Australian High Commissioner Visits Temotu for the First-time

THE Australian High Commissioner Rod Hilton made his inaugural visit to Temotu Province this week.

Tuesday’s visit is built on Australia’s enduring partnership with the people of Temotu, especially in education and health. 

This includes the construction of a dormitory at Leusalemba Primary School in 2020 and projects underway at Lata Hospital, Lata Training School, Baenga Primary School and Safoa Community High School.

High Commissioner Hilton said he was excited to visit Temotu and to see first-hand the enduring friendships between the people of Temotu and Australia. 

“The diversity of peoples and cultures across Solomon Islands is one of its many strengths,” High Commissioner Hilton said.

“On this, my first visit to Temotu Province, I was honoured to meet with Premier the Hon Stanley Tehiahua, officials of the Temotu Provincial Government and members of the community.”

During his visit, High Commissioner Hilton officially handed over the new Lata Hospital Biomolecular Laboratory with Minister for Health and Medical Services, the Hon Paul Popora Bosawai, including supplies for the construction of a fence around the hospital, improving safety and security for patients and staff.

The new laboratory is already providing on-site pathology results, helping doctors make fast and accurate medical diagnoses to improve treatment and health outcomes.

The High Commissioner also visited the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force Lata Police Station and the Provincial Disaster Management Office that are being refurbished as the first stage of works under the Eastern Border Outpost project. 

When complete, the project will locate Solomon Islands humanitarian response, border security and maritime surveillance agencies in one location to enhance safety and security.

“In these and other projects, the Australian Government is employing the services of local businesses, create local jobs and skills for Temotu,” High Commissioner Hilton said.

Australia stood with the people of Temotu following the tragic devastation of Tropical Cyclone Lola in October 2023 and chartered the MV Ocean Joy delivering humanitarian relief to impacted communities in coordination with the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force and the National Disaster Management Office.

• AHC