Sir Bob Sinclair: The builder who Made Papua New Guinea his home

In 1964, a 20-year-old Australian builder named Bob Sinclair came across a newspaper advertisement for a carpenter in the Territory of Papua & New Guinea. Struggling with a 500-pound car accident bill after his car—and his blonde girlfriend—crashed into a Sydney service station, Bob made a bold decision that would change his life forever. He packed his tools, left the familiar shores of Australia, and embarked on an adventure to Papua New Guinea—a land that would become the canvas for his extraordinary legacy. Bob’s early days in PNG were as raw and rugged as the land itself. He worked on Manam Island and took on the daring role of a crocodile hunter along the Ramu River, where he crossed paths with the infamous John Pasquarelli. It was during this time, among the people and wild beauty of PNG, that Bob developed a profound love for the country—a love that would fuel his life's work. His early projects, including the Goroka Base Hospital, Talair accommodation in Goroka, and the Kundiawa Post Office, laid the foundation for his growing reputation as a builder of vision and determination. In 1969, Bob married a stunning local beauty queen and soon asked his boss, George Sicklinger of Morobe Construction, for a pay rise and better accommodation. He was met with a dismissive offer of a mere 10-cent increase. Refusing to accept less than he deserved, Bob delivered a now-famous declaration: “You’re looking at opposition.” It was a moment of defiance that marked the birth of his legacy. What followed was nothing short of extraordinary. Bob went on to build some of the most iconic structures in PNG, including the Markham Bridge and accommodation and classrooms at the University of Technology in Lae. He founded the Lae International Hotel and grew his company, Lae Builders & Contractors, into the largest construction enterprise in the country. His work shaped the physical and economic landscape of Papua New Guinea, leaving a legacy that continues to impact lives to this day. In this exclusive interview, Sir Bob Sinclair reflects on his remarkable journey—from his humble beginnings to becoming a cornerstone of PNG’s development. He shares candid insights into 50 years of independence, his enduring passion for rugby league, and his deep connection to the City of Lae. Prepare to be inspired by unforgettable stories from his extraordinary life. Hear about the adventurous trip to the USA with his PNG mates, John Haugie and John Kaputin, to select racehorses for his Markham Stud horse racing and breeding facility in Toowoomba, Australia—and the unforgettable journey back with a plane full of horses (and their poop!). Relive the historic moment in 1975 when Chimbu District Commissioner Jerry Nalau introduced him to Prince Charles, the future king. And don’t miss the dramatic tale from 1994, when one of his trucks collided with the Umi Bridge in the Markham Valley, causing the bridge to collapse and bringing PNG’s economy to a standstill for several weeks. Sir Bob shares the profound sense of guilt he felt in the immediate aftermath, fearing the worst for his role in the incident, and the immense relief when investigations revealed that the bridge had been an aging structure weakened by years of wear and tear. Sir Bob also reveals his enduring vision for PNG, vowing that Lae Builders and Contractors, along with Lae International Hotel and all his businesses, must never be sold. His directive ensures these institutions will continue to provide employment for Papua New Guineans, fostering opportunities for generations to come. Join us for this inspiring account of grit, determination, and a love for Papua New Guinea that transformed not just a life, but a nation. #BobSinclair #PapuaNewGuinea #PNGHistory #ConstructionLegacy #RugbyLeague #LaePNG #Inspiration #50YearsIndependence #MarkhamBridge #LaeBuilders #ManamIsland #CrocodileHunter #Infrastructure #Adventure #Legacy