Amphlett Islands - Milne Bay Province - 1965

The following photographs were taken by Jim Van Der Kamp. Jim joined the PNG Public Health Department's Malaria Control Programme as a Field Officer in January 1965 after 18 months service in the Army as a Medico in what was then Dutch New Guinea (now West Papua) and a break back in Holland.

Following a few weeks in Popondetta and Wanigela, Jim’s first posting was at Bolubolu Patrol Post on Goodenough Island where he remained for 5 months. He then spent 14 months at Mapamoiwa on Fergusson Island, patrolling all the D'Entrecasteaux islands including Woodlark and the Trobriand islands. In mid 1966 Jim was transferred to Rabaul for further training at the then Malaria Institute. In January 1967 he was posted to Minj in the Western Highlands as District Malaria Supervisor, moving to Mount Hagen in 1969. September 1973 saw a posting to Kieta, Bougainville, as Provincial Malaria Supervisor. After six and a half years of extensive patrolling, Jim, in 1980, was transferred to Goroka in the Eastern Highlands Province and took up the position of Regional Inspector covering most of the Highland Provinces. Jim went “finish” in February 1985.

.....

The Amphlett Group consists of 14 islands and islets that are arranged loosely in a ring shaped formation of 21 km by 16 km with a further 5 islands located 3.5 km to the east, outside of the main ring. The islands are hilly, rising to 586 m above sea level on Yabwaia and to 457 m on Wamea. The main islands include Wamea, Wawiwa, and Yabwaia.

.....

To view a 'Google' map of the Amphlett Islands, click here.

.....

Back to Gallery Index