It is that time of the year again, time to wish each other the best of Xmas cheer and pursue the festive season`s activities in our own individual manner. For most Xmas is a time for giving and for helping others. To push this point i have included here, just as a footnote, some details around the legacy left by one of our old workmates, Peter Goodenough
I was of a mindset, together with many others, that our little network would quickly diminish as we moved into our 60`s and 70`s. This has not come to pass. There are a number of reasons for this, the most telling of which is that the children of BCL employees are often eager to maintain the contacts from their school days. One circle of former Bougainville students, from the 80`s, are communicating about a reunion, based in Arawa for early 2018. An exploratory visit has already taken place.
Container # 8 has been sealed for shipment. This one will arrive via the Port of Buka. The most difficult tasks towards this were completed by the BBCG. Much of the content had been stored in Veronica`s garage. There are a multitude of individuals and groups that have been contributing. I am certain to miss some with this summary. Please forgive me. It was a conversation between Qld Health`s Cliff Pollock and myself at a BCL reunion, nearly 3 years ago, that was the catalyst for the collection of much of our initial shipments. Getting it to Townsville wharf from far flung addresses like Department of Health Maryborough, Moranbah, Bowen, etc, etc all but elevated several of our number to sainthood status. The contribution of Volvo`s Alan Wilkins and his rear-loading container truck was nothing short of spectacular. This was not the end of Al`s input. He and Raggles did most of the heavy lifting. I did not really understand their contribution until we were obliged to make the following trip without them. Stuffing beds into containers was a significant challenge for Mighty Midgets, Kiwi, Millsie, etc. We should also dwell some on the role of Ray Stiles and the hospitality of he and Judy when we travelled thru Mount Perry. Ray has not been well of late. We wish him a speedy recovery. Millsie is still being inconvenienced by having a garage full of beds, an eye testing machine, a couple of filing cabinets, etc.
We were wrestling with a full container of beds and other goodies coming out of Bowen Hospital . . . . . . enter Cathy and Ed Robertson and their extended family. Like Cliff and Ian Smith, Ed`s heritage includes the BCL Dispatch Dept. In addition to the toil of our own team there was the contribution of a multitude of staff of the Qld Dept of Health. They are accustomed to watching such quality materials going to the local dump. They were delighted to see their pre-loved materials beds, tables, etc taking on a new life.
In Townsville our only initial linkage was the Principal of Ruswin Locksmiths, Stan Neal. We hit town after a very long day on the road. We quickly engaging the tom toms and then we enjoyed a nice dinner with a dozen Bougie veterans, see some of them are listed below. Stan negotiated a warehouse for very much the “right” price. We hope that our 2 x containers, No`s 6 and 7 will be sealed for shipment during the coming weeks. The Buckland family have been to the fore. Christine has visited us, in Brisbane. Graham was in Arawa during the time I was attending Tony`s funeral. Just as I started to gesticulate that I was needed in the far north, Elliot connected with us from Cairns. We now have the leadership necessary to maintain our momentum across the North. In Maryborough we had support from Connie Day. Connie is in her late 80`s but she insisted on assisting Kiwi and myself loading several hundred crutches and walkers into our Europcar van. My old Panguna room-mate, Jim Murren had already transported them from Hervey Bay to Connie`s House.
Our old staff from JDA have helped us at every turn. It is absolutely essential that we single out Mark Flood for special comment. After completing many years at JDA he has stayed on with the new owners, Applus. If you are in the labour market seeking top quality people then you should call Mark, Kerri or James Fraser Byass with your spec`s. There are many SEQ people to add to the “thank you list”. For a start there is the Sherwood family from the hills of Maleny. Lindsay Fraser Byass was another to step up to assist us. Lindsay and Dick Thurgood have recently submitted to major repair work on a knee. They will not be returning to the dance floor anytime soon.
The Brisbane Bougainville Community Group (BBCG) continue to fight above their weight. It was Veronica`s people who packed out the most recent container for Buka. It amazes me to see such a small group collect such significant funding. We also enjoy a strong association with Rotary International. BCL veteran, Peter Bennet has joined us at the Pine Rivers club. While Rotary have not been able to provide the Bougainville fraternity with funding against our shipping costs, we benefit from their Donations in Kind systems. We can use the contents of their Brisbane D I K store to top up our containers.
While there has been a warm and fuzzy comradery developed in and around our Bougainville network we have proven that there exists, a capacity to do more, much more. However we will not accomplish this without some type of formalization of our movement. In the past we have striven to avoid this but let`s now revisit it. It has been suggested that we introduce a membership fee and we provide the means for our people to make confidential donations to the cause. I understand that this can be handled on-line. We have a small cell of signatories across some funds already collected. Mike Crowe heads this Group and it was Mike who came up with a tentative name for us . . . . . . . . . the Bougainville Legacy Group.
To allow us to properly engage with Rotary in Bougainville, a former District Governor, George Grant and his wife, Mary have been leading and sponsoring the Arawa Rotary Community Corp. The President of the Rotary Club of Buka has also taken a leadership / sponsorship role across these matters. Already Arawa club shows promise of becoming one of Rotary PNG`s most influential clubs. There is significant upside around our work with Rotary. Mary Grant is the President of the Bribie Island Rotary Club. Included in George`s history is a spell managing the Arawa branch of the Commonwealth Bank, back in the mid-70`s. At the Arawa Club end we are so fortunate to have volunteers, Richard and Ann Green. They have been based in Bougainville for many years, going back to the 80`s. Richard is a veteran Rotarian. The Chairman of the Arawa club is Clement Bireo. Clement is the principal of an electrical maintenance and project business.
Irrespective whether or not we formalize the structure and modus operandi of our group we are in need of support for Danni and myself. It does not really matter where you live. If you are willing to assist then we will make every endeavour to engage you as an operative. We have received enquiries from Melbourne. At the very least we will shortly have a cell, in Melbourne.
I must mention the Sherwoods, Keith and Carol and their son, Scott. Through their efforts we are expanding our sources of materials. It is ideal if you can identify a client / source and then follow through and manage the subsequent relationship. It is quite surprising as to just how much time can be taken by such works.
We would welcome your input. Feel free to connect with Danni, on the address; info@johndavidson.com.au. Useany of the contacts in Danni`s fast growing address book.
A reunion lunch will take place at Super and Lesley`s cafe` on Wednesady, the 25tht of January. We have conducted 2 of these gatherings already and they have been quite a success. Send your response to Ross, on; superina@ecn.net.au: or to Dick on; rthurgood@hotmail.com. We get a mix of folk to these days. They usually include some ex-Loloho fishermen and some ex-Arawa golfers.
The tentative date for the pack out of Container # 9 at 152 Freeman Rd, Durack is Saturday the 21st January. We are indebted to D I K Rotary Manager, Graeme Saddlier for being so flexible. I usually arrive there around 9.00 am. The material is arriving to us at a slower rate than expected. This time we will be reliant on DIK to assist us with a top up.
We hereby call for volunteers. Many hands make light work. I again volunteer my hands but my hands are not what they used to be. Some younger contributors would be warmly welcomed.
To give you some idea of what takes place at this desk, there follows some words around our current activities in Townsville.
Regards
Davo
"Re: 2 Containers in Townsville #`s 8 and 9. / 2 containers from Brisbane #`s 6 and 7.
Fonso Martens <fonsomartens@hotmail.com>
Thu 15/12/2016 10:32 AM
To:
John Davidson; 'Elliot Harding' <elliot.harding46@gmail.com>; Graham Buckland <gbuckland_plumb@hotmail.com>
Cc: Christine Buckland <manager@notch.org.au>;Info@johndavidson.com.au; 'John Feltham' wantok@me.com>; Stan Neal <Stan.Neal@ruswin.com.au>; David Lorimer <Dave@nqcs.com.au>;
randvwhalan@bigpond.com; georgegrant@iinet.net.au; Veronica Henderson vero612008@hotmail.com>;
Richard Green (annandrichard.green@xtra.co.nz)
Hi everyone,
Just a quick update. The 3 pallets from Cairns are apparently on their way to Townsville today so transfer to the container should be either late today or tomorrow some time.
em tasol.
Fonso
From: John Davidson <John@johndavidson.com.au>
Sent: Tuesday, 13 December 2016 5:16 PM
To: 'Elliot Harding'; Graham Buckland
Cc: Christine Buckland; Info@johndavidson.com.au; 'John Feltham'; Stan Neal; fonsomartens@hotmail.com; David Lorimer; randvwhalan@bigpond.com; georgegrant@iinet.net.au; Veronica Henderson; Richard Green (annandrichard.green@xtra.co.nz)
Subject: 2 Containers in Townsville #`s 8 and 9. / 2 containers from Brisbane #`s 6 and 7.
Thanks Elliot, I see that you have listed several manually operated beds. These beds are greatly valued at remote location clinics. We are presently waiting for such materials for Han Island, in the Carterets. In the New Year we will discuss a plan for further shipping.
Christine, this type of content should be able to accommodate the loading of books and clothes.
John F, this gives us an approximate idea on the makeup of our final packing.
Regards
Davo
I have just received Fonso`s note. I now have a better understanding as to where we are at. Tremendous work, Fonso.
From: Elliot Harding [mailto:elliot.harding46@gmail.com]
Sent: Tuesday, 13 December 2016 2:34 PM
To: John Davidson; 'Veronica Henderson'; 'John Feltham'
Cc: Info@johndavidson.com.au; 'Graham Buckland'; 'Stan Neal'; 'Richard Green'; georgegrant@iinet.net.au; 'Alan Stephens'; 'Joan Daniels'
Subject: RE: 2 Containers in Townsville #`s 8 and 9. / 2 containers from Brisbane #`s 6 and 7.
Davo
Attached is the list of hospital equipment on its way to Townsville this afternoon (highlighted in Yellow) the other pallets on the list is what is still available when required.
Also attached is the road manifest of the 3 pallets
Regards … Elliot,
Elliot Harding
M: +61 0424 619 125
From: John Davidson [mailto:John@johndavidson.com.au]
Sent: Tuesday, 13 December 2016 10:53 AM
To: Veronica Henderson <vero612008@hotmail.com>; 'John Feltham' <wantok@me.com>
Cc: info@johndavidson.com.au; Graham Buckland <gbuckland_plumb@hotmail.com>; Stan Neal <Stan.Neal@ruswin.com.au>; Richard Green (annandrichard.green@xtra.co.nz) <annandrichard.green@xtra.co.nz>; georgegrant@iinet.net.au; Alan Stephens <as@stephenssupermarkets.com.au>; Joan Daniels <joanmdaniels@hotmail.com>; 'Elliot Harding' <elliot.harding46@gmail.com>
Subject: FW: 2 Containers in Townsville #`s 8 and 9. / 2 containers from Brisbane #`s 6 and 7.
Container #6 is TTNU331695 destined for Buka
Container #7 is TTNU 296982 destined for the Port of Kieta.
Richard, Ann and Dr Velosi may like to place a claim on some smaller rehab-associated items from container # 6. It is just a matter of wising up Veronica and any Rotary operatives that have been engaged by George and / or Alan
Regards
Davo
From: John Davidson
Sent: Tuesday, 13 December 2016 10:21 AM
To: 'John Feltham'; 'Graham Buckland'
Cc: georgegrant@iinet.net.au; Alan Stephens; 'Stan Neal'; 'fonsomartens@hotmail.com'; randvwhalan@bigpond.com; 'mauriceandbev@bigpond.com'; 'mauriceandbev@gmail.com'; 'jgr96780@bigpond.net.au'; 'David Lorimer'; 'Eugene Korokoro'; Richard Green (annandrichard.green@xtra.co.nz); 'ian.smith@ergon.com.au'; Christine Buckland; 'Peter Bennett'
Subject: 2 Containers in Townsville #`s 8 and 9. / 2 containers from Brisbane #`s 6 and 7.
Thanks Elliot, this sounds fine to me. Could you please send me the contents of the 3 x pallets.
Graham, i have just spoken to John Feltham. He is standing by for your call. However he is already aware that the 3 x pallets will not arrive from Cairns until Wednesday. Thanks, John F, you are a Trojan.
All, Graham returns to his job at the mine tomorrow morning. We may be calling on you for some extra help. This will put some pressure on us but i am sure that we will cope. If you have occasion to call NQCS please ask for Dave Lorimer.
Veronica, it is up to our esteemed Rotary District Governors, George and Alan but it would be nice if you opened Container # 6 while you are in Buka, attending to Container # 8 (the one from BBCG, Brisbane). Let`s discuss with them earliest. Is this OK with you ? I have not been able to reach you by phone.
Vero, we arrive in Moree on Friday evening and we hope to visit with Doug Pink on Saturday morning. I have left a message for Rose. We will ask her to check that Doug is well enough for our visit. All. I will be travelling but will contactable on my mobile.
Regards
Davo
On 12 Dec. 2016, at 6:39 pm, John Davidson <John@johndavidson.com.au> wrote:
Hi Elliot,
Can we be of any assistance to you ?
Regards
John
Vero, we are getting close to Seal for Shipment time and final uplift of the Townsville containers. John Feltham is kindly supporting us in the role of Chief Scribe. Stan advises that the last Consort ship out of Townsville is on the 20th December. From amongst all of our workers you have enjoyed the most success with our PNG Gov`t relationships. Would you have the time to handle the Townsville materials ?
John, just confirming . . . . . . . Container No 6 goes to Buka and No 7 goes to Arawa. Davo
Regards
Davo
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