I worked in Bougainville in 1970/71. I was employed by H.H. Green electrical contractors to work on the Panguna mine site. We were one of the first contractors to be on the mine site installing a diesel-powered generator station for the electric shovels. Our dongas were on site 10 hrs a day 6 days a week, Sundays down to loloho beach for R&R.
Spent 6 months at Panguna and went back to Melbourne. 3 months later, with no work in Melbourne, I returned for another 6 month contract.
H.H.Green became Kilpatrick/Green. Our primary job was the power generator station at loloho. Many happy memories of Bougainville. The money was good also. Loved the sunsets especially at Panguna. It was the first time I saw hardened workers having a beer whilst watching the setting sun.
Geoff Finnigan
ballingarry[AT]icloud.com
