Australian High Commission
Honiara
Solomon Islands

From the High Commissioner’s Desk

19 September 2014

From the High Commissioner’s Desk

G’Day Solomon Islands Fun Run

Last Saturday, we were excited to host our second G’Day Solomon Islands Fun Run to promote the benefits of a healthy and active lifestyle. The atmosphere was fantastic as over 3000 participants ran or walked the 3km and 5km courses. Men, women, children, pets, sports teams and workplace teams all got involved. Even Superman showed up for the race!

The Australian High Commission congratulates everyone who took part in this year’s fun run and would like to thank everyone who made the event a success. A particular thanks goes out to our sponsors whose generous donations made the event even bigger and better than last year.
We look forward to having you all on board for next year’s event.

5km runners waiting for the race to start

Working with the Ministry of Health to control measles

The Australian aid program continues to support the Ministry of Health and Medical Services to control the current measles outbreak. I am heartened to hear that more than 60,000 people have been immunised in Honiara since early September. As the vaccination campaign expands to the provinces, the Australian aid program will continue to work with partners to ensure all Solomon Islands are protected from this horrible disease.
Measles is extremely infectious with more than 1300 cases and 3 reported deaths since the disease was initially reported in July this year.

Vaccination is the best prevention, so I encourage you and your families to get vaccinated at one of the satellite sites set up at various locations around town, or visit your health clinic.

Australian Navy Vessels deliver stores

And finally, this week, I am pleased that two Australian Navy Vessels, HMAS Labuan and HMAS Tarakan assisted the Solomon Islands Government to deliver much needed education, health and humanitarian supplies to Auki in Malaita and Weathercoast on Guadalcanal.
It’s great that we can make use of these two vessels while they are in the region to deliver critical supplies around the country.

I also want to acknowledge the support from the Rotary Club of Honiara who donated a significant amount of materials for communities in Auki and on the Weathercoast. 

Members of the Royal Australian Navy loading supplies donated by the Rotary Club of Honiara