Australia alumni urged to lead change

AUSTRALIA Awards alumni members have been urged to lead the tide of change in their communities and the country.

The Solomon Islands Australia Alumni Association (SIAAA) and the Australian High Commission successfully hosted a Gala Dinner on Tuesday, March 20, 2018 at the Heritage Park Hotel.

The Gala Dinner brought together recipients of the prestigious Australia Awards scholarships and people who have studied in Australia under the theme ‘Leadership” to network and share experiences.

Delivering the opening remarks, the Australian High Commissioner, Rod Brazier, welcomed Special Guest Speakers, Prime Minister Rick Houenipwela and Emeritus Professor Clive Moore.

Prime Minister Hou is an alumni member, having attended the Australian National University in Canberra. The Prime Minister delivered an inspiring speech on leadership urging attendees to lead change in their communities.

Prof Moore is internationally regarded as a leading scholar on Solomon Islands and first visited the happy isles in 1976.

The Alumnus were pleased to hear the Professor speak about inspiring leaders of Solomon Islands from an historical perspective.

Commending them as exemplars of the national motto, “To Lead is To Serve,” Prof Moore began with the late Peter Abu’ofa, acclaimed SSEM founder, and named leaders from all over Solomon Islands including the late Sir Peter Kenilorea Senior and Francis Aqorau Talasasa.

He also mentioned the first Solomon Islands postgraduate, Francis Bugotu, and the first USP graduate with a BA in 1973, Francis Billy Hilly.

Prof Moore presented a copy of his latest book, ‘Making Mala; Malaita in Solomon Islands, 1870s-1930s’ to the Prime Minister Hou.

Other guests include members of the alumni association, and representatives from the private and public sector, including staff from the Australia High Commission and Australian-funded programmes.

The Solomon Islands Australia Alumni Association is supported by the Australian Government and comprises all former recipients of the Australia Awards programme, as well as people who have studied in Australia under private sponsorship.

–SIAAA PRESS

Discover more from Theislandsun

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading