a prerequisite for the BBQ and if unable to attend the Friday night dinner, this will be an additional event that you can come along too and catch up with "old" friends.
While you’re here in our WEB site why not have a look at the reunion photos featuring both the Friday night dinner and Saturday BBQ.
For those of you who couldn't be at either the reunion dinner and or recovery BBQ in 2001, start planning. In 2002, its your turn. For those of you who haven't been able to get to one of these functions, you will be amazed at how much fun you can have swapping stories about a time when you looked so much better, but behaved so much worse.
Put this date in your diary NOW and speak to that 'special someone' in your life. Explain that you just HAVE to be there next year at the 2002 Reunion Dinner on Friday evening 13 September and the Recovery BBQ on Saturday 14 September 2002. For those of you who are superstitious and are concerned about "Black Friday", forget it. The Black Saturday headaches are what you really have to worry about!
Remember, that "special someone" is also welcome, its always good to have someone there to keep you from playing up too much.
We will be sending out further electronic "flyers" and advices early in the new year and you can also stay abreast by watching this WEB site. We reckon that the numbers we had this year were just about right, which means that in 2002 it will, once again, be a matter of "first in, with the money". So don’t miss out, get your acceptances and money in early.
Start planning now and see you in 2002
The Committee
Last
updated 4th June 2003