Telebere News

Indigenous Australian businesses are helping to boost Solomon Islands eco-tourism and cultural tourism by sharing First Nations knowledge and expertise with local tourism operators. First Nations Expertise Inspires Solomon Islands Tourism Elisha Kissick, a proud Quandamooka woman and founder of Yura Tours on Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island), Australia, said she was grateful for the opportunity to connect across the Pacific Ocean. The hands-on sessions encouraged storytelling, peer exchange, and practical product development tailored to each business. “This workshop was a key step in amplifying First Nations voices in Solomon Islands and global tourism. The passion and creativity of the participants reflect a bright future for eco-cultural tourism led by First Nations people. It was a privilege to deliver the workshop and witness such engagement,” Ms Kissick said. Jenno Hughes from Zipolo Habu Resort said the First Nations Eco-Tourism Workshop had provided invaluable insights...

Australia Awards Solomon Islands has launched the 2025 Alumni Support Grants, offering Australia Awards alumni a chance to secure funding for community-driven projects that support development across the country. Under this year’s program, individual alumni can access up to AUD 5,000, while groups of alumni can apply for up to AUD 10,000. Projects that partner with an Australian organisation, university, or individual are also eligible for additional funding — AUD 3,000 for individuals and AUD 5,000 for groups. The grants aim to empower alumni to drive initiatives that: Promote innovative ideas and community events such as workshops, seminars, and conferences. Build capacity and improve socio-economic wellbeing, particularly for marginalised communities.   Advance gender equality, disability inclusion, and social inclusion. Establish Communities of Practice (COPs) that align with Solomon Islands’ development priorities. However, construction-related projects are not eli...

Rugby in the Solomon Islands has long been considered a male-dominated sport. But the RISE Rugby program, supported by Oceania Rugby and the Australian Government through PacificAus Sports, is changing that perception – and women are now leading the way. Ebony Finau, Florence Nodoro, and Freda Matangi are driving this transformation. The program not only supports players but also empowers women in leadership roles across the sport. With Australian funding, three senior positions at the Solomon Islands Rugby Union Federation (SIRUF) are now held by women: Operations Officer, Marketing, Media and Sponsorship Officer, and Finance Officer. This shift has already sparked change. Ebony Finau, Marketing, Media and Sponsorship Officer, Freda Matangi, Operations Officer, and Florence Nodoro, Finance Officer, at the Solomon Islands Rugby Union Federation.  Under female leadership, the country has launched a national women’s rugby 7s team, created two new professional competitions, and re...

A new report, Building Together – Five Years of Infrastructure Partnership Between Solomon Islands and Australia, was officially launched during the Pacific Infrastructure Conference 2025 in Brisbane, highlighting a significant milestone in the two nations’ collaboration on infrastructure development. The launch was officiated by Solomon Islands Minister for National Planning and Development Coordination, Hon. Rexon Ramofafia, and Australia’s Deputy High Commissioner, Mr. Andrew Schloeffel. The report showcases 515 infrastructure projects completed across the country’s nine provinces, with a total investment of more than SBD5 billion. The majority of these projects were delivered by local firms and local workers, generating hundreds of skilled jobs and contributing to the growth of the Solomon Islands economy. Minister of National Planning and Development Coordination, Hon. Rexon Ramofafia, Australia’s Deputy High Commissioner Mr Andrew Schloeffel and Minister of Rural Development,...

Angeline Chambe, a young female originally from Guadalcanal and Malaita provinces, is a shining example of how the Pacific Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme transforms lives. Since arriving in Australia in 2022, Angeline, a graduate of Certificate III in Individual Support from the Australia Pacific Training Coalition (APTC), has been working as an aged care support worker with Australian Regional Remote Community Services (ARRCS) in the Northern Territory. Through the scheme, she has gained experience, supported her family, and contributed to her community back home. “The PALM scheme has transformed my life,” Angeline says. “It has given me the chance to pursue my passion for care, support my family, and give back to our community. I hope my story inspires others to follow their dreams.” Her work in aged care goes beyond a job—it’s a commitment to improving the lives of elderly residents. Angeline assists residents with daily activities, supports nurses with medication, organize...

The Correctional Services Solomon Islands (CSSI) Training Academy has officially received accreditation as both a Registered Training Organisation, and for its Certificate III in Correctional Practice from the Solomon Islands Tertiary Education and Skills Authority (SITESA). This marks a significant milestone in the development of the country’s correctional services sector and reflects Solomon Islands and Australia’s joint commitment to building Solomon Islands’ sovereign training and development capability . SITESA CEO Constance Nasi hands over registration certificate to Minister Tanangada and Commissioner Forau. Over the past year Australia’s partnership with CSSI, supported through the Australia Solomon Islands Partnership for Justice, has delivered several key initiatives. In 2024, Australia handed over new armory, storage, and archive facilities to CSSI—critical infrastructure that supports the safe and effective management of correctional operations. The successful twinni...

The safety of air travel in Solomon Islands has received a major boost with the installation of Australian-funded runway clearing equipment and upgraded weather observation systems at key airports. Visitors from Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology with SIMS at the Automated Weather Observation System at Honiara Airport . New Foreign Object Debris (FOD-BOSS) equipment has been introduced at Honiara and Munda airports to remove dangerous objects such as rubbish, stones, and debris from runways. These objects pose serious risks to aircraft, potentially damaging wheels or being sucked into engines. At the same time, the Automatic Weather Observation System (AWOS) at Honiara Airport has undergone a major upgrade, with final inspections completed last week by the Australian Bureau of Meteorology. The system provides accurate and consistent weather information, which is critical for safe aviation operations. Australia’s High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, Rod Hilton, reaffirmed Austra...

The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) is empowering young agripreneurs in the Solomon Islands through a new partnership with the Young Entrepreneurs Council of Solomon Islands (YECSI) under the Cocoa and Coconut Revolving Fund (CCRF). This initiative marks a major step in supporting youth-led businesses in cocoa and copra production. This week, MAL began signing funding agreements with the first batch of YECSI members receiving support under the CCRF. The signing ceremony, held at MAL Headquarters, was witnessed by CCRF Secretariat officials, Deputy Secretary – Special Duties Mr. Simon Baete, and Deputy Secretary – Technical Mr. Michael Ho’ota. Congratulating the young recipients, Mr. Baete encouraged them to maximize the opportunity, highlighting its potential to strengthen youth participation in agriculture. First YECSI CCRF Recipients Include: ·          Willie Yates, SOL FRESH PRODUCTS LTD, Henderson – Cocoa, $150,000 · ...

Australia Awards Alumnus, Emma Clera Sipele, is bringing home world-class human resource strategies after attending the Australian Human Resources Institute (AHRI) QLD State Conference in Gold Coast, Australia. Ms. Sipele has adopted her learnings from the conference to introduce AI-powered recruitment, boost employee wellbeing, and adapt global best practices to build ethical, innovative, and people ‑ centred workplaces in the Solomon Islands. During the two-day event, Ms. Sipele explored strategies that improve hiring transparency, reduce bias, and increase efficiency through AI-powered recruitment tools, while ensuring human judgment and ethical principles remain central. She also gained innovative approaches to strengthening workplace wellbeing, including offering healthy meal options, promoting work-life balance, and providing mental health support to raise morale and productivity. “With the right tools and mindset, we can build workplaces that are ethical, innovative, and...

  Australia Awards alumnus Fox Mark is helping to shape the next generation of teachers in Solomon Islands by applying skills, gained through the Australia Awards Solomon Islands short course. Since completing the Transformational Leadership short course, Mr. Mark has introduced student-centred teaching approaches at the Solomon Islands National University (SINU), focusing on empathy, flexibility, and inclusion — key principles that are now enhancing the learning experience for aspiring teachers. “The short course helped me realise that as a lecturer, I am also a leader,” said Mr. Mark. “My responsibility is to prepare future teachers to be both skilled and compassionate.” Mr. Mark lectures in ethics, religious education, cultural studies, and guidance and counselling at SINU’s Faculty of Education and Humanities. Drawing on the Australia Awards training, he has implemented practical solutions to address student challenges including the use of recorded lectures via Moodle t...

Australia Awards Solomon Islands Alumnus, Edmond Junior Bate’e, has returned home from the 2025 Waste to Energy Conference on the Gold Coast with fresh ideas to tackle the country’s growing waste challenges. Supported by the Australian Government through Australia Awards Solomon Islands and by his employer Tropic Group Builders Ltd (TGB), Mr Bate’e joined leading experts at the conference hosted by the Waste Management and Resource Recovery Association of Australia (WMRR). “This experience opened my eyes to the fact that waste is not just a problem — it’s a resource when managed properly,” Mr Bate’e said. “As an Australia Awards Alumnus, I feel a responsibility to bring home what I’ve learned and help drive practical waste-to-energy solutions for our communities.” The conference focused on practical ways to transform waste into clean energy using technologies like pyrolysis, gasification and biological conversion — ideas Edmond believes could benefit the Solomon Islands, where m...

As the world marks International Youth Day 2025 under the theme “Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond,” Australia Awards scholar Simaema Neilsen is urging young Solomon Islanders to embrace their role as leaders of change. “Remember, you are leaders of change. You are the future. Believe in your potential and never underestimate the power of your voice and actions. Every small step you take today can shape a better tomorrow,” Simaema said in her message to mark the occasion. Originally from Guadalcanal and Western Province, Simaema is currently pursuing her Master of International Business at the University of the Sunshine Coast in Australia. For her, the program is more than an academic pursuit — it is a commitment to building a stronger, more inclusive future for the Solomon Islands. “I chose this field because I believe it will equip me with the knowledge, skills, and tools to contribute to a thriving and inclusive private sector,” she said. “Quality education isn’t jus...

San Isidro Christian Care Centre students will now have access to brand-new, industry-standard tools and equipment thanks to Australia’s ongoing support for the Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector in Solomon Islands. The Australian Government, through its partnership with the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) and the Australia Skills Awards, has provided a range of modern power tools — including circular saws, sanding machines, and a power planer — along with safety equipment, a colour printer, and accessories to enhance training delivery and operations at the centre. Minister for Education, Hon Tozen Leokana, handing over the power tools for training to Sister Maria, Principal of San Isidro Christian Care Centre . The handover event was attended by the Minister of Education and Human Resources Development, Honourable Tozen Leokana, and the Australian Deputy High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, Andrew Schloeffel, who met with student...

Australia and Solomon Islands have reaffirmed their strong partnership in education through the Australian Education Roadshow, connecting over 100 Solomon Islanders with opportunities to study at leading Australian universities. At the welcome reception recently, Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Rod Hilton welcomed 15 Australian universities to Honiara and shared information about study pathways, scholarships, and skills training opportunities. Adelaide Uni Rep with SIAAA Vice President. High Commissioner Hilton said, “the Roadshow demonstrates Australia’s commitment to helping Solomon Islanders achieve their education and career goals while strengthening links between universities, communities, and future leaders”. “Australia has long partnered with Solomon Islands in education. This Roadshow supports young Solomon Islanders in accessing high-quality education, building new skills that make them ready for today’s job market, and returning home to hel...

The Australian High Commission in Solomon Islands, in partnership with Dreamcast Theatre and Big hART, will be hosting a unique cultural event celebrating First Nations heritage from Australia alongside local artistry. This free kastom (First Nations, Indigenous) performance will take place at the Dreamcast Arts Hub in Chinatown on Saturday, 9 August 2025. The event begins at 4:00 PM with a free BBQ, followed by the cultural performance at 5:00 PM. Admission is free and open to the public. First Nations and Dreamcast will host a kastom cultural event. Pictured are Jeremy Donovan, a First Nations artist, and local music legend Natty D from Dreamcast Theatre, Solomon Islands. Photo: AHCSI The performance features First Nations artists from the Pilbara region of northern Western Australia, collaborating with Dreamcast Theatre artists in a special cultural exchange between the Solomon Islands and Indigenous Australia.  Together, they will share stories, traditions, and music that hig...

The new Seghe Terminal and Market projects have officially received the blessing of churches and community leaders, marking the start of two major developments expected to boost economic opportunities in the Marovo area. At a joint ceremony with the Western Provincial Government, the new market site was blessed by Superintendent Minister for Marovo Circuit, Rev. Gerald Rigeo, representing the United Church landowners. The Seventh Day Adventist Church and other community leaders also offered their blessings. Provincial Secretary, Patrick Toiraena, said while the upgraded airfield was already seeing an increase in tourism to Marovo, Seghe would have a safe, and accessible market for growing their family income. Western Provincial Government Provincial Secretary, Patrick Toiraena, thanked church and community landowners for their generosity and support. “We also acknowledge the long and continuous support of Australia and New Zealand to the people of Solomon Islands and Western Provin...

The Australian High Commission has announced the opening of a new round of funding under the Solomon Islands–Australia Community Partnerships program, supporting community-led projects that improve living standards across the country. The program funds small-scale infrastructure projects such as staff housing, toilet blocks, water tanks, solar power installations, and community halls. Community groups from all provinces are eligible to apply, with the High Commission encouraging projects jointly funded with Members of Parliament. In 2024, Australia funded a record 100 community projects across all provinces of Solomon Islands, representing more than SBD 23.62 million in direct funding to local hardware suppliers and transport businesses who helped deliver the projects. So far in 2025, 50 projects have been funded, with another 50 expected to be delivered before the end of the year. Australia’s High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Rod Hilton, reaffirmed Australia...

Solomon Islands, a Pacific paradise of turquoise lagoons, pristine beaches, and rich cultural traditions, continues to capture the imagination of travelers seeking authentic experiences. Whether you’re visiting from overseas or exploring between islands, understanding the local environment, health considerations, and safety tips will ensure your journey is both enjoyable and trouble ‑ free. Health and Wellbeing Travelers are encouraged to prepare for the tropical climate by taking precautions against mosquito ‑ borne illnesses such as malaria, dengue, and Zika virus. Preventive measures include using insect repellent, sleeping under mosquito nets, and considering prescription antimalarial medication before departure. Vaccinations for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and typhoid are also advisable, particularly if you plan to visit rural areas. While Honiara offers basic medical facilities, options are limited in remote provinces. Comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical ...