Australia’s Partnership with Central Province

Australia supports Central Province with investments in infrastructure, health, education, jobs, and community development.

It was an honour to attend the Central Province Second Appointed Day celebrations in Tulagi on 29 June at the invitation of my good friend, Premier Kenneth Sagupari. There, I spoke about how Australia’s work connected to the theme of the day: “empowering transformation, and resourcing for the future”. My core message was that Australia’s partnership with Central Province – worth over SBD 100 million in projects over the last two years – is focused on supporting education, health and job creation: the core fundamentals for transforming the lives of the people of Central Province.

*Premier Sagupari and High Commissioner Roach at Central Province Second Appointed Day celebrations.*

Better Infrastructure, better life!

Australia’s infrastructure investments are delivering lasting benefits for communities and the economy in Central Province. This includes on Savo Island where more than 500 people now have access to clean, reliable electricity for the first time, thanks to a new solar powered off-grid energy system supported by Australia.

The new system not only strengthens local businesses but also improves power to schools, health facilities, and households and boosts internet connectivity. With reliable power, communities can store more of their catch, sell more and earn a better income. This helps communities to grow and gives young people more opportunities to stay and contribute to their local economy.

*High Commissioner Roach learning more about the new solar system in Savo with community members.*

Healthy lives, Healthy minds.

Through our health partnership, we’re supporting outreach programs, immunisation initiatives and upgrades to health facilities for Central communities. This includes supporting six new water tanks from Tathi to Koilovala and improved waste management in Boromole.

This year, Central Province has received over SBD 800,000 in provincial grant funding from Australia, helping health workers deliver care, especially in remote communities. I’m pleased we’ll be supporting leaders to come together for the upcoming Central Islands Provincial Health Summit—an opportunity to tok stori, share what’s working and agree on the next steps to keep strengthening services.

Towards a better and brighter future for children

Our education partnership is making a helping to set children up for the future through the construction of new water, sanitation and hygiene facilities across 26 schools enabling access to clean and reliable services to 3,856 students and 197 teachers.

Wash in School handover at McMachon School with UNICEF, Ministry of Education and Human Resources representative, Premier of Central Islands Province, Hon Kenneth Sagupari, Australian High Commission and Chief Education Officer, Central Islands.

Reaching the hearts of communities

Community development is at the heart of our development program, and I am proud that Central province has benefitted from the Solomon Islands Australia Community Partnerships program, with 9 community projects since 2021, investing more than SBD 1.83 million. These projects span essential community infrastructure, including the Central Province Council of Women Conference Facility.

Caption: Minister Counsellor Stephanie Aeuckens handing over the Central Province
Council of Women Conference Facility. — *Minister Counsellor Stephanie Aeuckens handing over the Central Province Council of Women Conference Facility.*

Women Empowerment & Safety

Through our partnership with the Family Support Centre and the Christian Care Centre survivors of gender-based violence now have access to essential services provided through Tulagi Provincial Government and local service providers, highlighting the importance of partnership and community-based approaches.

Not only that, but we also support economic empowerment for women across Russell Islands, Savo and Ngella with saving clubs and financial literacy training to advance financial resilience and independence.

Supporting local businesses and economy

Australian High Commission Economic Counsellor, Emily Flahive and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Barney Sivoro cutting the ribbon with Nughu Beach Bungalows owner, Zaccheus Sepo to celebrate the completion of activities under the #SIAusPartnership.

The Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme has created life-changing opportunities for over 11,000 Solomon Islanders, with 231 Central Islanders currently in Australia working in meatworks, horticulture, and agriculture with another 280 in the Work Ready Pool. These workers have gained practical skills and experience to bring back to Solomon Islands, as well as the opportunity to pay school fees, build homes and start small businesses.

I recently visited Savo where I saw firsthand the beauty of this province and I am pleased that the Solomon Islands-Australia Partnership supported 7 locally led tourism businesses with upgrades to accommodation, online marketing and an expansion to tourism services.

*Team from the Australian High Commission, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Star Point Accommodation and Strongim Bisnis in Tulagi.*

It is through partnering with the people of Central Province, working together on their priorities, that we can support staka pipol blong Central makem chans for waka, now and into the future!

Lukimi iu neks taem!