Western Province’s Rendy Solomon wins inaugural 2025 Australia Awards Alumni Climate Warrior Award
A female health worker in Western Province has been awarded the inaugural 2025 Australia Awards Alumni Climate Warrior Award.
Australian High Commission in Honiara said Rendy Solomon, the Chief Health Inspector at Gizo Hospital, was given the award in recognition of her outstanding leadership and innovation in climate action and environmental sustainability.
An alumni of the Australia Awards Fellowships, Solomon completed a short course in Improving Health and Community Participation in Rural WASH Projects at the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) in July 2015.
Since then, she has brought that knowledge to her role as the Chief Health Inspector at Gizo Hospital.
“Solomon has spearheaded numerous Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) initiatives, directly improved health outcomes and strengthened climate resilience in rural communities across the province,” a statement from the High Commission said.
“Her visionary leadership extends beyond public health,” the statement added.
“She founded Gizo Plastic Wise and the innovative ‘Garbage Weavers of Gizo’ program-empowering women and girls to turn waste into sustainable livelihoods.
“These initiatives have promoted environmental stewardship while creating economic opportunities, especially for vulnerable groups.”
The statement said Solomon has also contributed to national policy reform, including supporting the Single Use Plastic Ban, and collaborated with a range of domestic and international partners to amplify community voices in environmental planning.
Rod Hilton, Australian High Commissioner to the Solomon Islands, congratulated Solomon for her leadership in climate action.
“Australia is committed to recognising the outstanding contributions of Australia Awards alumni, including through the Climate Warrior Award,” Hilton said.
“The work being done by Solomon Islanders like Mrs Solomon exemplifies the leadership, innovation, and community spirit needed to tackle the climate challenges we face today,” he added.
“This award is a testament to the shared commitment between Australia and the Solomon Islands to build a sustainable and resilient future.”
Solomon was selected for her contributions to:
• Strengthening climate resilience in vulnerable communities
• Advocating for sustainable waste management and plastic reduction
• Empowering women and youth in grassroots climate action
• Bridging local action with national and regional policy dialogue
As the award winner, she will receive SBD$25,000 to support her continued professional and leadership development.
“I am humbled to receive this award,” Solomon commented.
“This recognition is not just for me, but for every community and young leader working to protect our environment and to secure a better future for Solomon Islands,” she added.
“I sincerely thank everyone who supported me — my resilient community, our committed partners, and my loving family.
“Your belief, strength and encouragement have guided me to achieve this award. This recognition is for all of you and I’m truly grateful.”
The Alumni Climate Warrior Award celebrates Australia Awards alumni who demonstrate bold, innovative, and sustainable responses to environmental challenges in the Pacific.