Kokoda Track Foundation
Monday April 21st , 2008
LAST UPDATED
2008 Ralph Honner Oration Dinner A Huge Success
By Jason Franklin, KTF General Manager
On Friday February 29th, Kokoda Veterans, trekkers, PNG expatriates, KTF members and the Australian corporate community gathered once again to support the Kokoda Track Foundation's annual fundraiser, the Lt. Col. Ralph Honner Oration Dinner.
This year over 420 people attended the event held at the Sofitel Wentworth Sydney, to not only hear Australian Federal Police Commissioner, Mick Keelty deliver his keynote address on leadership, but to be entertained by the Siale Dance Group, a group of young PNG performers who did their country proud.
(L) The Siale Dance Group performs, "Kokoda - Then & Now"
(R) Australian Federal Police Commissioner, Mick Keelty delivers leadership oration
The Kokoda Track Foundation Patron, the Governor General, Major Michael Jeffery AC CVO MC also attended, as did PNG High Commissioner, His Excelleny Charles Lepani.
During the evening both men gave heartfelt impromptu speeches about the importance of Papua New Guinea and Australia relations, and what Kokoda means to them.
(L) Governor General, Major Michael Jeffery AC CVO MC
(R) PNG High Commissioner, His Excellency, Charles Lepani
The night managed to raise just over $26,000, which will immediately go towards the ongoing implementation of the Foundation's health and education programs in Papua New Guinea. It caps off an extremely busy fundraising period for the Foundation, which also received pledges in excess of $200,000 during its recent Kokoda Cyclone Appeal.
The Kokoda Track Foundation's Board of Directors would like to thank all those who attended, in particular the following individuals and organisations who went above and beyond the call of duty to make the evening such a huge success:
For the supply of alcoholic beverages
Dame Carol Kidu
Dobi Kidu
Andrew Kidu
Jo Frecker
For the coordination and chaperone of the Siale Dance Group
CADETS
For providing the Guard of Honour for VIP and Official Guests
(L) Kokoda Veteran, Arnold Forrester, his wife Muriel and daughter Cherie
(R) The Governor General chats with Kokoda Veteran, Wally Moras
(L) KTF Director, Peter Thomas and Shadow Minister for Veterans' Affairs, Bronwyn Bishop
(R) KTF scholars Jeffery Siga and Wendy Sumave with KTF Representative, Justin Francis
(L) Jo Frecker (who coordinated the Siale Dance Group visit) and KTF Director, David Frecker
(R) The Siale Dance Group welcomed guests in their traditional PNG dress