16 November 2012
New Australian volunteers arrive in Solomon Islands
Five new Australian Volunteers have arrived in Solomon Islands to begin their placements with government ministries and sport associations.
The new volunteers will take up positions with Solomon Islands Water Authority, Solomon Islands Cricket Association, Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Solomon Islands AFL Association and Solomon Islands College of Higher Education.
The volunteers, funded under AusAID’s Australian Volunteers for International Development (AVID) program, will use their skills and expertise to build and develop their host organisation in Solomon Islands to help improve the lives of Solomon Islanders.
Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, Matt Anderson said around 60 Australian volunteers are placed in Solomon Islands every year.
“The volunteers make a great contribution to local organisations through the transfer of their knowledge and skills, but also playa big role in helping fight poverty in Solomon Islands,” Mr Anderson said.
From L-R: Ryan Lucas, Louis Downing, Michael Cormack, D'anne Ladzinski and Bronwyn Kosman
“Through their participation in work, sport and community, they also promote links and friendships. They immerse themselves in local activities and take time to learn and appreciate Solomon Islands culture and way of life.”
“I know that the volunteers learn as much from their host organisation as the training and skills they share with local counterparts, so there are mutual benefits for everyone.”
Mr Anderson said the AVID program places skilled Australians for up to two years in developing countries throughout the Asia Pacific region. The program is additional support given to Solomon Islands on top of Australia’s annual SBD$937 million (A$125 million) aid program.
The new volunteers and their Solomon Islands placements are:
Louis Downing - Water Monitoring and Laboratory Development Officer, Solomon Water
Ryan Lucas - Cricket Development Officer, Solomon Islands Cricket Association
D'anne Ladzinski - Provincial Finance Development Officer, Ministry of Health and Medical Services
Michael Cormack - AFL Development Officer, Solomon Islands AFL Association
Bronwyn Kosman - Student Information System Development Officer, Solomon Islands College of Higher Education