Sir Rabbie Namaliu is new Badili Club patron

After six years without a patron the professional networking organisation the Badili Club yesterday secured the patronage of former Prime Minister Sir Rabbie Namaliu. 

Sir Rabbie Namaliu (seated, centre) with Badili Club executives and former presidents

The executives and members of the club had over the last year debated the type of patron that could build upon the strong foundations established by its founding chairperson the aate Sir Anthony Siaguru. 

Although Sir Anthony passed away in 2004, as a result of his tremendous influence and out of respect for this great man the club had not sought to fill the vacancy until last year when the matter was seriously discussed.

 The executives and members of the club took over a year to debate if it was the right time to seek a new patron, these discussions also included the type of person who would be able to add real value to the membership and assist the club to continue to expand its network and areas of influence. 

After much debate and searching, the members agreed the most -suitable person and indeed the only person who could fill the large shoes left by Sir Anthony was Sir Rabbie.

Sir Rabbie when accepting the invitation said: "It is an honour being asked to be patron of the Badili Club. 

"I have been aware of the work of the club over its 13 years of existence, and have indeed participated as a speaker at the annual PWC and Badili Club budget breakfast. 

"I look forward to supporting the club’s executives and adding value to its membership as required"."

Sir Rabbie added: "I must say when first asked I felt a little daunted given the founding chair was my dear good friend Tony (Siaguru).

"He and I in our early days were thrown in to the deep end in the public service and you had to either sink or swim.

"I am thankful that a club such as the Badili Club has been building that bridge between our current leaders and the next generation of leaders, and will gladly support its development."

 In another milestone for the club, at its 14th annual generall meeting the club installed its new executives: Data Nets CEO Sundar Ramamurthy as president, PNGFM general manager Adrian Au as vice president, Gorethy Semi brand manager South Pacific Export Lager as secretary and Paul Harris CEO of Pacific Wealth Management as treasurer. 

Ramamurthy becomes the eighth president and will serve a two-year term, supported by his vice president and executive.

 The Badili Club is a professional networking organisation that encourages membership from individuals aged between 25 and 45. 

Its objectives are to encourage and promote best practice within the work place and establish a network of committed individuals who are able to uphold high levels of integrity and who bring positive change to the organisations and industries they operate. 

The club was established in 1997 and as part of its charitable work continues to donate urgently -needed medical items in short-supply to National Capital District urban clinics.