KEITH migrated with his family from the north of England to Australia in 1949 and grew up on the south coast of New South Wales.
After leaving high school he trained as a teacher at the Australian School of Pacific Administration (ASOPA), arriving in the then Territory of Papua and New Guinea in 1963 at age 18.
His first teaching post was at Kundiawa in the Chimbu region, where he also established a local newsletter, Kundiawa News, and freelanced as a reporter for the Australian Broadcasting Commission.
After three years teaching, he was transferred to Port Moresby as editor of school publications, later joining the ABC to write and produce educational broadcasts.
From there, after two years, he moved to the Government Broadcasting Service, managing radio stations in Rabaul and Bougainville.
Around the time of PNG's independence in 1975, Keith was appointed head of policy and planning of the new National Broadcasting Commission.
Leaving PNG in 1976, he worked in a range of communications development roles for UNESCO in Indonesia, Maldives, India, Philippines and Fiji. Back in Australia he established and managed radio stations 2ARM-FM Armidale and 2SER-FM Sydney.
Keith lectured in mass communication at ASOPA's successor, the International Training Institute, and was appointed Acting Principal before rejoining the ABC as its first General Manager of Corporate Relations, responsible for government, media and community affairs.
He moved to public relations firm Mojo in the late 1980s and soon after, in 1991, established his own communications company. For 20 years Jackson Wells Morris was one of Australia’s leading PR firms. Keith retired from the company in 2012.
Keith has academic credentials in education, a BA in economics and political science from the University of Papua New Guinea and a Graduate Diploma in Management from the University of New England.
He received the PNG Independence Medal in 1976 "for outstanding service" and in 2004 was appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) "for services to management and training in media, communications, non-commercial broadcasting and public relations".
Keith served as inaugural President of the Public Broadcasting Foundation (1983-85), President of the Papua New Guinea Association of Australia (2008-09) and inaugural President of the Rabaul and Montevideo Maru Society (2009-11).
He was an Adjunct Professor in the School of Journalism and Communication at the University of Queensland (2010-14) and is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Management & Leaders (joined 1983), a Fellow of the UK Royal Society of Arts & Commerce (joined 1995) and a Member of the Australian Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance (joined 1972).
Keith was the first Australian executive member of the Issue Management Council (USA) in the late 1990s and a member of the Australian National Commission of UNESCO (1983-85).
He launched the PNG Attitude blog in 2006 to enable Australians and Papua New Guineans to engage in public discussion on political, social, economic and literary matters.
The blog spun off the Crocodile Prize literary awards, Pukpuk Publications (which has published over 50 titles), the McKinnon-Paga Hill Fellowships for writers and the Walk to Equality project, publisher of the first collection of writing by PNG women. All were not-for-profit enterprises.
This photograph shows Keith taking a 'whisper ballot' from a voter during the first PNG general (common roll) election in February 1964. The election patrol of which he was a member trekked through mountainous terrain south of Chuave in the Chimbu region of the Highlands as they gathered votes as part of the massive nationwide operation to bring democratic government to the then Australian territory.
Hi Keith - I'm with the ABC and keen to chat with you about your work, PNG and 50 years of independence if possible. Could you contact me?
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I've been in touch with Kathy - KJ
Posted by: Kathy McLeish | 11 November 2024 at 01:54 PM
I'm getting in touch to confirm whether you received our project plan? I've been following pngattitude.com for a long time and noticed
that you publish a lot of interesting content.
Can I become your sponsor and get a link to my site from the home page of your site and guest post?
My site is on a sports betting / casino theme.
Please let me know if you are interested in a paid collaboration.
In case you have more sites to offer, please send those as well along with the prices.
______
Hi Peter - PNG Attitude doesn't carry advertising or link to commercial sites - KJ
Posted by: Peter Morar | 22 October 2024 at 10:25 PM
Re: Daru / Kiwai Contacts
Thanks so much, Keith. If any readers reach out to you with possible assistance, please feel free to connect.
Posted by: Steve Foley | 11 October 2024 at 05:44 PM
Hi Keith - I was wondering if you could point me in the right direction about contacts on Daru.
I am researching my late great grandmother who appears to have been from Daru Island or Samari village (on Kiwai Island), and possibly spent time at Mibu Plantation.
My late grandfather appears to have been born on Daru (no birth certificate) ~1940 then he and his younger brother and father evacuated to Cairns when the orders were given.
It was my grandfather's dying wish to find out more about his mother, who he didn't have any real information on and never saw again when he left PNG at the age of four.
Hoping to find a contact on the ground at Daru that might be open to doing some paid research on ground if there might be a records office, graves, etc.
Thanks in advance.
_______
Hi Steve - It's part of PNG I've had no real contact with but I know many readers have worked there and a couple still live there. I hope they may be able to assist you - KJ
Posted by: Steve Foley | 08 October 2024 at 06:51 PM
A quick follow up in case you’ve missed my email.
I’m writing to you because I have some really interesting different content ideas that may fit your website's content.
Sports betting/casino is the backlink we need from that content. Are you interested in it if not we may take general links too.
Please give us a chance to coordinate with you in any form, and send me the price.
Significant: On the off chance you have additional sites to the table, kindly send a site list along with costs.
______
Hi Anthony - Thanks for your enquiry but PNG Attitude is not interested in the promotion of gaming - KJ
Posted by: Anthony Green | 30 September 2024 at 09:43 PM
Hi Keith,
You were kind enough to reply to my query about Sonia Grainger a few months ago.
I haven't been able to locate her, but I thought you might enjoy seeing a photo with
her and my parents in it - from their wedding day in December 1967.
Here's a link: https://i.imgur.com/yHU3wXu.jpeg
I believe Dad's best man (to his right with the light hair) might have been a teacher in PNG too.
All the best,
Ray
Posted by: Ray Leungg | 22 September 2024 at 05:47 PM
hi all, I am still working on writing about 1950s-60s patrols in the Bismarck-Scharder ranges. Reports mention from time to time giving 'talks to natives on government intention' and such. I would be very interested on any instructions as to content of such talks were given to Patrol Officers, or any memories of the sort of things said. This was in an area where it was a very early patrol into the area between the first to fifth or so.
Also of course anyone who was PO in that area would be great to contact with.
Warm greetings
Inge
Posted by: Inge Riebe | 26 July 2024 at 04:05 PM
Hello, I am trying to contact Wayne Heathcote for a story; would you be able to put me in touch with him. Your pages are spelndid by the way, I love your website. Thank you in advance; Jane Rankin-Reid
Posted by: Jane Rankin-Reid | 21 July 2024 at 01:38 PM
Dear Keith - I wanted to share some news about my father, Ron Perry.
My dad passed away last Saturday, 13 July 2024, due to complications from pneumonia and Alzheimer's.
He had been in hospice care for the past couple of weeks and passed away peacefully in his sleep.
_______
Dear Scott - On behalf of PNG Attitude readers and myself, let me convey our sadness at Ron's death to you and other family members. Thanks for letting us know - KJ
Posted by: Scott Perry | 18 July 2024 at 04:55 PM
Hi Keith - My father, Rover Leung, went to ASOPA and then taught in various places in PNG.
He met my mother Margaret up there, and they taught together for a time.
I'm wondering if anybody has a contact for, or information about, ASOPA attendee
Sonia Grainger who was one of my mother's bridesmaids.
________
Hi Ray - I was at ASOPA with Sonia, but that was a very long time ago and I have lost contact with her. About 30 years ago, Sonia lived at 28 Cupro Street, Lithgow, NSW. Perhaps a reader has more recent information - KJ
Posted by: Ray Leung | 24 June 2024 at 04:13 PM
Dear Keith - I am working on writing something about B McBride's patrol in Simbai in 1956.
I would like to fill it out with any information about him that is available.
If any one knew him maybe I could correspond with them?
___________
If you can assist Inge with her request, you can contact her at [email protected] - KJ
Posted by: Inge Riebe | 15 June 2024 at 01:32 PM
My name is Kristin Parker and I found your article when I googled 'Suzanne Holman'.
I have an original piece of art painted by Suzanne in 2000 and named 'Venus'. It's in a 83x114 cm frame.
I inherited this from my cousin who was a very close friends of Suzanne. Indeed, after Suzanne's death, my cousin also inherited Suzanne’s teacup chihuahua, Poppy.
I would like to sell this piece and hoped you could assist me please. Perhaps some of the people who knew Suzanne might like to purchase the piece or know someone else who would like to own some of her original art. I'm happy to send you photos of the piece.
I am now based in Orange, NSW, after previously living in Sydney.
Would you be so kind as to email me at the address provided? Thank you in advance for your consideration.
________
Readers who may be interested in buying the painting can get in touch with Kristin through my email here - benelongATbigpond.net.au.
You can read my obituary about Suzanne here: https://www.pngattitude.com/2013/03/artist-suzanne-holman-dies-in-microlight-plane-crash.html
Posted by: Kristin Parker | 10 June 2024 at 05:58 PM
Hi Keith - This is just an update on an old story that has never died, even if many may have thought it had done so.
I am referring to the proposed memorial for the victims of the eruption of Mt Lamington on the 21 January 1951.
For the last 10 years or so a small group has worked on plans to erect a suitable memorial to those Orakavia victims of the eruption.
Money has been raised and promised, plans drawn up and changed and an area of land dedicated and changed for a more suitable memorial site.
Well at last it can be announced that funding is available, plans completed and a site settled on for the proposed memorial.
It is well known that there is the memorial cross at Lamington Memorial Park at Popondetta.
That memorial was put in place in 1952 by the Australian Administration at the time. It lists the names of the European victims on brass plates fixed to the perimeter of the cross.
That memorial is usually found to be in a completely neglected state as the local population have never accepted it as representing the Orokavia victims.
I am pleased now to say that Governor Garry Juffa of Oro (Northern) Province has instructed that funding is approved for the proposed memorial submitted by architect David Gole of Tropical Projects Port Moresby.
David Gole’s wife Mary lost her family in the 1951 eruption.
The original site for the proposed memorial was at Hohorita village near the Popondetta – Kokoda Road. It was later changed to Lamington Memorial Park near the present concrete memorial cross and also the site of a World War II memorial at Popondetta.
It has been a long journey and the number of the original witnesses to the actual eruption reduces every year.
Every year since the eruption in 1951 memorial services have been held in the Oro Province and the day marked by special activities.
We look forward to having a memorial to tell the story for future generations.
Posted by: Bernie Woiwod | 29 April 2024 at 12:45 PM
Hi Keith - I have been reading through PNG Attitude and was interested in one topic on the Tigi people of Dei district in the Western Highlands.
I am interested in Tigi plantation. Who are the people living in the Tigi area? Who are the first people John Collins met to start the coffee plantation? Who were the directors?
I would also like to know how their work has progressed.
_______
I hope a kind reader can update Lewis on this - KJ
Posted by: Lewis Mora | 24 April 2024 at 03:49 PM
Hi Keith
I spent four years with the PWD in Port Moresby from 1971 to 1975. During my travels I heard of a famed Admin Officer who built massive fireplaces in the Highlands. I think his surname was Faitful, but maybe one of your readers, or yourself, may be able to assist. my direct emailo is [email protected].
Beat Regards
Graham Bone
Posted by: Graham Bone | 20 February 2024 at 12:15 PM
Well done for you and the work of keeping Attitude online.
I have to visit several times each week and would miss the post severely should it ever not be there.
Please survive the ailments we all suffer due to our advancing years (and probably from service in the tropics). Haheauka, Tura.
PS, Isn't it a hoot that we just get used this email thing and the youngies think up Facebook and X?
________
Apparently the China-owned Tik Tok is the big thing now, Henry. I was worried for a nanosecond about the corruption of young minds and then realised that the next big thing will probably be with us next week. Thanks for your kind words about Attitude. It is a poor thing now, but I cannot put it down - KJ
Posted by: Henry Sims | 11 January 2024 at 04:23 PM
The only radio we had in Port Moresby in the 1950s was 9PA VLT6. It had a children's hour and one of the shows was Tarzan. As a pre-teenager I cycled around to the ABC radio station waiting for Tarzan to come out (but of course he didn't).
There wasn't much radio security there at that time. Our family was set to fly to Honolulu to meet my grandparents. The day before we were due to fly out there were several people trying to contact my father about a phone call (apparently everyone listened to PNG/Australia phone calls over the radio). My grandmother had died in San Francisco the day before her departure, so we didn't go.
One of the great things about homes in those days was the relationship with the local people. We had a servants hut (hausboi) where our 'house boy' (as they were called) lived with his wife and son.
Today that would sound like exploitation, but I believe it was good because we had an inter-relationship. They had a house on our block, and were paid and provided with food supplies.
The 'houseboy' was Dinda from Daru. His son, Labu, and I got on well - although he did not go to our school, which was the Boroko Coronation Primary School.
My mother (a former RAAF nurse) used to watch the native woman across the street chopping wood. Her axe and body were flying as she chopped away. My mother would mutter: "One of these days...."
My mother tried to encourage the local women to wear bras. There was nothing more incongruous as a dark skinned woman wearing a large white bra.
As kids we learned a lot about relationships: native adults would talk to us as our own parents would, and we respected native adults as we did expatriate adults.
It's a shame that after Independence all of that (from all reports) seems to have been lost, and Port Moresby is now regarded as a dangerous place to visit.
https://www.travelsafe-abroad.com/papua-new-guinea/port-moresby
As a senior executive at ANZ Bank in Melbourne, I was asked to support an improvement to the security of the staff compound in Port Moresby. The justification included awful stories. Such a shame. Of course, it was approved immediately.
In 1961 our group of pre-teen school students flew to the Highlands and walked from Kokoda to one of Port Moresby's rubber plantations. We were welcomed with hospitality at each village.
I have a sad feeling that Port Moresby is past the tipping point for recovery from entrenched corruption and violent crime.
Posted by: Lloyd Bunting | 17 September 2023 at 06:18 AM
Hi Keith. Noting your ABC experience, I lived in Port Moresby from ages 8 to 14 (1955-61).
My father had been at Hickam Field, close to Pearl Harbour, on 7 December 1941. He returned to the Pacific with the 22nd Bombardment Group on 1 January 1944 when General Kenney upgraded bombers in Australia and New Guinea from B-25 (Mitchells) and B-26 (Marauders) to B-24 (Liberators).
They used Wards Strip in Port Moresby as a refuelling base before missions against the Japanese until moving north and west and eventually to the Philippines.
After the war he went back to Yale (where I was born) and then came to Australia and then Port Moresby, where he worked at the Commonwealth Works Department (CWD) as an architect, designing government buildings.
In the 1950s Port Moresby was a peaceful place where kids were greatly appreciated and looked after by those who had experienced the war and the still recent history of destruction.
My mother worked in the Burns Philp store, with the big punkas overhead.
The RSS&AILA Club at Ela Beach had the only library in town. All the kids used to watch movies on Saturday mornings (matinees were really matinees [mornings]).
Saturday nights the Salvation Army used to play their band out front of the pub next to PMF (Port Moresby Freezer).
My Dad's office would rent a boat for day excursions to Fisherman's Island and Local Island. It was a wonderful place in those days.
Posted by: Lloyd Bunting | 17 September 2023 at 05:23 AM
I came upon your blog by fluke while searching for writers who could share ideas and critique my writing.
The international platform is very unlikely, as it concentrates on subjects that don't depict our cultural settings but rather a much more sophisticated outlook on modern lives, times, and eras.
Our humble settings are no match to how we want to portray our identity - our culture, lifestyle, food, customs, and traditions.
I am currently writing and only just started. I first started with poetry, lost them, and now have only rekindled the fire within to write.
I feel more passionate now and wish to share my recent writings. I will be happy to hear from you back and be able to send you my draft writings.
_________
Hi Allen - The best thing I can do is direct you to Ples Singsing, the brainchild of poet Dr Michael Dom, which is a writers' blog and 'a space for Papua Niuginian creativity'. You can find it here: https://plessingsing.com/category/literature/tok-singsing/ - KJ
Posted by: Allen Evera | 04 August 2023 at 03:31 PM
Hi Keith, I'm searching for Mr Roy Tiden images.
If you have some of his pictures, it will mean a lot so I could show them to his grandchildren. Thank you.
Posted by: Elizabeth Janhom | 20 July 2023 at 03:23 PM
Hello Keith, I have a query that I hope you can signpost for me.
I am trying to contact any of Max Middleton's offspring. My family are interested in exploring Max's war escapades which I believe, are described in some manner in Sir John Middleton's book on his life on Karkar.
My grandfather Ted Bryans and Max were very close on the Western Front and I was hoping to find out if any stories had been handed down through their family.
I live in Townsville (NQ) and can travel some distance to meet if any of the family are available. Being a little naive in how to track down people, I thought I would seek your guidance.
Any advice you could provide would be greatly appreciated (especially by the remaining members of Ted's children now aged 99, 97 and 89.
___________
If any readers can assist Jim track down Max Middleton's family or other people who may know of Ted Bryans, you can leave your info in the Comments section below - KJ
Posted by: Alan (Jim) Bryans | 07 July 2023 at 11:10 AM
Hi there Keith, hope this finds you well.
I'm looking for someone who remembers Henry Thomas who was an officer in PNG and who was killed/died there.
I am in contact with his daughter who never met him and she is anxious to find out more.
She is Judith Ann Thomas, now Brayshaw, of Goulburn who is a close friend of many years ago when her grandparents and mother were our neighbours in Dubbo.
________
If you can help Geoff track down more information for Judith, you can leave a note here - KJ
Posted by: Geoff Conlon | 30 June 2023 at 12:53 PM
Hi Keith - My computer crashed and I lost part of 'The Blatchford Collection'. When I try to download it from your site I get the error message - 'Not Found - The requested URL /asopa_people/files/Blatchford_1962.pdf was not found on this server.'
Can you advise how to access the material
I need?
________
I've been in touch with Loch about this most recently identified loss from PNG Attitude's crash earlier this year, which caused the loss of all images and all links and nearly all textual content - KJ
This note has been added to the site:
"After the devastating crash of the PNG Attitude site in early 2023, The Blatchford Collection, perhaps the largest compilation of archival materials relating to the pre-Independence Papua New Guinea education system ever brought together in the one place, has lost all its content on this page.
"The bulk of the Collection comprised letters and documents from the files of the PNG Department of Education before 1977. These were supplemented by material from other PNG departments and a number of private collections.
"Loch and I are taking what steps we can to remedy this situation."
Posted by: Loch Blatchford | 14 May 2023 at 07:21 AM
A lot has been written about the finding of the wreck of the Montevideo Maru in the last couple of days.
It wouldn't have happened without that first meeting in Keith's office all those years ago.
Lest we forget.
Posted by: Rod Miller | 25 April 2023 at 06:29 AM
Hello Keith - I have been looking for one of my English teachers at school called Peter Kranz.
He was my English teacher, while I was at a school in Watford, England. I did a search of Peter Kranz and a link in Google led me to your blog. I see that a Peter Kranz wrote a short piece on your blog back in 2014.
I know this is very unconventional, but I see that you approve messages before they are published, so I'm hopeful that you will read this.
Is there anyway that you could share the email address of Mr Kranz? I'm coming up to my 60th birthday and am trying to track down people who made an impact on who I am today.
Mr Kranz's English lessons influenced my choice of a career in community development and social justice. I would love to be able to tell him 'thanks a million'.
If it is an absolute no-no, please feel free to share my email address with Mr Kranz.
_______
Hi Audrey. I have provided Peter with your email address. I feel sure he'll be in touch with you - KJ
Posted by: Audrey Ahwan | 10 April 2023 at 01:09 AM
Keith, morning - Can I draw you attention to the draft Master Plan for the redevelopment by the the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust of the area around ASOPA.
Released 14 March 2923, information session on site Tuesday 21 March, comments must be submitted by 18 April.
There's not a lot in the plan that suggests an understanding of the significance of ASOPA.
And as a member of the PNGAA can you pass this message on please:
https://consult.dcceew.gov.au/middle-head-gubbuh-gubbuh-draft-master-plan
_______
Thanks Bill. Do you know whether the old barracks that were used as ASOPA and ITI lecture rooms are still with us? - KJ
Posted by: Bill Sanders | 16 March 2023 at 09:22 AM
Hi Keith - I have a short story about a Catholic priest who was ordained in the Komkui Tribe in Mt Hagen.
Can I email you the story to go through and possibly publish it?
_________
I've advised Tony that we warmly welcome contributions from readers - KJ
Posted by: Tony Noki | 25 January 2023 at 10:41 PM
I am interested to know more about Tigi Plantation Ltd, WHP, Papua New Guinea and want to get a copy of the book called 'Tigi Adventures' from 1967 to 1986.
Posted by: Lewis Mora | 18 October 2022 at 03:03 PM
I'm looking for Sue Ward, an ex Sogeri colleague. Any information will be appreciated.
Posted by: Heather Hummel | 28 June 2022 at 05:00 PM
Hi Keith - My father was Peter (David Peter Sheekey) and I was just looking to see if you have stories in relation to him or my mother Gwen? Gwen is turning 94 this year.
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I did not have the pleasure of meeting Peter or Gwen, David, and I cannot recall them being mentioned on this site (until now). May I pass on our congratulations for Gwen's impending 94th - KJ
Posted by: David Sheekey | 17 May 2022 at 10:02 AM
Hello Keith, I am wanting to gain permission to use a photo of Dr Clarrie Burke published in PNG Attitude after his passing in 2019.
I am writing an article for a newsletter, acknowledging his generous philanthropy to our organisation and would like permission to use the image. I look forward to hearing from you.
_________
I was happy to give permission to Sharon and it is so good to know that Clarrie is remembered and still gaining recognition. He was a fine educator and a fine man - KJ
Posted by: Sharon Johnson | 06 January 2022 at 11:23 AM
Dear Keith Jackson - I am writing following the advice of Peter Franz looking for a picture of one of the cinemas that were operating in Port Moresby during the 1960s and 1970s.
It is for publication in a book I wrote on the life and work of Chris Owen, the filmmaker.
I would be grateful to you if you can tell me where I could find one or if you have one yourself that I could use (with due crediting of course). It should be 300 dpi or higher.
__________
Pascale is a researcher in social anthropology based at CNRS-CREDO at Marseille in France. If anyone can assist with her query, Pascale's email is [email protected]
Posted by: Pascale Bonnemère | 28 December 2021 at 11:00 PM
Hi Keith - My name is Iava Parapa-Falvey and I'm the editor of the Garamut, a newsletter of the Gold Coast PNG Club.
I am writing to seek your permission to reprint the vale you wrote on the late Sir Peter Lus in the PNG Attitude on 3 October 2021.
PNG Attitude is an interesting read.
________
Hi Iava - You have our permission to republish the obituary with the usual attribution to author and PNG Attitude - KJ
Posted by: Iava Parapa-Falvey | 04 November 2021 at 01:36 PM
Commendable personality and a true friend of Papua New Guinea. Wishing you good health and a peace of mind. God bless.
_________
Thank you Koraea, and best wishes to you and your family - KJ
Posted by: Koraea Kingsley Lore | 07 September 2021 at 08:53 AM
Dear Keith - Greetings again from Chicagoland. Let me again compliment you on your PNG blog, which I enjoy regularly reading.
As a shortwave radio hobbyist, I especially enjoy the stories about historic broadcasting in PNG as well as elsewhere in Asia (like your Maldives series).
I am a retired expatriate who lived in SE Asia for about thirty years - Malaysia, Hong Kong, Korea, Philippines and Thailand.
And now, at the youthful age of 70, I have just finished an adventure travel novel following the exploits of a young expat essentially lost in Asia, 'Pacific Dash, From Asia Vagabond to Casino King'. The story is written under my pen name of Chet Nairene (long story there).
In 1968, a sudden job transfer catapults young Dash's family from sleepy rural Illinois to scintillating Hong Kong, a move the teen believes only temporary ... but thus begins his lifelong odyssey meandering between continents and crisscrossing Asia.
Eccentric personalities roll through Dash's vagabond existence as he roams the jungles, beaches, and cities of the Far East.
He makes amazing friendships, falls in love, saves lives, and nearly loses his own. 'Pacific Dash' continually delights with a parade of humorous but sometimes life-threatening West versus East misadventures as young Dash jostles with flamboyant characters in colourful Asian locales.
Please inform your blog readers of this work, since I think they will fit the profile of my targeted readers to a " -anybody who enjoys exotic travel adventure fiction, packed with humour and thrills.
Folk like that simply can’t go wrong with 'Pacific Dash', recently available on Amazon in paperback and ebook.
https://www.amazon.com/Pacific-Dash-Asia-Vagabond-Casino/dp/0578947129/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1628802236&sr=8-1
___________
Ralph is the Publisher of Banana Leaf Books, a new imprint of exotic travel adventure fiction. We wish Ralph well both with his publishing venture and his new book, Pacific Dash. I've just ordered two copies from Amazon - one for me and one for Phil Fitz to review - KJ
Posted by: Ralph Perry | Banana Leaf Books | 13 August 2021 at 02:05 AM
Hi Keith - Thank you for posting Georgina Beier’s obituary. It was nicely done and well researched.
________
Thanks Sebastian and condolences on your family's loss. Ulli and Georgina contributed greatly to PNG and their places in its history are secured - KJ
Posted by: Sebastian Beier | 18 July 2021 at 05:34 PM
Hi Keith, I am a teacher and currently works as the Curriculum Officer at Flexible Open and Distance Education (FODE).
It is a a government distance learning institution and we are now developing our courses for online delivery. Hence, we are looking for reading resources online that we can provide our students.
In this regard, I would like to ask your permission to use one of the articles to supplement our Grade 11 Personal Development topic on Role Models in Papua New Guinea.
The link to the article is:
https://www.pngattitude.com/2016/12/16-powerful-inspirational-papua-new-guinea-women.html
Thank you so much and also for creating the PNG Attitude blog. I enjoyed reading the articles.
________
Go right ahead Geraldine. And thanks for keeping in touch through PNG Attitude - KJ
Posted by: Geraldine Cabañero | 25 May 2021 at 10:57 AM
Re: Phil Fitzpatrick's post last year
I smoked Brus (sp?) in the laundry with the woman who worked in our haus long Waigani. Strong and deliciously aromatic rolled in the SP Post.
Posted by: Louise Inglis | 20 May 2021 at 05:06 PM
In response to Jim (Chuck) Dixon, an Errol George French, aged 73, died in Tamworth on 22 November 2018.
Posted by: Ross Wilkinson | 13 April 2021 at 03:48 PM
Keith - Hope you can help. I am trying to trace Errol (Froggy) French, ex Commonwealth Bank.
Last I heard he went to work for Brian Heagney.
________
Bit of a long shot after all those years, Chuck, but if any reader can assist they can leave a comment here and I'll put you in touch - KJ
Posted by: Jim (Chuck) Dixon | Goroka 1962-65 | 12 April 2021 at 08:05 PM
Hello Keith - You and your readers may be interested in a new publication in the Documents on Australian Foreign Policy Series, edited by (the late) Bruce Hunt & Stephen Henningham, with the title 'Australia and Papua New Guinea, 1970--1972: the Transition to Self-Government'.
It follows on from the volume edited by Stuart Doran on Australia and Papua New Guinea, 1966--1969.
A further volume, also edited by Hunt and Henningham, and on the period from the end of 1972 to independence in September 1975 is scheduled for publication in 2022.
If you or an associate would be interested in doing a review or short notice on the volume, please send me an email address and a postal address for us to send the volume to.
Thanks indeed for PNG Attitude which I have been reading from time to time with great interest, and from which I have learnt a lot.
Posted by: Stephen Henningham | 25 March 2021 at 05:16 PM
Hi Keith - Could you please help me find out about two brothers, namely Aina Toai Dom and Mirmaul Dom.
Both were right hand men with Jim Taylor during the colonial days in the 1950s and 1960s.
They are brothers and one is my father, Mirmaul Dom, who usually delivered mail from Simbu to Goroka and Hagen by foot to colonial kiaps.
I would really appreciate any information, photo taken during those times.
It will be a treasure to my kids and family whom I am struggling to find and explain to my family tree.
I want to thank you for educating our fathers during those colonial days, and may God bless and long live.
_______
I any reader can assist John with this, you can leave a comment here - KJ
Posted by: John Mirmaul Domial | 15 March 2021 at 03:44 PM
Keith, greetings from snowy Chicago. Bumped into your blog whilst googling around for info on Radio Maldives and enjoyed reading about your days there.
Have you compiled your various blog posts into a more comprehensive memoir? I searched Amazon but found nothing. If not, please consider doing so!
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Hi Ralph - Hope you're keeping thawed in the big deep freeze. I have nothing more comprehensive but thanks for asking. A couple of decades ago, diagnosed with an illness that took me pretty much out of action for five years, I began an attack on a longer work of my Radio Days. A five chapter manuscript is mouldering in my PC, incomplete and likely to remain so. Too many diversions. Perhaps if I hit my eighties and the world slows its spin I'll get back into it - KJ
Posted by: Ralph Perry | 22 February 2021 at 02:06 AM
Hi Keith - I am trying to find my biological father who was doing construction work in PNG in the 1960s.
He was working on the Kumusi bridge in Oro Province in the 1967-68 period. His name might be Tom or Thomas, of Irish descent.
Any help would be appreciated.
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Bibra's email is [email protected]
Posted by: Bibra Japara | 22 January 2021 at 10:30 AM
Hi Keith, I don't know where I should post this:
Fee-free option for dropouts (The National)
By GYNNIE KERO THE Government has urged parents to enrol their children who have dropped out of school into the Flexible Open and Distance Education (Fode) this year […]
This is a classic example of policy on the run, decision making by politicians and not the professionals. The minister's statement is nonsense.
"The Government has paid the fees" - how could the government have paid the fees when they have no idea how many pupils will enrol? Were funds provided in the recently passed national budget? What's the line item and how much? Given that this decision was made after the budget, probably nothing.
"The Education Department is working on a plan". So, no plan for something that is supposed to be implemented" on February 1st". This involves attaching "Fode centres to high school and nominated primary schools in districts and provinces". Has any school been consulted about or appointed to host one such centre? Unlikely, without a plan.
Has FODE already printed or somehow obtained the massive amount of materials that will be required from February 1st so that "Fode students will study the same contents and they will sit for the same exams"? Dream on, especially as none other than the existing FODE centres are known.
Uguro said teachers would be paid an allowance for teaching Fode. Does this refer to work to be done after a full day teaching, or is there an unemployed cadre of teachers that no-one knows about? How much will they be paid and on what basis, per hour or as a top up to their normal salary? Who will monitor allowance claims? Has this additional expenditure been budgeted?
For at least 2 decades the education system has been greatly harmed by "political brainwaves", with little or no professional input, unplanned and un-budgeted.
Posted by: Daniel Doyle | 13 January 2021 at 08:48 AM
Hi Keith - Could you please advise contact details of any one who can do Tok Pisin to English interpreting over the phone for a medical assessment.
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Readers who are competent in Tok Pisin- English translation should contact Sunil here [email protected] - KJ
Posted by: Sunil Chopra | 20 October 2020 at 07:18 PM
Hi Keith, your information is clearly defined and based on facts. I like most of your articles you posted on your web page.
People capture new things and new ways of living as time passes. However, the history of our people is our pride, our culture is our backbone.
Through publishing articles on culture and the past experiences of our people, we can be rooted from generation to generation. Thanks very much for that.
Posted by: Peter Morua | 20 October 2020 at 12:38 PM
Hi Keith, I was just looking at information on Dylup Plantations when I found this article.
I was very interested as my husband worked on Dylup in 1971 for three years. He eventually became the Livestock Manager, and we were sad when we had to leave, because we loved our time at Dylup.
Our eldest daughter was nearly 5 so we had to come south for the kids to go to school.
I also know you name from Montevideo Maru society as I was very interested in that group, my uncle Keith Morden ‘Jim’ Smith was one of the members of ‘Lark Force’ who went down when the ship was torpedoed. Although I had never known my Uncle as he died a couple of years before I was born.
Sadly my mother died before the monument was dedicated in 2012, but she was alive at the time that mention was made in Parliament. I feel that she felt that something was being done to bring attention to the loss of her adored brother, and all his mates, so that she could ‘rest in peace’.
Posted by: Judy Ireland | 21 September 2020 at 07:26 PM
Muruk was a twist tobacco (trade tobacco) produced like a normal cigarette in a flip top box.
Bloody awful and eventually a flop. People preferred rolling in in newspaper.
Posted by: Phil Fitzpatrick | 01 September 2020 at 08:26 PM
Hi Mr Jackson! My sister and I were among the 10-15 students in your one room, all ages school in Kundiawa during 1963-67.
It was - by far - the best educational experience of my life.
I have a photo of you and the entire school and would love to send it to you. And, of course, reminisce a little about the old days! We are Robert Johnston MD and Sindi Johnston.
With much love and appreciation!
PS: Until their dying days, our Mum and Dad - Jack and Una Johnston - would sing the chorus of your song at the Christmas Show: "Marook Marook Marook, we always smoke Marook / Marook Marook Marook... the tobacco that makes you crook!" (Can't remember how to spell Marook.)
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Great to hear from you Robert. I remember those days (and you guys) as clearly as yesterday. I'm sad to learn Jack and Una are no longer with us. They were wonderful people and so very supportive of the young teacher (I was 19) foisted upon the community to run the A School. I'd love to see the photo (PO Box 1688, Noosa Heads QLD 4567) and, given the memories you've triggered, will soon write more about that little school - KJ
Posted by: Robert Johnston | 01 September 2020 at 03:19 PM