My first week as High Commissioner
It is a deep privilege to begin my role this week as Australia’s new High Commissioner to Solomon Islands – and I thank the Prime Minister of Solomon Islands, the Hon Jeremiah Manele MP, and his Government for their acceptance of my nomination to serve in this role.
I arrive in Solomon Islands with already a deep affection and admiration for this country. When serving as Australian High Commissioner to Vanuatu, I often dreamed of future roles – and hoped that I might one day find my way to Solomon Islands. My mother worked in community hospitals in Lae, Rabaul and Madang in the 1960s and her love of Melanesia flows in my veins.
After Vanuatu, my career eventually led me to Rennell Island where, in 2019, I worked with Solomon Islands’ senior government officials to protect Rennell Island from the oil spill caused by a grounded boat transporting bauxite ore. My next diplomatic appointment was to Geneva during the COVID period, where a primary role was to work alongside my counterparts from New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Japan and the United States to secure COVID vaccines for the Pacific. I’m proud of the success we had.
As I begin my duties in Honiara, I’m excited by the work ahead in 2026. This is going to be a fantastic year for the Solomon Islands-Australia Partnership. Our two governments are on track to complete several major projects and make significant progress on many more.
In the coming months, the state-of-the-art Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre will open: a moment for genuine celebration.
Once open, the Centre will provide maternal and low-risk birthing services and outpatient care. And we’re not just constructing the building – the two governments are training the staff and putting in place the systems to make sure that the Centre delivers high-quality services to the community as soon as it opens.
All Australian construction projects have a strong focus on local content. That’s especially true when it comes to economic infrastructure like the new Buala and Seghe Markets and Seghe Terminal, expected to be completed this year, and the Malu’u Market, which will see significant progress.
These projects are all being delivered by local Solomon Islands construction companies, building the skills of the local workforce, providing jobs, and delivering economic benefits to Solomon Islanders.
I know that ultimately, the success of Australia’s support for Solomon Islands will be judged by whether it has a positive impact on the lives of ordinary people, no matter where in Solomon Islands they live.
That’s why I’m pleased to share that, through the Community Partnerships Program, we’re expecting to fund at least 100 projects at the grassroots level right across Solomon Islands in 2026. This follows a record 108 projects supported last year.
We will be calling for project applications very soon – keep an eye out for the announcement on radio, Facebook, newspapers and online.
Education is another way we’re making sure we deliver for all Solomon Islanders. I see this as a vital part of the partnership to support the priorities of the Ministry of Education. Within communities, the two governments are building classrooms and sanitation facilities. Centrally, we’re strengthening curricula and providing mentoring and teaching resources. Education is the most vital pathway to opportunity.
That’s also why we’ll be offering 100 Australia Awards scholarships in 2026, including 50 long-term and 50 short-term courses.
Finally, in 2026 we’ll keep up our hard work as Solomon Islands’ numbawan security partner – a role and responsibility we take extremely seriously.
This year, our partnership on Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) growth will move full steam ahead under the leadership of the Solomon Islands Government. Australian support will focus on delivering infrastructure and additional police recruits in Honiara and the provinces, aimed at assisting the RSIPF to keep Solomon Islanders safe and secure, and its economy growing.
It’s only my first week as High Commissioner and I’ve already got a huge to-do list – but I’m looking forward to getting stuck into it, in partnership with the wonderful people of Solomon Islands.
Lukim iu neks taem – where I will share some updates on the PALM scheme!
