Foreign Minister Penny Wong meets Nauru Foreign Minister, Lionel Rouwen Aingimea in Suva, Fiji, as part of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Foreign Minister's Meeting on 9 August, 2024.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong meets Nauru Foreign Minister, Lionel Rouwen Aingimea in Suva, Fiji, as part of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Foreign Minister's Meeting on 9 August, 2024.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong meets Nauru Foreign Minister, Lionel Rouwen Aingimea in Suva, Fiji, as part of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Foreign Minister's Meeting on 9 August, 2024.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong meets Nauru Foreign Minister, Lionel Rouwen Aingimea in Suva, Fiji, as part of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Foreign Minister's Meeting on 9 August, 2024.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong meets Nauru Foreign Minister, Lionel Rouwen Aingimea in Suva, Fiji, as part of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Foreign Minister's Meeting on 9 August, 2024.

“Water scarcity and salinity are the two major issues that I have faced with my family while living here on Betio,” says Teaeto Kannanoia, a pre-school teacher in Kiribati. Teaeto has worked as a pre-school teacher at St. Betero for more than 10 years. Betio is the largest township in the capital city of South Tarawa. Teaeto was excited when she heard that a solar water distillation unit would be installed at her preschool by ChildFund Kiribati, supported through the Australian Humanitarian Partnership response to the Kiribati drought. Water from the unit now supports the 180 children who attend the preschool, as well as 780 households in the surrounding community. The unit is looked after by the preschool teachers.

Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs, officially opened a science lab at Mbokona Community High School on the morning of Thursday, 6 June. Upon arrival, Minister Wong was greeted and garlanded by the Hon Tozan Leokana, Minister of Education and Human Resources Development, and Mr Basil Wasiia, School Principal. At a school assembly students greeted the Minister before singing the national anthem and receiving a devotion and welcome from Principal Wasiia. Minister Wong delivered a speech to students and other attendees, followed by remarks from Jonathan Schwass, New Zealand High Commissioner to Solomon Islands and Education and Human Resources Minister Leokana. The science lab was offically opened by Minister Wong cutting the ribbon and taking part in the traditional key handover, after which the Minister was given a guided tour of the science lab, chatting and posing for photos with students. Also in attendance at the Science Lab Handover from Australia: - HE Rod Hilton, Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands - Mr Andrew Schloeffel, Deputy High Commissioner - Mr Malcolm Paterson, Adviser, Foreign Minister’s Office - Mr Justin Lee, First Assistant Secretary, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade - Ms Nicole Smith, Counsellor Australian High Commission Solomon Islands (note taker) Solomon Islands attendees: - Hon Tozan Leokana, Minister of Education and Human Resources Development - Mr Basil Wasiia, School Principal - Hon Eddie Siapu, Mayor, Honiara City Council Mr Basil Wasiia, School Principal Other attendees: - HE Jonathan Schwass, New Zealand High Commissioner to Solomon Islands - Mr Benjamin Grubb, Chief of Solomon Islands, UNICEF

Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs, held a doorstop media conference at Mbokona Community High School after the opening of the science lab, on the morning of Thursday, 6 June.

Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs, held a doorstop media conference at Mbokona Community High School after the opening of the science lab, on the morning of Thursday, 6 June.

Ambassador for First Nations People, Justin Mohamed, Australia's Ambassador to the United States Kevin Rudd, and Franchesca Cubillo, Senior Curator Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Art at the National Gallery of Australia, attended the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture in Honolulu, Hawaii in June, 2024. The Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture (FestPAC) is the world’s largest celebration of indigenous Pacific Islanders. The South Pacific Commission (now The Pacific Community - SPC) launched this dynamic showcase of arts and culture in 1972 to halt the erosion of traditional practices through ongoing cultural exchange. It is a vibrant and culturally enriching event celebrating the unique traditions, artistry, and diverse cultures of the Pacific region. FestPAC serves as a platform for Pacific Island nations to showcase their rich heritage and artistic talents.

Ambassador for First Nations People, Justin Mohamed, Australia's Ambassador to the United States Kevin Rudd, and Franchesca Cubillo, Senior Curator Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Art at the National Gallery of Australia, attended the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture in Honolulu, Hawaii in June, 2024. The Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture (FestPAC) is the world’s largest celebration of indigenous Pacific Islanders. The South Pacific Commission (now The Pacific Community - SPC) launched this dynamic showcase of arts and culture in 1972 to halt the erosion of traditional practices through ongoing cultural exchange. It is a vibrant and culturally enriching event celebrating the unique traditions, artistry, and diverse cultures of the Pacific region. FestPAC serves as a platform for Pacific Island nations to showcase their rich heritage and artistic talents.

Ambassador for First Nations People, Justin Mohamed, Australia's Ambassador to the United States Kevin Rudd, and Franchesca Cubillo, Senior Curator Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Art at the National Gallery of Australia, attended the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture in Honolulu, Hawaii in June, 2024. The Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture (FestPAC) is the world’s largest celebration of indigenous Pacific Islanders. The South Pacific Commission (now The Pacific Community - SPC) launched this dynamic showcase of arts and culture in 1972 to halt the erosion of traditional practices through ongoing cultural exchange. It is a vibrant and culturally enriching event celebrating the unique traditions, artistry, and diverse cultures of the Pacific region. FestPAC serves as a platform for Pacific Island nations to showcase their rich heritage and artistic talents.

Ambassador for First Nations People, Justin Mohamed, Australia's Ambassador to the United States Kevin Rudd, and Franchesca Cubillo, Senior Curator Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Art at the National Gallery of Australia, attended the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture in Honolulu, Hawaii in June, 2024. The Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture (FestPAC) is the world’s largest celebration of indigenous Pacific Islanders. The South Pacific Commission (now The Pacific Community - SPC) launched this dynamic showcase of arts and culture in 1972 to halt the erosion of traditional practices through ongoing cultural exchange. It is a vibrant and culturally enriching event celebrating the unique traditions, artistry, and diverse cultures of the Pacific region. FestPAC serves as a platform for Pacific Island nations to showcase their rich heritage and artistic talents.

Ambassador for First Nations People, Justin Mohamed, Australia's Ambassador to the United States Kevin Rudd, and Franchesca Cubillo, Senior Curator Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Art at the National Gallery of Australia, attended the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture in Honolulu, Hawaii in June, 2024. The Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture (FestPAC) is the world’s largest celebration of indigenous Pacific Islanders. The South Pacific Commission (now The Pacific Community - SPC) launched this dynamic showcase of arts and culture in 1972 to halt the erosion of traditional practices through ongoing cultural exchange. It is a vibrant and culturally enriching event celebrating the unique traditions, artistry, and diverse cultures of the Pacific region. FestPAC serves as a platform for Pacific Island nations to showcase their rich heritage and artistic talents.

Ambassador for First Nations People, Justin Mohamed, Australia's Ambassador to the United States Kevin Rudd, and Franchesca Cubillo, Senior Curator Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Art at the National Gallery of Australia, attended the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture in Honolulu, Hawaii in June, 2024. The Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture (FestPAC) is the world’s largest celebration of indigenous Pacific Islanders. The South Pacific Commission (now The Pacific Community - SPC) launched this dynamic showcase of arts and culture in 1972 to halt the erosion of traditional practices through ongoing cultural exchange. It is a vibrant and culturally enriching event celebrating the unique traditions, artistry, and diverse cultures of the Pacific region. FestPAC serves as a platform for Pacific Island nations to showcase their rich heritage and artistic talents.

Ambassador for First Nations People, Justin Mohamed, Australia's Ambassador to the United States Kevin Rudd, and Franchesca Cubillo, Senior Curator Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Art at the National Gallery of Australia, attended the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture in Honolulu, Hawaii in June, 2024. The Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture (FestPAC) is the world’s largest celebration of indigenous Pacific Islanders. The South Pacific Commission (now The Pacific Community - SPC) launched this dynamic showcase of arts and culture in 1972 to halt the erosion of traditional practices through ongoing cultural exchange. It is a vibrant and culturally enriching event celebrating the unique traditions, artistry, and diverse cultures of the Pacific region. FestPAC serves as a platform for Pacific Island nations to showcase their rich heritage and artistic talents.

Ambassador for First Nations People, Justin Mohamed, Australia's Ambassador to the United States Kevin Rudd, and Franchesca Cubillo, Senior Curator Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Art at the National Gallery of Australia, attended the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture in Honolulu, Hawaii in June, 2024. The Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture (FestPAC) is the world’s largest celebration of indigenous Pacific Islanders. The South Pacific Commission (now The Pacific Community - SPC) launched this dynamic showcase of arts and culture in 1972 to halt the erosion of traditional practices through ongoing cultural exchange. It is a vibrant and culturally enriching event celebrating the unique traditions, artistry, and diverse cultures of the Pacific region. FestPAC serves as a platform for Pacific Island nations to showcase their rich heritage and artistic talents.

Ambassador for First Nations People, Justin Mohamed, Australia's Ambassador to the United States Kevin Rudd, and Franchesca Cubillo, Senior Curator Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Art at the National Gallery of Australia, attended the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture in Honolulu, Hawaii in June, 2024. The Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture (FestPAC) is the world’s largest celebration of indigenous Pacific Islanders. The South Pacific Commission (now The Pacific Community - SPC) launched this dynamic showcase of arts and culture in 1972 to halt the erosion of traditional practices through ongoing cultural exchange. It is a vibrant and culturally enriching event celebrating the unique traditions, artistry, and diverse cultures of the Pacific region. FestPAC serves as a platform for Pacific Island nations to showcase their rich heritage and artistic talents.

Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs, on her two-day visit to the Solomon Islands, met locally engaged staff working at the Australian High Commission in Honiara, Solomon Islands. The Minister thanked the LES for all their hard work on the visit and day-to-day before posing for pictures.

Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs, on her two-day visit to the Solomon Islands, met locally engaged staff working at the Australian High Commission in Honiara, Solomon Islands. The Minister thanked the LES for all their hard work on the visit and day-to-day before posing for pictures.

Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs, attended a Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme event St Barnabas Anglican Church on the morning of Thursday, 6 June. Upon arrival, Minister Wong was garlanded and guided to a leaf hut where she delivered remarks, followed by remarks from Minister Agovaka and a cat cutting. A PALM worker delivered grace before Minister Wong met and spoke with scheme workers and posed for photographs. Also in attendance at the PALM scheme event from Australia: - HE Rod Hilton, Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands - Mr Andrew Schloeffel, Deputy High Commissioner - Ms Caitlin Raper, Senior Press Secretary, Foreign Minister’s Office - Mr Malcolm Paterson, Adviser, Foreign Minister’s Office - Mr Justin Lee, First Assistant Secretary, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade - Ms Emily Flahive, Counsellor, Australian High Commission to Solomon Islands - Ms Monika Betts, Second Secretary Australian High Commission to Solomon Islands Solomon Islands attendees: - Hon Peter Shanel Agovaka, Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade - Hon Tozan Leokana, Minister of Education and Human Resource Development

Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs, attended a Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme event St Barnabas Anglican Church on the morning of Thursday, 6 June. Upon arrival, Minister Wong was garlanded and guided to a leaf hut where she delivered remarks, followed by remarks from Minister Agovaka and a cat cutting. A PALM worker delivered grace before Minister Wong met and spoke with scheme workers and posed for photographs. Also in attendance at the PALM scheme event from Australia: - HE Rod Hilton, Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands - Mr Andrew Schloeffel, Deputy High Commissioner - Ms Caitlin Raper, Senior Press Secretary, Foreign Minister’s Office - Mr Malcolm Paterson, Adviser, Foreign Minister’s Office - Mr Justin Lee, First Assistant Secretary, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade - Ms Emily Flahive, Counsellor, Australian High Commission to Solomon Islands - Ms Monika Betts, Second Secretary Australian High Commission to Solomon Islands Solomon Islands attendees: - Hon Peter Shanel Agovaka, Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade - Hon Tozan Leokana, Minister of Education and Human Resource Development

Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs, attended a Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme event St Barnabas Anglican Church on the morning of Thursday, 6 June. Upon arrival, Minister Wong was garlanded and guided to a leaf hut where she delivered remarks, followed by remarks from Minister Agovaka and a cat cutting. A PALM worker delivered grace before Minister Wong met and spoke with scheme workers and posed for photographs. Also in attendance at the PALM scheme event from Australia: - HE Rod Hilton, Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands - Mr Andrew Schloeffel, Deputy High Commissioner - Ms Caitlin Raper, Senior Press Secretary, Foreign Minister’s Office - Mr Malcolm Paterson, Adviser, Foreign Minister’s Office - Mr Justin Lee, First Assistant Secretary, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade - Ms Emily Flahive, Counsellor, Australian High Commission to Solomon Islands - Ms Monika Betts, Second Secretary Australian High Commission to Solomon Islands Solomon Islands attendees: - Hon Peter Shanel Agovaka, Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade - Hon Tozan Leokana, Minister of Education and Human Resource Development

Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs, attended a Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme event St Barnabas Anglican Church on the morning of Thursday, 6 June. Upon arrival, Minister Wong was garlanded and guided to a leaf hut where she delivered remarks, followed by remarks from Minister Agovaka and a cat cutting. A PALM worker delivered grace before Minister Wong met and spoke with scheme workers and posed for photographs. Also in attendance at the PALM scheme event from Australia: - HE Rod Hilton, Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands - Mr Andrew Schloeffel, Deputy High Commissioner - Ms Caitlin Raper, Senior Press Secretary, Foreign Minister’s Office - Mr Malcolm Paterson, Adviser, Foreign Minister’s Office - Mr Justin Lee, First Assistant Secretary, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade - Ms Emily Flahive, Counsellor, Australian High Commission to Solomon Islands - Ms Monika Betts, Second Secretary Australian High Commission to Solomon Islands Solomon Islands attendees: - Hon Peter Shanel Agovaka, Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade - Hon Tozan Leokana, Minister of Education and Human Resource Development

Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs, attended a Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme event St Barnabas Anglican Church on the morning of Thursday, 6 June. Upon arrival, Minister Wong was garlanded and guided to a leaf hut where she delivered remarks, followed by remarks from Minister Agovaka and a cat cutting. A PALM worker delivered grace before Minister Wong met and spoke with scheme workers and posed for photographs. Also in attendance at the PALM scheme event from Australia: - HE Rod Hilton, Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands - Mr Andrew Schloeffel, Deputy High Commissioner - Ms Caitlin Raper, Senior Press Secretary, Foreign Minister’s Office - Mr Malcolm Paterson, Adviser, Foreign Minister’s Office - Mr Justin Lee, First Assistant Secretary, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade - Ms Emily Flahive, Counsellor, Australian High Commission to Solomon Islands - Ms Monika Betts, Second Secretary Australian High Commission to Solomon Islands Solomon Islands attendees: - Hon Peter Shanel Agovaka, Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade - Hon Tozan Leokana, Minister of Education and Human Resource Development