This photo was taken in a Sydney hotel in 1962. The relaxed youths are Cadet Education Officers of the ASOPA Class of 1961-62. They are soon to be despatched to various parts pf Papua New Guinea. Where beer will be harder to acquire. And more expensive. From the left, these young lions are Allyn Hicks, Allen West, Peter Stuckey, Ron Antoine, Rod Andrews, Peter Sealy and Leo Carroll.

The photo on the right was taken 45 years later, in 2007, during an ASOPA reunion at a leafy retreat in the Gold Coast hinterland. With the exception of Allyn Hicks, the line up is the same as in 1962. As is the enjoyment of a cold South Pacific beer.

Photos: David Keating, reunion convenor, ASOPA Class of 1961-62