Australia in Micronesia in Kolonia, Pohnpei, Micronesia | Government organisation

Australia in Micronesia

Locality: Kolonia, Pohnpei, Micronesia

Phone: +691 320 5448

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25.01.2022 Kosrae Women Association Executive Officers wearing their black "Elimination of Violence Against Women"t-shirts for the Thursday #BlackoutViolencePohnpei to show their support for the campaign. Thank you KWA Executive Staff for your solidarity.

25.01.2022 Counsellors and caseworkers from Weto in Mour at Women United Together Marshal Islands (WUTMI) in RMI and Tongen Inepwinew Counselling Centre at Chuuk Womens Council in Chuuk, FSM completed a six weeks pilot telephone counselling training by the Pacific Women Support Unit. As the only crisis support centres in each country providing survivors of gender-based violence support, the two counselling services have been adapting in response to COVID-19 to ensure continued services.

24.01.2022 The #DeathPenalty has no place in the modern world. Australia is committed to efforts to end its use worldwide #NoDeathPenalty https://dfat.gov.au//australias-strategy-for-abolition-of-

23.01.2022 South Pacific women from Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu serving in Pohnpei wearing their T-shirts for the Thursday #BlackoutViolencePohnpeicampaign for Ending Violence against Women. On behalf of the Embassy, Faafetai Lava, Malo Aupito, Tank iu tumas, Fakafetai, vinaka vakalevu and thank you ladies for your solidarity in supporting the campaign.

23.01.2022 FSM Maritime Surveillance and Border Control with MSA David Perry and CPO Craig Hoskin wearing their black "Elimination of Violence Against Women" t-shirts for the Thursday #BlackoutViolencePohnpei to show their support for the campaign. Thank you for your solidarity.

23.01.2022 Together with Samoan Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon Fiame Naomi Mataafa, Foreign Minister Marise Payne convened a region-wide meeting of Pacific Women Leaders on 29 of May 2020 to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on womens health, economic security and personal safety. The Pacific women leaders agreed to continue to work together to explore new ways to enhance the well-being of women and girls, including through social and development measures. The inaugural virtual gathering... considered the needs of women and girls in government and community responses to the pandemic. The meeting of 30 Pacific women ministers, parliamentarians and senior civil servants from 18 countries affirmed our commitment to: Address critical needs for women health care workers to access necessary resources, such as childcare, in order to carry out vital work safely Encourage measures and policies to promote gender equality, which have become more critical as the pandemic heightens the risk of violence against women and children Ensure recognition of the vital role women must play in the economic recovery of the region Pacific women must lead in the regions response to COVID-19 to ensure the interests of women and girls are at the forefront of government responses. RMI Minister of Education, Sports and Training Kitlang Kabua, RMI Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade Anjanette Kattil, and Chief of Staff Suzanne Gallen of Pohnpei State in FSM participated in the virtual meeting. https://www.facebook.com//pcb.260870607/2608704786069250/ https://www.foreignminister.gov.au//standing-pacific-women

23.01.2022 International Organization for Migration team in Pohnpei supports the Thursday #BlackoutViolencePohnpeicampaign and wear their End Violence Against Women t-shirts.

22.01.2022 The Australian Embassy would like to inform all participating high school students in the FSM that the due date of the NAIDOC Week essay contest is now moved from 30 October to Monday, 9 November 2020. Please submit all essays no later than 4pm on the new date provided. Thank you!

22.01.2022 Charg dAffaires Ms. Vy Duong and acting DHOM Takuro Steele were joined by Pohnpei State Womens Interest Officer Ms. Lululeen Santos on their visit to the Sokehs Pah Women Group (SPWG) yesterday. The SPWG is a recent grant recipient of the Australian Embassys Direct Aid Program (DAP). With the grant, SPWG are able to sew CDC certified fabric cloth masks for purchase by corporate organizations, government departments, and other institutions in Pohnpei State. SPWG has alrea...dy received more than 6,000 orders for masks in their first month of operation. SPWG is now joining the community movement against domestic violence through not only sewing BlackOutViolence masks, but also contributing a percentage of their profits to assist victims of domestic violence. DAP is a flexible, small grants scheme for development activities for up to USD $20,000. DAP applications can be submitted year-round. For more information and to apply online, visit www.fsm.embassy.gov.au.

22.01.2022 Australia is proud to support seven Pacific island countries, including the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of the Marshall Islands, as the newest members @GPEforEducation. GPE has provided US$750,000 to each of these countries for their COVID education response. https://www.globalpartnership.org//gpe-welcomes-seven-new-

21.01.2022 The Australian Embassy congratulates the Salapwuk Community as a recent grant recipient of our Direct Aid Program (DAP). Charge d Affaires Vy Duong and Second Secretary Takuro Steele presented a cheque of $5,415.00 to Sou mwelong Kitti, John Imanuel, Koad sou mwelong Kitti, and June-Anita Imanuel for their community project. The six waterfalls is a famous tourist attraction in Pohnpei where visitors can hike through beautiful pristine forest in Kitti Municipality and see six different waterfalls. The DAP grant will allow the community to construct a new parking lot and road signage. DAP is a flexible, small grants scheme for development activities for up to USD $20,000. DAP applications can be submitted year-round. For more information and to apply online, visit www.fsm.embassy.gov.au

21.01.2022 On Saturday, 10 October, the Australian Embassy in Pohnpei celebrated International Day of the Girl Child in joint collaboration with the United States Embassy, UNICEF and other partners. The #DayOfTheGirl focused on promoting and intensifying the voice of girls and to champion their rights. Activities on that day included a superhero themed fun walk, hosted by the US Embassy. Australian Embassy's booth showcased gender activities in Micronesia including recipients of its D...irect Aid Program (DAP) of small grants such as Sokehs Pah Women’s group (mask sewing) and Girls Boxing. Australia in Micronesia also supports the #PacificGirl program, managed by Pacific Women and implemented by Chuuk Women’s Council, and its empowerment course for young women and girls that focuses on sexual and mental health, healthy relationships and developing future goals. The President of FSM, HE David Panuelo, Secretary of Justice Honorable Joses Gallen, Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Honorable Kandhi Elieisar were among those present at the event. The Australian Embassy would like to acknowledge the support of its following partners: Sokehs Pah Women for promoting the use of face masks during this pandemic and Eliminating Violence Against Women FSM Boxing Association for promoting young girls’ participation in boxing Cwc Fiin Chuuk for promoting the Young Women Empowerment Program (YWEP) and Tongen Inepwineu Counseling Center (TICC) International Organization for Migration - Micronesia UNICEF Pacific #DayoftheGirl #PacificGirl

21.01.2022 At a short ceremony at the Pohnpei State Governors conference room, Charge d Affaires Ms. Vy Duong presented to the Honourable Governor Reed Oliver and Womens Interest Officer Ms. Lululeen Santos the payment for Pohnpei States first free 24 hours domestic violence hotline. As Pohnpei works to strengthen its capacity to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, it remains dedicated to protecting its people against the pandemic of gender-based violence. Australia continues to support the FSMs objective to eliminate violence against women and girls through the development of this domestic violence hotline.

21.01.2022 Australia and the Pacific-Community-SPC have renewed their longstanding partnership, reaffirming their commitment to supporting the sustainable development of the Pacific. SPC is the region’s leading scientific and technical development organisation. Australia has been a member since the SPC’s establishment in Canberra in 1947. Australia will provide A$42.5 million in core funding to the SPC over the next 3 years to support the renewed 10-year strategic partnership (2014-2023...) between Australia and SPC. https://www.foreignminister.gov.au//australia-and-spc-cont

21.01.2022 In recognising the importance of gender equality as a key component towards an effective COVID-19 pandemic response, the Australian Government will co-host with the Samoan Government the virtual Pacific Women Leaders Meeting on 29 May 2020. Discussions will focus on Pacific responses in the health sector and the safety and economic impacts of the pandemic to women and girls in the region. The meeting will be hosted by Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne along with Samoan Deputy Prime Minister the Hon. Fiame Naomi Mataafa. Including FSM and RMI, a total of 20 Pacific Island countries are expected to participate in the meeting.

21.01.2022 Thank you, Yap Gender Support Office, for your support and solidarity.

21.01.2022 Embassy of Australia Pohnpei Position Vacant: Administrative Officer: Properties, Assets and Facilities The Australian Embassy in Pohnpei is seeking applications from suitably qualified persons to apply for the position of Administrative officer. This is a two year contract position which is subject to renewal process. The starting salary is USD $16,141 per annum.... Australias aid objective is to help people overcome poverty by promoting regional stability and prosperity. The Administrative Officer (works under supervision of the Senior Administrative Officer (SAO) to ensure the Australian Embassy, staff residences, facilities, equipment, furnishings and official vehicles are safe, well maintained and reliable. Applicants should have demonstrated experience in property management, strong organization and administrative skills, ability to set priorities and to work productively with minimal supervision and effective interpersonal and written communication skills. The Application Forms, including the duty statement and selection criteria must be downloaded at: www.fsm.embassy.gov.au Please email all application documents below to: [email protected] 1. Rsum/CV 2. Response to each of the Selection Criteria (Attachment A) 3. Completed Attachments B and C Application closing date is 5pm Sunday 14 July 2020.

20.01.2022 This is a friendly reminder that all applications for the Australia Awards Scholarships and Australia Awards Pacific Scholarships will end on 30 June 2020. To apply online, visit http://oasis.dfat.gov.au. For those who have already started with their application, please ensure to submit you application before the deadline. For further enquiries, please email [email protected].

20.01.2022 There will be a change in the operating arrangements of the Australian Embassy in Pohnpei from Wednesday, 26 August to Tuesday, 8 September 2020. During this period, the Embassy will not be open to the public. The Embassys operations will return to normal on Wednesday, 9 September 2020. If you are an Australian seeking urgent consular or passport services, please email [email protected] or call +61 2 6261 3305.

20.01.2022 FSM Congress staff with Vice Speaker T.H. Esmond B. Moses and T.H Ferny Perman wearing their black "Elimination of Violence Against Women" t-shirts for the Thursday #BlackoutViolencePohnpei to show their support for the campaign. Thank you FSM Congress for your solidarity.

19.01.2022 Australia is pleased to support and boost the capacity of RMI to detect and prevent the spread of COVID-19, through delivery of these GeneXpert kits. These GeneXpert testing cartridges will allow for more samples to be tested in-country, providing reliable results in less than an hour. In RMI, they are being delivered to Majuro and Ebeye for distribution as required. The test kits have been procured by the World Health Organization (WHO) with funding and assistance from Aus...tralia, New Zealand, SPC and PIHOA. Australia has contributed AUD 1 million to procure the testing equipment for countries across the Pacific. A big thank you to Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Hon Casten N. Nemra, the Minister of Health and Human Services, the Hon Bruce Billimon, and the Majuro Hospital for facilitating a visit by the Australian Maritime Surveillance Advisor, LCDR Jonathan Lyons, to present the GeneXpert kits.

19.01.2022 The Ramp & Mida Law Firm showed their support for the Thursday #BlackoutViolencePohnpei campaign by wearing their Elimination of Violence Against Women t-shirts. In this photo are, back row L-R: Erick Divingracia, David Angyal and Maximo Mida. Front row L-R: Amy Yamada Aiken, Pualani Esau Lopez, Rosalina Manuel and Tamara Tara Booth. Thank you Ramp & Mida for your solidarity.

19.01.2022 Successful search and rescue of three men in Chuuk The US Coast Guard responded to a call that three men had been missing at sea while traveling from Puluwat to Pulap atoll in Chuuk. The US Coast Guard reached out to the Australian Navy Ship HMAS CANBERRA to assist in the search. Australian and US aircraft found the men on Sunday 2 August when an SOS message was sighted on the beach of Pikelot atoll, 120 miles west from where they initially set sail. ... An Australian helicopter was able to land on the beach and confirmed the men were safe and well and provided them with supplies. HMAS CANBERRA remained in the area until the FSM patrol boat, FSS Independence, was able to pick up the men on 3 August for repatriation. A big thank you for all involved, including the FSM Government and National Maritime Police, the US Coast Guard, and the Australian Navy for this successful rescue mission. The FSS Independence is a Pacific Patrol Boat built in Australia, delivered and supported by the Australian Government.

18.01.2022 Australian Volunteers Program Manager in the Federated States of Micronesia, MaryAnn Eperiam and colleague wearing the black "Elimination of Violence against Women" t-shirts for the Thursday #BlackoutViolencePohnpei to show support for the campaign. Thank you for your solidarity.

17.01.2022 The Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Highschool Faculty and Staff showed their support for the Thursday #BlackoutViolencePohnpei campaign by wearing their Elimination of Violence Against Women t-shirts. Thank you OLMCHS for your solidarity.

17.01.2022 Ladies from the FSM Development Bank, Chuuk, (L-R), Janesha Ueda, Crystal Sana-Ekichy and Jayleen Killion, showed their support for the Thursday #BlackoutViolencePohnpei campaign by wearing their Elimination of Violence Against Women t-shirts. Thank you FSM DB Chuuk for your solidarity.

17.01.2022 Yap Women (left to right) Christina Filmed - Executive Director EPA, Linda Teteth - Gender Support Officer, and Aileen Tareg - Director Health & Social Services, wearing their black "Elimination of Violence Against Women "T-shirts for the Thursday #BlackoutViolence#i to show their support for the campaign. Thank you for your solidarity.

17.01.2022 Women leaders from 18 Pacific countries came together for the 2nd virtual meeting of Pacific women leaders to discuss the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on women and girls across our region. The meeting was hosted by Samoan Deputy Prime Minister Fiame Namoi Mataafa and the Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Marise Payne. Minister of Education Kitlang Kabua from the RMI, and Pohnpei State Chief of Staff Suzanne Gallen and Pohnpei State Womens Interest Officer Lululeen from the FSM also participated in the meeting. Discussions were focused on the vital role of women in the regions economic recovery, emerging educational challenges, and the safety of women in the context of COVID-19.

16.01.2022 In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Australia is funding a project for the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to partner with FSM Department of Health, Departments of Health in each state, and the FSM Social Protection Cluster and other agencies to ensure that dispensaries and health centres throughout the FSM are able to provide women and girls access to essential products and services. This project aims to improve dispensaries and health centres water supply... systems, sanitation facilities, and hygiene supplies and practices. It will also provide psychological first aid training to dispensary staff, information packets on gender-based violence (GBV) and ways to get help, as well as, dignity kits for GBV victims. The dignity kits will be prepared in the FSM containing reusable menstrual hygiene pads, soap and other products essential for womens health and hygiene. Many of the products in each kit will be hand-made locally by women in the FSM to provide entrepreneurial opportunities for women and support womens economic empowerment. Top photo left to right: FSM Gender Development Officer and Chief of Social Affairs, Mrs. Norleen Oliver-Deorio, Secretary of Foreign Affairs, the Hon. Kandhi Elieisar, Secretary of Health & Social Affairs, the Hon. Livingston Taulung, Charge d Affaires, Ms. Vy Duong Bottom photo left to right: IOM Chief of Mission, Mr. Nathan Glancy, Charge d Affaires, Ms. Vy Duong and a/g Deputy Head of Mission Mr. Takuro Steele.

16.01.2022 The Chuuk Youth Council showed their support for the #BlackoutThursday campaign by wearing their Eliminating Violence Against Women t-shirts. Kinisou mei fokkun chapwur for your solidarity, CYC.

11.01.2022 (L-R) Sisters Elerina Umwech, Saileen Jack and Christina Elias showing their support for the Thursday #BlackoutViolencePohnpei campaign by wearing their Elimination of Violence Against Women t-shirts. Thank you Sisters of the Marie Auxiliatrice for your solidarity.

11.01.2022 National Oceanic Resources Management Authority (NORMA) staff wearing their black shirts for the Thursday #BlackoutViolencePohnpeicampaign - Ending Violence against Women. A big thank you to NORMA for your solidarity in supporting the campaign.

11.01.2022 Embassy of Australia Pohnpei Position Vacant: Policy and Research Officer The Australian Embassy in Pohnpei is seeking applications from suitably qualified persons to apply for the position of Policy and Research Officer. This is a two year contract position which is subject to renewal process. The starting salary range is USD $20,060 - $23,751 per annum.... Australias aid objective is to help people overcome poverty by promoting regional stability and prosperity. The Policy Research Officer works to established policies and procedures to support Australias bilateral and broader engagement in the Micronesian sub-region and Pacific region. Applicants should have at least three years experience undertaking research and synthesizing material from a variety of sources, experience using IT systems and software packages effectively, particularly Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, etc.) and effective interpersonal and written communication skills. The Application Forms, including the duty statement and selection criteria must be downloaded at: www.fsm.embassy.gov.au Please email all application documents below to: [email protected] 1. Rsum/CV 2. Response to each of the Selection Criteria (Attachment A) 3. Completed Attachments B and C Application closing date is 5pm Sunday 12 July 2020.

11.01.2022 iSolution crew, based in Chuuk, showed their support for #BlackOutThursday and wore their "End Violence Against Women" t-shirts. Thank you for your solidarity!

10.01.2022 2021 Australia Awards Scholarship Intake Round Announcement The Australian Embassy in Pohnpei wishes to announce to citizens of FSM, RMI and Palau that the Australia Awards Scholarship for 2021 intake round will be closing on 30thJune 2021. Applications are done online; https://oasis.dfat.gov.au/. Paper copies [hard copies] are also available and can be emailed to applicants who do not have internet access. For those who have yet to complete their online application, we ...would like to encourage applicants to do so before the deadline. Should you need assistance or require more clarification, please contact [email protected] For more information regarding our scholarships, please visit our website; www.fsm.embassy.gov.au #Make a difference with an Australia Awards Scholarship#

08.01.2022 The Australian Embassy in Pohnpei celebrated the 75th Anniversary of the United Nations with the FSM Government and others on 26 October. Australia has been a member of the UN since its formation in 1945 and the FSM celebrates its 29th year of being a UN member state. Charge d’Affaires Vy Duong joined the UN75 parade from the Pohnpei State Governor’s Office to the Kolonia Gym, where information booths were set up to inform the public of the many programs that work towards achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Australian Embassy Staff were joined by Direct Aid Program (DAP) grant recipient, Sokehs Pah Women’s Group, and MaryAnn Eperiam, Program Manager of the Australian Volunteers Program North Pacific Office. #TheFSMweWant #TheFutreWeWant #TheUNweNeed

07.01.2022 Charge d' Affaires Takuro Steele congratulates and awards the winners of the NAIDOC Week Essay contest, based on this year's theme Always Was, Always Will Be. Second place was awarded to Mr. Bennett Saimon of Nanpei Memorial High School, and third place went to Mr. Kelly Keller, of Our Lady of Mercy High School. The 1st place winner, Miss Aiko Nakayama from Chuuk High School, was announced in last Friday’s NAIDOC Week Reception. Miss Nakayama is in the last photo with CHS P...rincipal, Mr. Jason Reiong and Vice Principal, Mr. Isuen Lukas. Congratulations to the winners and those who helped them achieve this great accomplishment. #NAIDOC2020 #NAIDOCWeek

07.01.2022 The Australian Embassy congratulates Sokehs Pah Women Group (SPWG) as a recent grant recipient of our Direct Aid Program (DAP). Charge d Affaires, Vy Duong and Second Secretary Takuro Steele presented a cheque of $11,826.45 to Kalesia A Lawrence, Owahtik Sokehs, Vice President of the group. SPWG consists of 20 members from within Sokehs municipality who will continue to sew fabric cloth masks in preparation for COVID-19. The masks will be made of three layers of cotton fa...bric material which is CDC certified and comfortable to use, washable and reusable. The DAP grant provided will assist SPWG in the purchase of raw materials, portable sewing machines and related instruments, storage containers, product labels and sanitation materials for the project. The group will embark on sewing 6000 masks in the next three months, which will be sold to corporate organizations, government departments and other institutions within Pohnpei state. DAP is a flexible, small grants scheme for development activities for up to USD $20,000. DAP applications can be submitted year-round. For more information and to apply online, visit www.fsm.embassy.gov.au

05.01.2022 Charge dAffaires Vy Duong joined the Kitti community, Rohsa and Rohspein, Soumwelong Kitti and Koat Soumwelong, Kitti Senators Herolyn Movick and Francisco Ioanis, and Secretary Carlson D. Apis of FSM TC&I in officially opening the Kitti Six Waterfalls site with its new parking lot and signage. The Kitti community is a recent recipient of the Australian Embassys Direct Aid Program (DAP) grant. Ms Duong congratulated the Kitti community for successful completion of the new... project, and expressed her appreciation for allowing Australia to be a part of this community development. The six waterfalls is a world-class tourist attraction in Pohnpei where visitors can hike through beautiful pristine forest to see six distinct waterfalls. A big thank you to the Kitti community for their hospitality and vision for community development. DAP is a flexible, small grants scheme for development activities for up to USD $20,000. DAP applications can be submitted year-round. For more information and to apply online, visit www.fsm.embassy.gov.au.

05.01.2022 The Salvation Army in Pohnpei staff show their support for #BlackOutViolencePohnpei and wear their "End Violence Against Women" t-shirts. Thank you for your solidarity! (Left to right) Anorlynn Helgenberger Santos, Cynthia Nanpei, Captain Senelyn Santos, and Captain Taylor Santos

05.01.2022 Pohnpei State Hospital Administration Section staff wearing their black "Elimination of Violence Against Women" t-shirts for the Thursday #BlackoutViolencePohnpei to show their support for the campaign. Thank you PSHD Administration Section staff for your solidarity

04.01.2022 Principal Yolanda Nanpei, and members of the Pohnpei Catholic School (PCS) staff showed their support for #BlackOutThursday and wore their "End Violence Against Women" t-shirts.Thank you PCS for your solidarity!

04.01.2022 Australia will be supporting the Republic of Marshall Islands to improve access to essential products and services for women and girls in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Through a partnership with IOM, this new project will fund 700 dignity kits to be assembled in RMI, with a large portion of contents to be locally produced by Marshallese women. The dignity kits will contain reusable menstrual pads, CDC approved cloth masks, pineep (coconut oil), and other essential hygien...e products for women and girls. The dignity kits will be distributed to non-profit and community-based organizations that offer services to victims of gender-based violence (GBV) in Majuro and Ebeye. Statistics in the Pacific are showing that lockdowns, quarantine, school shutdowns and other COVID-19 pandemic responses (including those resulting in financial hardship) increase rates of violence within families and communities. Australia is committed to assist the RMI government and communities to respond to the needs of vulnerable populations, such as women and girls. Photos are of participants in the cookhouse consultations for the dignity kit designs.

03.01.2022 The Australian Embassy congratulates Peniesene Community Water Infrastructure & Storage Development Project , a recent grant recipient of our Direct Aid Program (DAP). Acting Deputy Head of Mission, Takuro Steele, presented a cheque for $19,251 to Richard Dereas on behalf of the Peniesene Community. The project will focus on improving access to water sources through the installation of water tanks and improved water piping. The project will also ensure the community will be more resilient to periods of drought. DAP is a flexible, small grants scheme for development activities. DAP applications can be submitted year-round. For more information and to apply online, visit www.fsm.embassy.gov.au

03.01.2022 Pohnpei State Legislature members from left to right, Hon Senators Sendilina Lekka, Herolyn Movick and Kasinda Ludwig, wearing their black "Elimination of Violence Against Women" t-shirts for the Thursday #BlackoutViolencePohnpei to show their support for the campaign. Thank you Pohnpei State Legislature for your solidarity.

02.01.2022 Australian Embassys A/g Deputy Head of Mission Takuro Steele, and Senior Project Manager Dionisia Bernard Asher joined the #BlackoutThursday ten mile walk campaign on Thursday, 14 June 2020. U.S. Ambassador Carmen Cantor led the group from Madolenihmw to the border of the Kingdom of Uh. Many thanks to the participants, and to Lululeen Santos for coordinating this campaign.

02.01.2022 Truk Stop Hotel staff showed their support for #BlackOutThursday and wore their "End Violence Against Women" t-shirts. Kinisou Truk Stop for your solidarity!

02.01.2022 Australian Embassys Charge d Affaires Vy Duong, and Assistant Program Manager Jone Raikabula joined the #BlackoutThursday ten mile walk campaign on Thursday, 18 June 2020. The group walked from the border of Mandolenihwm & Uh to Kolonia, and ended with a short function hosted by the Governor of Pohnpei State, Mr Reed Oliver. Many thanks to the participants, Governor Reed Oliver, and to Lululeen Santos for coordinating this campaign. The Australian Embassy is committed to supporting gender equality and empowering women and girls in FSM.

02.01.2022 On Friday evening, 13 November, the Australian Embassy hosted its annual NAIDOC event, displaying an indigenous art exhibition entitled Evolution: Torres Strait Masks. The ceremony was opened by Chargé d’Affaires Takuro Steele and included a keynote speech by the Hon Lt Gov Feliciano Perman representing Governor Reed Oliver. Winners of the NAIDOC Week Essay contest based on this year's theme Always Was, Always Will Be were also announced. A video recording of the contest w...inner, Miss Aiko Nakayama from Chuuk High School, was shown. Among the distinguished and honoured guests that evening were the Foreign Secretary, the Hon Kandhi Elieisar representing President Panuelo, members of the Pohnpei State Legislature including Senators Ricky Carl (Luhk en Lengso), Herolynn Movick, Aisek Artui (Nanmadau en Dehd Sokehs), Helgena Johnson, Steven Joseph and Mitaro Simina. Also present were all the heads of the resident diplomatic corps, HE Hidenobu Sobashima, HE Huang Zheng, Charge d' Affaires Somer Bessire-Briers and traditional leaders Nansahu Ririn Nett, Soulik en Pohn Dien and Luhkpein Emiliana Musrasrik-Carl. NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia each July to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and is celebrated not only in Indigenous communities, but by Australians from all walks of life.

01.01.2022 Green Society staff in Pohnpei wearing their black "Elimination of Violence Against Women" T-shirts for the Thursday #BlackoutViolence#i to show their support for the campaign. Thank you for your solidarity.