CLAIRE Cochrane arrived in the Solomon Islands in 2013, ready to make a difference in her new role as Counsellor Governance at the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands.
Three years later, she is concluding her posting as the Acting Deputy High Commissioner and Minister Counsellor Development and having contributed significantly to improvements in the economic and governance sectors.
“Solomon Islands has given me extraordinary opportunities both professionally and personally and will always have a very special place in my heart,” Clair says.
At the Australian High Commission, Clair managed the Economic Governance Program including economic diplomacy, trade and private sector engagement.
“I’m proud of what has been achieved through Australia’s governance program including supporting ongoing economic stability and effective debt management, a better budget process, improving the timing of payments and procurements and customs services and better audit, just to name a few,” she said.
“The Good Governance program is a program where we listen carefully and explain carefully what we are doing, and tackle the difficult issues – having us all comfortable we have thought through priorities and are heading in the right direction, but never stopping thinking, learning, adapting never too comfortable with what we have achieved, always striving for more.
Clair has departed with many fond memories of her posting.
“I have learned a lot in my three years in Solomon Islands.
“I have given a lot of myself and I hope I have achieved some helpful things.
“Beyond work I have learned that Solomon Islands is an extraordinarily beautiful country.
“I have been fortunate to visit a number of provinces personally and professionally, Western Province will always be a favourite.”
“I have also learned that the people of Solomon Islands have big hearts and extraordinary resilience.
“The April 2014 floods were an intense time for many of us. I am proud to have been part of Australia’s efforts to help Honiara respond and recover.”