Projects I support

PNG and Australia share an ongoing history that deeply connects both countries. Our members are passionate about strengthening civil relationships between Australia and PNG, sharing stories via our quarterly journal PNG Kundu and fostering connections through a wide variety of social events.

The PNGAA also have a broad interest in several subjects including The PNGAA Collection and the Rabaul and Montevideo Maru Society.

Membership is offered to anybody who has an interest in our two countries.

To find our more go to www.pngaa.org

For more information on the Sepik Dental Clinic Project head to my blog - Hello Karo Haltmeier and the Sepik River Dental Clinic Project.

On the 8th April, Newcastle members of the PNGAA met at historical Rathmines on beautiful Lake Macquarie for the first social event of the year.

Twenty-seven of our members enjoyed a tour of the Rathmines Heritage Centre followed by lunch at the Rathmines Bowling Club.

The Rathmines Heritage Centre offered a museum tour as well as a visit to the exhibition from acclaimed war time photographer Max Dupain. The war photos included pictures of the Rathmines Flying Base and Goodenough Is in PNG. Some of our members also enjoyed a walk-about around the old Rathmines Flying Base.

Lunch was held at the Rathmines Bowling Club; it is interesting to note that the club was once the Officers Mess.

Rathmines, once the home of the largest Catalina Flying Boat Bases in WW11 as now been heritage listed by the State Government.

Thank you for all our members who attended. And I look forward to seeing you all again. 

PNGAA AGM

On the 1st May our members gathered again at the Hornsby RSL for our AGM.

My old childhood friend Sara Turner and her husband Roger Carroll offered me a ride to Sydney, which was greatly appreciated.

I was more than wonderful to see PNG friends again, Sara and Roger, Andrea, Michael and Patricia, Liz and Greg and Cheryl. I always feel so at home in their company and it’s great to hear what they have been up to of late. The PNGAA have a new president (welcome Chris). It was encouraging to note that Chris is keen for the PNGAA to become actively involved in several new projects. I will keep you posted on that.

I was saddened to hear that Sara will step down as events co-ordinator. Sara and I have organised a few social events in Newcastle, and I know that she will be sadly missed.

I thoroughly enjoyed the talk by our guest speaker Alice Kang (Director. Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway). Alice’s enthusiasm for the Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway was infectious, informative and entertaining.

I truly believe all our PNG war history should be remembered and the Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway is an excellent example. I urge you all to visit www.kokodawalkway.com.au

Alice advises that all groups eg school and social are welcome. If you have any questions email alice.kang@kokodawalkway.com.au

On the 6th June, members of the PNGAA gathered again at the Hornsby RSL. Sara Turner had organised lunch and PNG Tales No. 2.

PNG Tales is a presentation by popular speakers who have an either lived in PNG or have an avid interest our homeland.

The first speaker, Bob Lawrence (an ABC News Journalist) presented his book ‘A Short History of the Pacific Islands Monthly Magazine’. The magazine known as the PIM was in circulation for more than 70 years and provided the folk of PNG news, articles of interest, photographs as well as advertising for goods and services. The PIM closed in June 2000.

Our second speaker, Lesley Wengembo is an acclaimed artist from Port Moresby. Lesley is currently studying fine art in Sydney and presented a power point of many of his astounding works. His portrait of Bruce Spence titled ‘Reflection’ was an entry this year’s Archibald Prise. Lesley is remarkable and talented artist. We wish him all success in the future.                

In May 1944 young Tasaruru Tom watch as three American F4U-1 Corsair aircrafts crashed into the sea close to his village. Young Tasaruru, raced into the water, swam out to one of the sinking aircraft and dragged the pilot, Second Lt James A Vittitoe from the cockpit. The young boy and the American Pilot became life-long friends. In 2009 Tasaruru’s son Erick granted permission to salvage Vittitoe’s Corsair, however Second Lt Stanislow Keywie’s Corsair still lies in her (shallow) watery grave and for a small fee Erick, usually accompanied by his grandson Vittitoe will ferry you out to her in his ‘tinny’.

Erick Tom is committed in keeping his family history alive. He has established a small WW11 museum on his property just in front of Keywie’s Corsair. I highly recommend you visit Ericks museum and (of course) snorkel on the F4U-1 Corsair that crashed landed right at his back door.

For more information on call Erick Toms WW11 Discovery Tours on +678 777 7205.

I am very pleased to add Charisma Beauty Salon to my list of standout business to whom I offer my support.

I asked owner Yvonne to tell me about herself. I was also interested to know why she has chosen a such a different approach in what she offers to her clientele. Here is what she said.

I have been a beautician for more than three decades. I have seen trends come and go and witnessed many changes, some good, some better left in the past. I vowed that when I opened my salon, I would ‘do it differently’.

I wanted my salon to stand out from all the rest. I chose an Indian and Middle Eastern theme not only for their rich tapestry of colours and haltingly beautiful woman but also for their pride in what they do, their modesty in what they have achieved and their harmony with their surroundings.

I wanted my salon to be, a not only a place of beauty, but a place of peace and relaxation. I wanted my salon to be restful, calming and tranquil, but also reassuring and professional.

I am also an advocate for products that are deemed ‘ethical’ ie natural, organic, free from additives and are not tested on animals. I use henna, when I redefine an eyebrow or tint a lash, a blend of natural oils when I massage and organic nail polish when I manicure or pedicure.

Your dog or dogs are also welcome when you visit. We have a safe and secure ‘pooch patch’ at the rear of our salon. So, you don’t need to leave them at home.

We look forward to seeing you soon.   

Charishma is a beauty salon located in Toronto NSW.

Our salon has an Indian and Moroccan influence, full of vibrant colours, objects d’art and brightly coloured rugs and furniture. We love it when our clients tell us our salon has a lovely energy and relaxing vibe.

Our staff are professional, approachable, down to earth, caring and friendly. We will discuss your beauty regime with you, listen to your requests and offer advice and suggestions.

We stock a wide range of beauty products including - Eminence Organic Skin Care (our premium skin care range) organic nail polish by Gloss & Co, Mother organic sunscreen, Eyenvy lash growth serum and Kryolan foundation. We also provide air brushed makeup services, remedial massage and Reflexology treatments.

We have an exclusive collection of boho fashion for you to browse through as well as homewares from India and the Middle East. Our range includes silk blouses and skirts, a pot-pourri of beaded evening bags and purses and exotic accessories.

For a list of treatments please visit our website Charishma | Beauty Salon | Toronto | Facials | Fashion | Makeup and click on the ‘book now’ button. Or call us on 0422873590.

We are open Monday – Friday 9.30 to 5.00 and Saturday 9.30 to 2.30.

We are also available for appointments after hours.

Charishma is not your typical beauty salon. We have a passion for customer service and our aim is to make you feel special. We look forward to seeing you soon.

We invite you to visit us on facebook.