Milne Bay

Jean Kekedo - 00:11:28

Interview: 
Jean Kekedo
Time: 
00:11:28

Jean Kekedo recalls that the only position she was offered by the District Administration was as a welfare officer. She recollects that her first posting was in Milne Bay where she was mentored by Dame Alice Wedega.

Matilda Pilacapio - 00:41:17

Interview: 
Matilda Pilacapio
Time: 
00:41:17

Matilda Pilacapio discusses the transition of the capital of Milne Bay from Samarai Island to Alotau in 1964.

Matilda Pilacapio - 00:22:47

Interview: 
Matilda Pilacapio
Time: 
00:22:47

Matilda Pilacapio states that she drew a bigger wage at  Burns Philp than her husband who was a medical midwife. She reflects on the flexibility of gender roles in Milne Bay, and the importance of the matrilineal society in men respecting women.

Matilda Pilacapio - 00:09:28

Interview: 
Matilda Pilacapio
Time: 
00:09:28

Matilda Pilacapio describes working on Samarai Island in 1964 as an assistant ledger machinist for Burns Philp and the racial segregation of work in the office. She states that she was trained to use the ledger machine.

Josephine Abaijah - 01:01:05

Interview: 
Josephine Abaijah
Time: 
01:01:05

Josephine Abaijah describes her support from the Rotary Clubs of Australia who helped her win election in Milne Bay and the need for politicians to achieve something practical for people. She gives an example Rotary sending hospital supplies to Milne Bay after the closure of an Australian hospital.

Josephine Abaijah - 00:58:09

Interview: 
Josephine Abaijah
Time: 
00:58:09

Josephine Abaijah recalls the lack of political organisation in the early years and the travel by politicians. She describes her appointment as Governor of Milne Bay in 1999 for five years and states that she travelled extensively prior to entering politics.

Josephine Abaijah - 00:01:05

Interview: 
Josephine Abaijah
Time: 
00:01:05

Josephine Abaijah discusses her first encounters with Australians when she went to Australia when aged 15-16. She states that at Milne Bay she only had Papuan teachers, and sat for a scholarship examination. She recalls that her father was not happy about that but her mother encouraged her. She recalls that she joined a group who all went to schools in Charters Towers, Queensland.

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