GOROKA LODGE PAGEANT RAISES K9,900 FOR EASTERN HIGHLANDS PROVINCIAL HOSPITAL
By Vicky Baunke in Goroka, EHP
A night of fashion, culture, entertainment and community spirit has ended on a successful note, with the Goroka Lodge 2026 Mr & Ms Pageant raising K9,900 to support the Goroka Provincial Specialist Hospital in Eastern Highlands Province.
The inaugural pageant, held at Goroka Lodge on Saturday, September 5TH , brought together contestants, judges, guests, sponsors, staff and members of the public for a night dedicated not only to entertainment, but also to giving back to the community.
The event was hosted under the theme “Cultural Identity in Fashion”, with the sub-theme “The Evolution of Cultural Medicine and Fashion in PNG.”
Goroka Lodge Director Warrick Wild thanked everyone who contributed to the success of the event, particularly those who purchased tickets and supported the fundraising initiative.
“Your support by purchasing our tickets helped us raise K9,900 for Eastern Highlands Provincial Hospital,” Mr Wild said.
He said every contribution would make a difference, particularly for the doctors and nurses working hard to provide healthcare services to the people of the province.
Mr Wild also acknowledged the pageant judges, contestants, organising committee, Goroka Lodge staff, entertainers and photographer, saying their combined efforts made the event a success.
Among the special guests were Eastern Highlands Provincial Health Authority Director for Curative Health Services, Dr Peter Kale, and his wife, who attended the pageant and supported the fundraising initiative.
The pageant was headed by renowned fibre artist Florence Kamel, popularly known as “Bilum Meri,” who served as the head judge.
Her involvement added a strong cultural dimension to an event that placed particular emphasis on Papua New Guinean identity, fashion and creativity.
The event also received support from sponsors, including Farmset, Arabica Coffee and Bilum Meri, who were acknowledged by the Goroka Lodge for their contribution.
For Goroka Lodge, the pageant was a first-of-its-kind initiative for the club, combining entertainment and fashion with a meaningful community cause.
The successful fundraising effort has demonstrated how the hospitality and entertainment industry can play a role in supporting essential community services, particularly healthcare.
The K9,900 raised will go towards supporting the Goroka Provincial Specialist Hospital, providing a practical contribution to the province’s health sector.
Mr Wild described the support from everyone involved as a demonstration of community love and thanked all participants for helping make the inaugural event a memorable one.
The success of the 2026 Mr & Ms Goroka Lodge Pageant could also pave the way for similar community-focused initiatives by the club in the future.
