The Australian Government has opened the second round of applications for its Solomon Islands-Australia Community Partnerships Program for 2026, inviting communities across the country to apply for funding for small-scale development projects.
The announcement comes shortly after the recent visit of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to Solomon Islands and reflects Australia’s continued support for community-driven development initiatives.
Through the program, the Australian High Commission is seeking applications for projects that address local needs and improve the lives of Solomon Islanders, particularly in rural communities.
A statement from the Australian High Commission in Honiara says funding is available for a range of community infrastructure projects, including staff houses, toilet facilities, water tanks, solar power systems and community halls.
“Community groups from all constituencies are eligible to apply,” the statement said.
“While endorsement from Members of Parliament is not required, the Australian High Commission encourages partnerships with local leaders and co-funded initiatives, saying this reflects the collaborative approach that underpins Australia’s development assistance program,” it added.
The program has attracted strong interest nationwide. In the first round of 2026, Australia received a record 278 applications, with 51 projects selected for funding.
“The successful projects represent more than SBD$11.5 million in direct spending on local hardware suppliers, transport operators and other businesses involved in project delivery.”
The statement said since the program began in 2019, Australia has funded 342 projects across all 50 constituencies, benefiting thousands of Solomon Islanders through improved community infrastructure.
Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, Jeff Roach, said Australia was proud to support practical projects that make a direct difference in communities.
“Australia is proud to support communities all across the country with life-changing small-scale community infrastructure projects, in partnership with the leaders and Government of Solomon Islands,” Roach said.
He said the program was particularly important given that around 80 per cent of Solomon Islands’ population lives in rural areas where access to quality infrastructure remains a challenge.
“The growing number of applications we receive every round shows that this program is more popular and more relevant to Solomon Islands’ development priorities than ever,” he added.
Roach said a key strength of the program was that projects are identified and led by communities themselves.
“Local leaders set the priorities and local pride drives the outcomes. This is development that is community-driven, transparent and built to last.”
He added that the program also provides a boost to local businesses, with building materials, transport and shipping services sourced within Solomon Islands.
Applications for the second round of the Solomon Islands-Australia Community Partnerships Program are now open.
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