From the High Commissioner’s Desk – Jeff Roach

It’s only my second month as High Commissioner, and I have already been overwhelmed by the number of people who have told me how the Solomon Islands – Australia Community Partnerships program has changed lives in their communities.

With around 80% of Solomon Islands’ population living in rural areas, I understand how important it is for communities to have quality infrastructure that improves their lives. Since 2019, Australia has funded a total of 291 projects across every province of Solomon Islands – making a tangible difference to the lives of thousands of Solomon Islanders.

For example, Sobiro Clinic in Western Province now has solar power, giving clinic staff access to cold storage for life-saving vaccines and reliable lighting when women come to give birth.

Bubumala Village in Guadalcanal Province now has reliable access to clean drinking water following the installation of a solar-powered water pump, tanks, and standpipes to distribute water throughout the village.

And in Malaita Province, the Chiefs of Lilisiana now have a space to pass down cultural knowledge after Australia funded a faefae (kastom house) in partnership with the indigenous Solomon Islands NGO Kastom Keepers.

Projects like these also deliver clear economic benefits to rural communities in Solomon Islands. These 291 projects represent more than SBD 63 million in direct funding to local Solomon Islands’ hardware and transport businesses. That means that not only do these projects meet community needs, they also create and support local jobs.

I am especially proud that all these projects are locally-led. Local leaders set the priorities, local communities develop the project proposals and local teams build the infrastructure. This is development that’s community-driven, transparent, and built to last.

Australia is also proud to work in close partnership with Members of Parliament and Provincial Assemblies and Government to deliver key projects in their constituencies, because we are committed to aligning with government plans and priorities for development in this country.

Whether it’s labour contributions, project expansions, or aligning with local priorities — the partnership between Australia and Solomon Islands shows what’s possible when we work together with purpose and respect.

Australia continues to support large-scale infrastructure projects like the Tina River Hydropower Project and the Naha Urban Birthing Centre — both of which will deliver transformative benefits for Solomon Islands.

But we also recognise the equally powerful impact of small-scale, community-level projects, especially in rural areas. These initiatives are changing lives in ways that are deeply personal and lasting.

That’s why in 2025 Australia funded a record 108 projects worth more than SBD 25.4 million.

I am very pleased to announce that Australia is committed to funding 100 new projects in 2026.

The current round is now open, and the Australian High Commission is accepting applications until Sunday 8 March 2026. For more information, please search online for ‘Australia Solomon Islands Community Partnerships’ or go to https://solomonislands.embassy.gov.au/honi/communitypartnerships.html .

I am looking forward to reading all your applications and visiting new and existing projects in 2026 to see the impact of this exciting program first-hand.

Lukim iu neks taem!