Australia’s partnership with Choiseul strengthens infrastructure, education, health, and economic growth.
Congratulations Choiseul and the Lauruan people on your Second Appointed Day!
Australia’s partnership with Choiseul Province is stronger than ever. Over the past five years, we have invested in infrastructure, education, health, economic growth, and disaster resilience—helping communities stay connected, safe, and prosperous.
Australia is Solomon Islands’ largest and most enduring infrastructure partner, investing over SBD5 billion in the past five years. More than SBD70 million has directly benefited Choiseul, improving health, education, safety, and connectivity. A new police station in Wagina strengthens community policing. In the far Northeast, an Australian-supported telecommunications tower in Vadede provides reliable internet and mobile coverage.
Education and community development have also advanced, with infrastructure upgrades at ten schools and eight communities. The upgrade of Taro Airfield to an all-weather sealed runway has made travel safer and more reliable, unlocking new economic opportunities.
These projects align with Solomon Islands national and provincial priorities, strengthening Choiseul’s future. Australia remains committed to improving schools, health services, security, and transport.
The Solomon Islands–Australia Community Partnerships invests in village infrastructure that everyone can use. In 2024, Australia funded five new projects in Choiseul: a community bridge in Wagina, community halls in Kovakoke and Nukiki, a seawall in Sasamunga, and a staff house at Koloe Community High School.
Together, these projects represent an investment of over SBD1.1 million, directly supporting local businesses and economic development, helping to create jobs. Australia values these partnerships and remains committed to locally led development. Choiseul has some of Solomon Islands’ largest seaweed supplies, a key income source for coastal families, especially in Wagina. Seaweed farming, often a family-run business, involves harvesting, drying, and packaging for export. To better support this industry, we recently visited seaweed farmers in Arariki, Nikumaroro, and Kukutin to learn directly from farmers how we can support this growing local industry. We are now scaling up assistance for seaweed farmers in Choiseul and across Solomon
Islands.
The PALM scheme provides Solomon Islanders great opportunities to gain skills, work, and earn money in Australia. The program is open to all provinces, because we want to ensure the benefits are shared across the country. In Choiseul, 387 workers have already travelled to Australia under PALM, sending money home to support their families and communities. Their earnings help pay school fees, start businesses, and contribute to community development. Another 215 people are in the work-ready pool, preparing for future opportunities.
For over 20 years, Australia has supported Solomon Islands’ health sector. Since 2018, Choiseul has received SBD11.6 million in provincial health grants, improving healthcare services. A new biomolecular laboratory at Taro Hospital allows for faster medical diagnoses. Australia has also funded national health campaigns, including the mass drug administration for scabies and the Measles and Rubella Big Catch-Up, ensuring better public health outcomes.
In partnership with the Solomon Islands and New Zealand governments, Australia is expanding access to education in Choiseul. Recent investments include a girls’ dormitory and ablution block at Papara Community High School and a science lab at Konamana Community High School. To improve school management, Australia has provided a boat and IT facilities for the Choiseul Education Provider, and new curriculum and textbooks to strengthening learning outcomes. Australia is Solomon Islands’ leading humanitarian partner, providing disaster relief and building national resilience.
When disasters strike, Australia provides rapid response to affected areas while also helping strengthen Solomon Islands to local disaster management capacity.
A key initiative is the Australian funded SBD2 million Taro Provincial Emergency Operations Centre, which enhances Choiseul’s ability to respond to emergencies.
It works closely with the National Disaster Management Office in Honiara, ensuring effective coordination.
This investment complements Australia’s commitment to build a national humanitarian
warehouse in Honiara, alongside provincial warehouses in Gizo and Auki.
Australia supports women’s leadership and economic empowerment in Choiseul. Through its partnership with the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs, 63 women’s savings clubs have been established, helping hundreds of women to achieve their financial goals.
Australia also continues to support the Solomon Islands Government’s SAFENET referral system in Choiseul, for women and girls to seek help if they are experiencing violence.
Australia remains committed to working alongside Choiseul Province to build a stronger, healthier, and more connected future. From infrastructure and education to economic growth and disaster resilience, this partnership continues to deliver real benefits for the people of Choiseul.
Lukim iu neks taem!
