Australia Delivering for Solomon Islands' Disaster Response Sector

-

Solomon Islands is officially in the 2024 – 2025 high-risk weather season.

As the local disaster response sector conducts crucial preparation for the potential of a natural disaster, Australia is proud to be working shoulder-to-shoulder-in support.

On 4th December, Australian High Commissioner Rod Hilton attended an event at the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) along with Hon Trevor Mahaga, Minister of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM), Ms Susan Sulu, Permanent Secretary MECDM, Mr Jonathan Tafiariki, Director NDMO, and Colonel Justin Bywater, Australian Defence Advisor to Solomon Islands.

Mr George Baragamu, Deputy Director NDMO and Mr Jonathan Tafiariki, Director NDMO attend new equipment training along with NERT and NDMO teams.  

During the event, High Commissioner Hilton announced the delivery of a new suite of vital equipment to support disaster relief operations in Solomon Islands. The mission support items, gifted by Australia, included load carriage packs, remote communication devices, life vests, emergency response beacons, medical kits, portable batteries with solar charging, water treatment sets, navigation tools and storage cages.

The equipment also came with a package of specialised training, delivered by the Australian Defence Force, covering operational use, maintenance and logistics management. The first equipment inductions and training sessions were completed in late November and included representatives from across the Solomon Islands humanitarian and disaster relief community including; the NDMO, National Emergency Response Team (NERT), Correctional Services of Solomon Islands, Ministry of Health, Solomon Power, Solomon Water and the United Nations Development Programme.

Mr Hudson Fulainao from the Australian High Commission, Defence team helps deliver induction training on the new equipment. 

High Commissioner Hilton said Australia remained committed to supporting the Solomon Islands’ disaster response sector, “this new equipment and training will provide NDMO and other disaster relief agencies the ability to sustain operational capability, particularly when conducting an Initial Situation Overview in the immediate aftermath of a natural disaster.”  

New equipment and storage cages, to support NERT disaster relief operations in Solomon Islands

The initiative forms part of Australia’s broader Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) and disaster risk reduction partnership with Solomon Islands, which includes assisting immediately following a disaster, but also working long term to develop Solomon Islands’ sovereign capability.

Australia’s broad HADR program of support includes:

  • a commitment to supporting Solomon Islands to develop a national sovereign humanitarian warehouse capability
  • institutional disaster management partnerships to improve early warning systems, build response capability and foster interoperability with Australia
  • providing training and equipment for disaster management agencies, and
  • supporting long term disaster resilience and preparedness.

Colonel Justin Bywater, Australian Defence Advisor to Solomon Islands, highlighted Defence’s comprehensive support to the disaster relief sector in recent years, including:

·         The conduct of Exercise Longreach, in conjunction with the Australian Civil-Military Centre, including:

o   2024 – discussion exercise with Solomon Islands Disaster response community to enhance coordination and conduct planning

o   2023 – NDMO disaster planning ahead of the Pacific Games

o   2022 – Savo Island evacuation exercise

·         Refurbishment of the NDMO headquarters in Ranadi, including an upgraded operations room in line with Royal Solomon Islands Police Force standards which will be complete by January 2025.

·         Refurbishing the Provincial Emergency Operations Centre in Lata which has commenced.

·         Construction of a new provincial humanitarian warehouse in Temotu Province which will commence in 2025.

·         Training for NDMO and NERT employees under Exercise Coastwatchers 24/3

·         ADF membership and hosting of the Pacific Response Group, announced in October 2024 at the South Pacific Defence Ministers’ Meeting, which will provide enhanced ability to jointly respond to climate-induced disasters in the region.


Media Release | AHC


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Benjamin Afuga’s Journey as a Social Media Influencer

-
Image
Benjamin Afuga, a digital activist and community engagement leader in Honiara, Solomon Islands, inspires young people to leverage social media for positive change. As the founder and chief administrator of the Yumi Toktok Forum, Afuga’s journey from a passionate young man to a leading social media influencer showcases the potential for individuals to shape their communities using digital platforms. Benjamin Afuga, a digital activist and community engagement leader in the  Solomon Islands Afuga’s early life was deeply rooted in the rich culture and supportive community of the Solomon Islands. Influenced by the teachings of his parents, the church, family, friends, and the local community, he developed a passion for humanity and community engagement that set the stage for his future endeavors. “My journey into social media began with a desire to promote and share our wealth, unique culture, and voice with a wider audience. I realized the power of social media as a tool for posit...
Read more

Wendy Kealau: Bringing Global Insights Home from China’s E-Commerce Frontier

-
Image
For Wendy Kealau, a young Solomon Islands entrepreneur and the proud owner of Wendy’s Delicacy’s catering business, attending an international e-commerce seminar in Qingdao, China, was more than just a professional trip, it was a transformative journey that expanded her vision for local entrepreneurship. As a financial member of the Young Entrepreneurs Council Solomon Islands (YECSI), Wendy has been steadily carving out a name for herself in the local business scene. But her recent trip to China opened her eyes to new possibilities and offered powerful lessons in innovation, resilience, and the power of global thinking. “I wanted to understand how one of the world’s largest economies fosters innovation, scales businesses, and builds resilient infrastructure,” Wendy explained. “Being surrounded by entrepreneurs, investors, and leaders from all over the globe gave me a broader perspective on what’s possible for us here at home.” A Global View, A Local Heart Wendy’s exposure to Ch...
Read more

๐Ÿญ๐Ÿฏ ๐—ฌ๐—ผ๐˜‚๐—ป๐—ด ๐—˜๐—ป๐˜๐—ฟ๐—ฒ๐—ฝ๐—ฟ๐—ฒ๐—ป๐—ฒ๐˜‚๐—ฟ๐˜€ ๐—˜๐—ป๐—ต๐—ฎ๐—ป๐—ฐ๐—ฒ ๐—–๐˜‚๐˜€๐˜๐—ผ๐—บ๐—ฒ๐—ฟ ๐—ฆ๐—ฒ๐—ฟ๐˜ƒ๐—ถ๐—ฐ๐—ฒ ๐—ฆ๐—ธ๐—ถ๐—น๐—น๐˜€ ๐˜„๐—ถ๐˜๐—ต ๐—”๐—ฃ๐—ง๐—–

-
Image
Thirteen young entrepreneurs from the Young Entrepreneurs Council Solomon Islands (YECSI) have strengthened their business and customer service skills after completing a Collaborative Customer Care course with the Australia Pacific Training Coalition (APTC). The training, facilitated by APTC and organized by YECSI, aimed to equip young business owners with essential customer service strategies. Nine young women business owners were among the 13 participants, reflecting the program’s commitment to inclusivity and empowerment. The two-day intensive training gave participants valuable insights into effective communication techniques, conflict resolution, and customer loyalty strategies—all crucial for delivering high-quality service and enhancing customer satisfaction. Wendy Kealau, owner of Ezen’s Catering, Fashion, Entertainment, and Tiamaria Pub (Red Door), highlighted the vital role YECSI plays in supporting young entrepreneurs and how the training has positively impacted parti...
Read more