SIMS Welcomes Two Forecasters Home After Completing Advanced Training in Australia

The Solomon Islands Meteorological Services (SIMS) has welcomed the return of two local forecasters who have successfully completed a postgraduate qualification at the Australian Bureau of Meteorology Training College.

Forecasters Frank Bale and Richard Huka underwent extensive training that strengthened their skills in meteorology, forecasting techniques, climate science, and weather observation. The program also deepened their understanding of tropical meteorology—knowledge essential for a country highly exposed to extreme weather conditions.

According to SIMS, the enhanced expertise of the two officers will directly boost the nation’s ability to forecast severe weather events such as cyclones, issue timely warnings, and provide accurate climate information to protect communities.

The training was delivered under a twinning arrangement established in March this year between SIMS and the Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM), aimed at building local capacity and strengthening the country’s early warning systems.

Supervising Director of SIMS, Eddie Maru, said the achievement marks a significant step forward for the national meteorological service.

“This accomplishment by our two staff builds our local technical skills, capacity, and expertise in providing advanced meteorological services for the safety and decision-making of the people of Solomon Islands, especially with the early warning system of the country,” Maru said.

He added that the knowledge and skills gained will contribute to the preparation and dissemination of public, marine, aviation, and severe weather forecasts, as well as tsunami warnings.

“I sincerely thank the Australian BOM and AHC for their continued support in improving the Solomon Islands meteorological service via staff capacity building and upgrading of weather observation stations. Congratulations Frank Bale and Richard Huka.”

Acting Australian High Commissioner, Andrew Schloeffel, also acknowledged the importance of the training.

“SIMS plays a crucial role in supporting economic development and public safety in Solomon Islands, especially to strengthen resilience to the impacts of climate change. That’s why Australia is pleased to be supporting learning opportunities for the SIMS team,” he said.

Australia’s support to SIMS includes upgrades to weather observation stations, improvements to data quality and management systems, and broader efforts to strengthen the operational resilience of meteorological services in Solomon Islands.

The return of Bale and Huka marks another milestone in the partnership, reinforcing the capacity of SIMS to deliver timely, reliable, and life-saving weather information to communities across the country.