Bob Lawrence will speak about his recent book, ‘A Short History of the Pacific Islands Monthly Magazine’, known as ‘the Pacific bible’, which covered PNG and Pacific affairs for 70 years from 1930 until its sudden demise in 2000.

Bob was an ABC news journalist seconded to the National Broadcasting Commission in PNG in the 1970s.

His history of the magazine includes the story of the famed PIM Lunch where Pacific parliamentarians, planters, journalists and others regularly dined with the PIM editorial staff.

The PIM Lunch remains to this day, and Bob is one of its most enthusiastic epicureans and wine aficionados. Bob will share stories of famous Pacific people and places from the pages of the late lamented Pacific ‘tell all’ publication.

Contemporary PNG artist Lesley Wengembo was born in Goroka and raised in Port Moresby.

A Lesley Wengembo portrait

He began painting in 2012 when he followed his mum to a monthly craft market and saw the work of the late Martin Morobubuna, which had a great influence on him.

Lesley’s says his stunning portraits and landscapes connect him to his culture and his Papua New Guinean identity. He understands that having a gift comes with great responsibility, humility and commitment.

Lesley is currently studying fine art in Sydney to gain more knowledge with a dream that one day he can help PNG create an art movement of international significance.