THE LIFE OF PNG NASHO HANS JURGEN PROEBSTING (1950 – 2024)
Hans Jurgen Proebsting was born in 1950 in what was known then as East Germany. His parents, Karl and Elfriede realized quickly that their future in this part of Germany was not what they wanted and escaped to West Berlin. The family came as migrants to Australia and lived in the Holmsglen Migrant Hostel near Burwood in Victoria before moving to Noojee where Hans attended the local primary school. He later went to the Warragal Technical School and then to the Caulfield Institute of Technology to study electrical engineering. From here, he chose to prepare to become a science and mathematics teacher.
Hans was called up to do National Service in the army in1970. One can only imagine the anxiety of his parents who had come through the Second World War and subsequent occupation by the Russian Army and emigrated to a place far from war-torn Europe. Hans began his basic training at Puckapunyal Army Camp. From here, he was selected to undertake officer training at Scheyville Officer training unit. He graduated from here as a second lieutenant in 1971 (Graduate number 1331).
He was then posted to the Signals Corps and then to Port Moresby where he became part of the Joint Force Officers’ mess at Murray Barracks. (See the plaque below). He completed his National Service obligations here. It seems he liked his Army time in PNG and remained here until 1973.
He returned to Australia and became an active member of the Citizens’ Military Force rising to captain in the Army Reserve Command staff by 1993.
During this time, he studied to become a Municipal Engineer and spent the rest of his working life with various councils in Northern Victoria (including the Alpine Shire Council) as a road and traffic engineer.
On retirement, he pursued his interest in orchids (becoming a judge at orchid shows) and philately. He contributed to the Australian Stamp Professionals publications and was honoured by this organization with a published obituary on his death. He developed a keen interest in the natural world and ran a native animal shelter with his former wife Ann at Nyah near Swan Hill.
Hans life was full, rich and varied and he contributed to his community in many ways through teaching, military service and as an engineer. This continued in his retirement through many areas of voluntary work.
This has been a life full of service to many from a most challenging beginning as a migrant from a ruined Europe.
EPILOGUE:
Following Hans’ death in 2024, his sister, Irene, contacted the Chalkies group via the website and has sent many documents telling the story of Hans’ life. This account has been written as a celebration of the achieving life of a PNG Nasho, Jurgen Proebsting.
