Vale David Baffsky

Monday, 5th December 2022

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our esteemed Paga Hill Estate Advisory Board Chairman, David Baffsky, AO.

As Honorary Chairman and former Executive Chairman of Accor Asia Pacific, the largest hotel management company in the Asia Pacific region, together with past experience on the boards such as Destination New South Wales, the Sydney Olympic Park Authority and Singapore Tourism, Mr Baffsky was extremely well-placed to guide with Paga Hill Estate’s transformation of Port Moresby.

Mr Baffsky’s business achievements were numerous, varied, international and widely recognised, with honours including an Order of Australia, as well as Chevalier in the Order of National Légion d’Honneur of France. The team at Paga Hill Estate pays particular respect to his incredible achievements in advancing Australian indigenous commercial causes, as well as in property development.

In his time as Director and Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee of the Indigenous Land Corporation (ILC), Mr Baffsky masterminded dozens of ventures for Aboriginal Australians throughout the country, including the areas of pastoral activities, cattle stations, as well as in hospitality and tourism. The most widely-known of these initiatives was the acquisition of Ayers Rock Resort for the ILC, which faced initial criticism, but is now widely celebrated for its showcase of local culture, as well as vast employment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander trainees.

Mr Baffsky was also instrumental in spearheading the transformation of Sydney’s Darling Harbour, a project of great foresight and vision. Forging ahead in spite of critics and sceptics, Baffsky’s precinct would establish Sydney as a regional leader in tourism, as well as conference and exhibition centres, substantially contributing to the doubling of Australia’s tourism numbers in the 1990s. Mr Baffsky felt similarly passionate for Paga Hill Estate, its potential to transform the visitor experience to PNG, as well as establish Port Moresby as a regional hub for trade & investment.

Paga Hill Estate and the nation of Papua New Guinea are extremely fortunate to have benefited from his time, wisdom and guidance. We send our heartfelt condolences to his wife Helen and immediate family in this difficult time.