Josephine Pacey

Sir Brian Bell, an icon of the PNG business community, has been honoured with an award for professional excellence by the Queensland University of Technology.

The ceremony, held at the Brisbane Exhibition and Convention Centre, recognised past QUT graduates who have contributed exceptional community, professional, academic or research achievements.

Sir Brian was honoured with a Special Excellence Award to recognise his exceptional achievements since graduating in 1948 with a Diploma in Pharmacy from QUT’s predecessor Central Technical College.

He moved to Port Moresby in 1954 as pharmaceutical chemist in the Bulk Medical Store and soon after established PNG’s first electrical retail outlet. The business expanded into department stores, home centres, chemicals, cleaning products and industrial equipment.

Sir Brian is Chairman and managing director of the Brian Bell group of companies, the largest business of its kind in PNG, generating annual revenues of K253 million and employing 1,300 people.

The award also recognises Sir Brian’s generous philanthropy. He is a prominent benefactor of the Port Moresby General Hospital (of which he is chairman), the Salvation Army, the Red Cross and Port Moresby City Mission.

Sir Brian was knighted for his outstanding community service in PNG and has also been awarded high honours by Norway and Sweden for his service as their Honorary Consul General in PNG.

Josephine Pacey is Alumni Events Coordinator at the Queensland University of Technology