- anon
(Hmm … great to know that our efforts are so appreciated by so many of
you!)
Once again, something different this year. We set a new record in terms of attendance. We also had more first-time attendees and more international visitors than ever before. More fun, more frivolity and more sing-alongs. With the kind support of the Westpac Pacific Banking group and the NSW Staff Club, we were able to stage a bigger, better and more varied function. The memorabilia table was there as usual, but we dispensed with the PNG Quiz this year .… because the undoubted highlight was our special ‘catch him unawares’ presentation:
“Peter Sloane – This is your life”
It had it all, the young bushy-tailed youngster who arrived in “The Territory” and who matured into…….well….the Sloaney we know and love. Along the way, Peter Sloane made a stack of mates and helped keep the fledgling SP Brewery afloat. When he finally returned to Australia, he kicked off the very first PNG Reunion all those years ago. This was Peter Sloane’s story, captured, in picture and word. Our guest MC arrived unannounced with the outside broadcast unit, a television crew and the bright lights to capture each embarrassing moment on video. Every facet of Sloaney’s life was put on public display. We laughed, cried, but mostly cringed as we listened to the amazing tale of the mortgage given by a young Max Carrick to an older, wiser, Peter Sloane, over certain parts of his anatomy and how the release was eventually transacted - ouch! By the time Peter was presented with his “Go Pinis” pewter mug, there was not a dry eye in the place …. and the pewter remained full all night.
And after all this, the food, beer and wine still flowed. The food eventually finished - but not the drinks.
It was about then that the singing and tall-tales really kicked up a notch. Some people stayed on for hours at the Function Centre and at the club premises downstairs; some moved onto Star City Casino, while the sensible people went home! It truly was a night to remember.
The Committee
Last
updated 6th June 2003