By the time you read this column, I will have concluded my posting to Solomon Islands as Australia’s High Commissioner. I wanted to leave you with some reflections from the last three years. When I look back on my time in this beautiful country, I’m inspired by what we achieved…

Congratulations to Western Province, which celebrates its Second Appointed Day on 7 December! Some Australian High Commission staff tell me ‘West is best’, and while I could not possibly take sides, I have been very fortunate to travel to beautiful Western on many occasions throughout my three years in Solomon…

2025 has been a year of progress for health in Solomon Islands!  In March I joined the Minister for Health and Medical Services (MHMS), the Hon Paul Bosawai, to launch the Solomon Islands Australia Health Partnership, a four-year, $150 million investment that is improving healthcare delivery and saving lives across…

With most of Solomon Islands’ population living in rural areas, I know how important it is fcommunities to have quality infrastructure that improves their lives. That is why Australia has increased our Community Partnerships Program fivefold since 2023,meaning we are funding more of these kinds of projects in Solomon Islands…

As Australia’s High Commissioner, I have been lucky to travel all around Solomon Islands.  My first provincial trip as High Commissioner was to Western Province, where I travelled to Kolombangara. I met with the local community and saw their connection with the land, the beauty of the mountain and its…

As Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, I’m continually inspired by the resilience of individuals, communities, and organisations across this diverse and beautiful country. I know other Australians living here share the same feeling — including those here under the long-standing Australian Volunteers Program, which connects skilled Australians with partner…

World Cleanup Day on 20 September is more than a symbolic gesture – it’s a global call to action to tackle waste and pollution.   Every year, World Cleanup Day reminds us of the urgent need to protect our environment from the growing threat of waste and pollution. For island nations…

As I write this column, the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting is underway in Solomon Islands. It has been an exciting week, not yet over, full of discussion and collaboration between Pacific Leaders. The first thing I want to do is congratulate Solomon Islands, and commend all those involved…

Last week at the Pacific Infrastructure Conference in Brisbane, Australia and Solomon Islands officially launched a new report, Building Together – five years of infrastructure partnership. Building Together tells the story of a long and enduring partnership between our two great nations. It shows the impact of working together, with…