Jenny Hearn met her husband in Port Moresby. Bruce had spent several years in Papua New Guinea, originally during the Second World War, and returning in 1955 as Company Commander. He was Commanding Officer of PIR in 1965-68, and died 18 months after leaving PNG. While working for Radio Australia in the 1950s, Jenny acquired speech and drama qualifications and had considerable acting experience. With three children to support, she resumed her acting career after Bruce's death and appeared in many television commercials and dramas such as Bellbird and Prisoner, before joining the staff of Hawthorn Institute as a lecturer in language and communication studies. More recently Jenny has turned to rural pursuits, running a small fine-wool sheep property with a partner in northern Victoria. She also enjoys visiting her family and spending time with her seven grandchildren.

Author's Pandanus publications

• Taim Bilong Misis Bilong Armi: Memories of wives of Australian servicemen in Papua New Guinea 1951-1975