Posts

Tourism Leaders Unite for Inaugural Tourism ‘Tok Stori’

Image
Tourism leaders have come together for a Tok Stori to deepen collaboration across the tourism sector, a key area of cooperation for Australia’s role as Solomon Islands ‘nambawan’ tourism partner. The Tok Stori brought together indigenous tourism operators, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Solomon Airlines, Tourism Solomon Islands, the South Pacific Tourism Organisation and the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI), and was supported by Australia. Provincial tourism operators and staff of Solomon Airlines networking during tea break.   Participants shared insights and explored how to increase tourists to the Hapi Isles and support more sustainable tourism developments across the country. Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, Jeff Roach, highlighted the significance of collaboration and a coordinated national approach to supporting the tourism sector to maximise the economic benefits to communities and the country. Group photo of the Tourism To...

Australia Provides Hospitality Skills to Meet Tourism Workforce Gaps

Image
Australia’s support for skills training continues through the Pacific Australia Skills program, delivering to upskill staff working in local cafés in Honiara, equipping them with practical skills in barista and beverage-making. The Hospitality Drinks Preparation training was provided in direct response to needs identified by local employers in the tourism and hospitality industry. Jeenning Taorau from RDE Ltd perfecting her coffee making skills during a practical session. Participants from Heritage Park Hotel, ORMIS Kitchen, RDE Ltd and members of the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) including a range of small businesses took part in the training, which combined theory and hands-on learning in preparing coffee and a range of non-alcoholic beverages. For Rouina Nence Itu from The Pagoda Café, the training was an opportunity to build her skills and confidence in her role. “I really enjoyed the training and felt very happy to attend. I now know the differen...

Second Application Round Open For 2026 Solomon Islands - Australia Community Partnerships

Image
Following close on the heels of the visit by Australian Prime Minister the Hon Anthony Albanese MP, the Solomon Islands-Australia Community Partnerships program is open for a second round of applications for 2026. Through the program, the Australian High Commission is welcoming applications for community-led projects to improve the lives of Solomon Islands people and communities. The Solomon Islands-Australia Community Partnerships support small-scale community projects like staff houses, toilet blocks, community water tanks, solar power for community infrastructure, and community halls. The new fencing around the campus of Nguvia Community High School, Guadalcanal Province is helping to ensure that students and teachers feel safe and secure and protecting the school property.   Community Partnerships funding is available to community groups across Solomon Islands. While it is not mandatory that an application be endorsed by a Member of Parliament, the Australian High Commissio...

Australian Navy Crew Visit Hells Point

Image
The crew of HMAS Yarra traded the open ocean for the football field during a visit to the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Hells Point Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) facility in Honiara last month. Royal Australian Navy sailors and officers spent the day learning how the RSIPF EOD unit identifies and disposes of unexploded ordnance (UXO) before finishing with friendly games of soccer and touch football. Chief Petty Officer Matthew Brooke and Royal Solomon Islands Police Force personnel discuss munitions disposal on a tour of Hells Point Explosive Ordnance Disposal facility in Honiara, Solomon Islands. The Solomon Islands has one of the highest concentrations of explosive remnants of war in the Pacific, with RSIPF EOD personnel disposing of hundreds of UXO items each year. During the visit, the crew observed the RSIPF's procedures for identifying, assessing and disposing of UXO. The demonstration included the use of portable X-ray equipment to assess munitions in th...

Honiara City Council School Bus Staff Complete First Aid Training to Strengthen Student Safety

Image
Student safety on Honiara City Council (HCC) school buses has been strengthened, with drivers and conductors now equipped with critical first aid skills through training supported by the Solomon Islands-Australia Partnership. DFAT rep, Red Cross rep and HCC school bus drivers and conductors showing first aid kits for the buses. Delivered by the Solomon Islands Red Cross Society on 24–25 June, the training followed a safeguarding workshop in April that identified the need to boost emergency response capability among school bus personnel. Red Cross facilitator doing practical demonstrations . Eight staff – four drivers and four conductors – successfully completed certified first aid training. They gained practical skills to respond to common incidents such as injuries, choking and fainting, improving their ability to act quickly and confidently in emergencies. Two participants doing demonstrations on how to wrap wounds. Participants were also provided with first aid kits and safety uni...

Solomon Islands Revival Fellowship Concludes 3rd National Rally with 140 Baptisms

Image
A powerful display of faith, unity and spiritual renewal marked the conclusion of the Solomon Islands Revival Fellowship Church’s 3rd National Rally in Honiara, where 140 people were baptized. Over four days, the rally brought together hundreds of believers from across Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Vanuatu, West Papua, Australia and the Solomon Islands. The gathering became more than just a religious event, it was a celebration of shared faith and spiritual growth, particularly among young people. From the opening march parade through the streets of Honiara to the final moments of worship and testimony, the rally created an atmosphere of joy and reflection. For many attendees, it was a life-changing experience that strengthened their commitment to their faith. As the Solomon Islands officially closed the 3rd National Rally as host nation, an announcement was made that Papua New Guinea will host the 4th National Rally in Port Moresby, continuing the momentum of regional fellowship. Pa...

Revival Fellowship Hosts 3rd National Rally in Honiara

Image
Honiara is hosting a vibrant gathering of faith as the Solomon Islands Revival Fellowship Church leads its 3rd National Rally, bringing together worshippers from across the Pacific. The rally commenced with a march parade from Town Ground to Lawson Tama Stadium, marking the beginning of a four-day religious campaign running from 16 to 19 July. As the host nation, Solomon Islands has welcomed church members from Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, Fiji, West Papua, and Australia. Each day of the rally features two speakers preaching in each session, creating space for worship, reflection, and spiritual renewal. The event will conclude on Sunday. Organisers say the campaign is already making a strong impact, particularly among young people. So far, 87 youths have been baptised, reflecting a growing response to the message of faith and spiritual transformation. Among those touched by the rally is Sister Regina from the Weather Coast of Guadalcanal Province, who shared a powerful personal t...