From Matangi Tonga Magazine Vol. 15, no. 2, June 2000.

The swinging sixties came to life with the visiting Tuggerah Lakes Show Band from Australia, at the ‘Apifo’ou College Hall in, Nuku‘alofa, on June 14.

Austin Powers look-alike, Paul Boden, and his bird, Kate Cosgrove, won two bottles of wine and t-shirts for the best dressed couple from the ‘60s era. Second prize went to “Easy Riders” ‘Otenili and Barbara Tu‘ipulotu.

The door prize, a return ticket for two to Sydney, donated by Royal Tongan Airlines, was won by a Japanese volunteer, Kenji Yamaya.

Don Stewart, conductor, said the 28 member social band was formed in 1946, and included two professional players. They decided to come to Tonga for their annual holiday, and played at the Royal Palace, the Dateline Hotel, schools and with the Tonga Defence Services.

The Australian High Commission hosted the swing dance, with the proceeds going to the Salvation Army and the Red Cross.