The Australian Government has awarded the prestigious Alumni Conference Support Grant to five outstanding Australia Awards Alumni in the Solomon Islands.
This grant will enable these professionals to attend major international conferences in Australia, providing opportunities to engage with global experts and bring cutting-edge knowledge back to key sectors in the Solomon Islands.
The five successful recipients will gain critical professional development and networking opportunities across finance, health, public health and law:
- Charlie Sivu, Manager of Exchange Control at the Central Bank of Solomon Islands will attend the Gold Coast Gold Conference, a strategic opportunity to gain insights into best practices, innovations, and market trends in the gold sector to strengthen mineral export governance.
- Trisha Rofeta, Pharmacist with the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, will attend the Australasian Pharmacy Professional Conference and Trade Exhibition (APP), enhancing her expertise in pharmaceutical practice and health service delivery.
- Lanique Naolina Pitasua, Public Health Officer with Health Emergencies at the World Health Organisation, Solomon Islands, will participate in the Women Deliver 2026 Conference (WD2026) in Melbourne, focusing on advancing gender equality and health outcomes.
- Jaydee Nomisasa, Program Manager and Economic Researcher, will strengthen his expertise in economic research and policy development, supporting evidence-based decision-making in Solomon Islands.
- Alfred Sione, Lecturer at Solomon Islands National University will enhance his teaching and research capabilities, contributing to higher education and knowledge transfer.
The Australian Acting High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, Andrew Schloeffel, congratulated the recipients and highlighted the importance of continuous professional learning.
“We are thrilled to support these five talented alumni in their pursuit of excellence. The Conference Support Grant is an investment in their professional growth and in the capacity of Solomon Islands to address its national development priorities,” said Mr. Schloeffel.
“By connecting with international best practice, these alumni will return equipped with new skills, networks, and forward-thinking ideas that will create real, positive change across the nation’s key sectors.”
The Australia Awards Conference Support Grant ensures that highly skilled Solomon Islanders remain connected to global developments, leveraging their education to strengthen institutions and drive sustainable growth in their communities.
Australia Awards Solomon Islands congratulate all recipients and look forward to the valuable insights they will bring back from these international events.
– AHC
