Solomon Islands Australia Alumni Association (SIAAA) has ushered in a new era of leadership following its Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Honiara, attended by 49 alumni members.
The AGM brought together alumni, representatives from the Australian High Commission, and the Australia Awards Solomon Islands team (AASI) to reflect on SIAAA’s achievements, discuss future priorities, and elect a new Executive Committee.
SIAAA is part of the global Australia Awards Alumni Network, a community of leaders and change-makers driving positive impact and creating enduring bonds of friendship and good will across the world. Since 2006 over 700 Solomon Islanders have been supported to study in Australia through Australia Awards.
The newly elected leadership team members are:
President: Mrs Gladys Habu Bartlett
Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours)
Monash University
Vice President: Jaydee Nomisasa
Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics
University of New South Wales
Secretary: Wilhelmina Utukana
Bachelor of Laws
University of Adelaide
Treasurer: Bridget Poiohia
Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) in Accountancy
University of Wollongong
Committee Members: Jean Uwesi – Bachelor of Laws, University of Adelaide; Mansley Tepeaihana – Bachelor of Commerce, University of Queensland; and Smith Kaitu’u – Bachelor of Agriculture (applied science), University of the South Pacific.
Newly elected President, Mrs. Gladys Habu Bartlett, said she is humbled by the trust alumni members have placed in her and her team to lead the association for the next two years.
“I am delighted to have such an amazing team by my side, and together, we will do our very best to serve and strengthen the association,” Mrs. Bartlett said.
Dr. Tristan Armstrong, Counsellor Human Development at the Australian High Commission, noted that education remains a cornerstone of the Australia–Solomon Islands partnership, with SIAAA playing a pivotal role in advancing the shared development aspirations of both nations.
“SIAAA holds enormous potential. Australia is proud of the support we provide to help you to realise your goals, dreams, and ideas. I encourage you to leverage the strength of SIAAA to drive positive change and further enhance the relationship between Australia and the Solomon Islands,” Dr. Armstrong said.
The AGM reaffirmed SIAAA’s mission to provide a strong platform for alumni to engage, share knowledge, and benefit people and communities across the Solomon Islands.
Learn more about Australia Awards through the website here: www.australiaawards.gov.au.
