BY IRWIN ANGIKI
A Solomon Islands scholar was given a rare and highly prestigious opportunity last week.
PhD candidate at the University of Adelaide, Priestley Habru, was selected to present the University’s vote of thanks at a high-level Heads of Missions’ visit led by two Australia Government Ministers.
The visit was held on Wednesday, June 28, at the University of Adelaide where 13 projects were on display.
Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Honourable Penny Wong, and Tourism Minister, Hon Don Farrell, who are both graduates of University of Adelaide, graced the event.
They led a high-level team of 70 high commissioners and ambassadors.
The down-to-earth Mr Habru, when asked to comment yesterday, said: It was indeed an honour to be given the opportunity by the university to say the vote of thanks and share a little about myself and as a former Australian Awards scholar.
“Also, to meet and chat with Senator Penny, so down to earth person, whose home town is here in Adelaide was a humbling experience.”
It is understood Solomon Islands’ high commissioner to Australia was in Honiara at that time, engaged in the historic visit to the Solomons by Australia’s deputy prime minister, Hon Richard Marles.
Habru is one of Solomon Islands’ prominent journalists and the co-founder of the Island Sun Newspaper, which he helped establish in 2006.
He is part of the Regional Perspective Project led by his supervisor, Professor Joanne Wallis, and a Pacific team comprised of research fellows Derek Futaiasi from Solomon Islands, Maima Koro from Samoa and PhD Candidate William Waqavakatoga from Fiji.
