Coming together in the spirit of unity
Happy New Year yufala evriwan! I hope you enjoyed a peaceful and restorative Christmas season with family and loved ones.
In Australia, much like in Solomon Islands, Christmas is a time of tradition, reflection, and celebration. But for many this year it has been a difficult time given the horrific attack in Bondi on 14 December. The loss of 15 lives in the deadliest terror attack on Australian soil has been upsetting for us all.
As Prime Minister Albanese has said, with the grief and sadness that overshadowed Christmas, we have also seen courage and compassion, and Australians wanting to come together in the spirit of unity across faiths, and across different backgrounds.
We deeply appreciated the words of condolence and solidarity from Prime Minister Manele on behalf of the Government and people of Solomon Islands.
As we look ahead across 2026, there’s a lot to be hopeful for.
We have welcomed new members to the High Commission over the last couple of months, and will have our new High Commissioner, Jeff Roach, join us very soon. Jeff is no stranger to the Pacific, having served as High Commissioner to Vanuatu and spent his time most recently in the Office of the Pacific working on Australia’s relationships with Tuvalu and Nauru.
One event that I know Jeff is already excited about is the return of the Commbank Joeys to Honiara – Australia’s U17 men’s football team! The Joeys will play two fixtures in Honiara at the National Stadium on 20 and 24 January, playing Solomon Islands’ U19 men’s team. You will remember the exciting matches from the last time the Joeys visited. Further details will be available soon.
We’ll soon be opening the next round of our Community Partnerships Program. We’ve awarded over 250 of these exciting projects over the last few years, with another 100 planned for 2026. These projects are locally led, supporting real needs in hundreds of communities in every province.
In addition to Community Partnerships, there’s a lot happening right across Solomon Islands supported by Australia. From health and education infrastructure, to investments in security, renewable energy and economic facilities, like the Buala Market, upgrades to Gizo Correctional Centre, and new capability at the National Disaster Management Office, Australia is responding to priorities raised by Solomon Islands.
We’re also finalising the next phase of our partnerships in geoscience and meteorology, and exciting initiatives under the Strongim Bisnis to promote private sector growth.
Our strong engagement under the Pacific Australia Labor Mobility (PALM) Scheme continues. We’ll be celebrating the alumni of our Australia Awards, and awarding TVET scholarships, as well as welcoming more Australian volunteers to the Hapi Isles.
And before the middle of the year, we’ll be opening the doors on the new Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre – a fantastic, world-class facility that will save lives.
I know many Solomon Islanders return to their home province during this time. For those travelling over this period, please stay safe.
At the High Commission, we look forward to working with government and communities across Solomon Islands in 2026 to further strengthen our close partnership. The next of these articles will be from our new High Commissioner, Jeff Roach.
Until then, I wish you all a peaceful and prosperous New Year.
