Home - Australian Embassy

Australian Embassy

Federated States of Micronesia; Republic of the Marshall Islands; and Republic of Palau

Embassy address: H & E Enterprises Building, Kolonia, Pohnpei - Telephone: 320 5448 - Fax: 320 5449

Announcements

Australian Sports Outreach Program: Pacific Sport Development Grants

The 2013/14 round of the Australian Sports Outreach Program: Pacific Sport Development Grants is now open. The closing date for applications is 28 June 2013. Successful grant recipients will be notified by October 2013. The grant guidelines and application together with other relevant documents are available from the following website:

www.dfat.gov.au/asop

Events

Pohnpei- A debate competition was held earlier this month among students representing their respective high schools around Pohnpei with the topic being: "Be it resolved that the FSM Constitution should be amended to create an additional ‘at large’ seat in the FSM Congress for each of the four States, election to which shall be open only to women candidates." The winning team will represent Pohnpei State at the National Debate to be held in Chuuk, against the three other FSM States. The Australian Embassy showed its support by providing financial assistance to the Pohnpei State Debate Committee. Australian Embassy congratulates the winning team of Pohnpei State and wishes all participants best of luck at the National Debate.

First Secretary and Consul gives support to the Pohnpei State Debate Committee Chairs on behalf of the Australian Embassy (left). The debate team from Our Lady of Mercy high school to represent Pohnpei State at the National Debate (right).

Australia to provide $3 million to combat unexploded ordnance

PALAU- the President of the Republic of Palau, HE Tommy Remengesau, and the Australian Ambassador to Palau, Mr Martin Quinn, announced Australia’s three-year, $3 million commitment to reduce the threat of unexploded ordnance in Palau.The announcement was made at the opening of an AusAID-funded Regional Explosive Ordnance Disposal Training School on Peleliu Island. The school is run by the non-government organisation Cleared Ground Demining. The school will train law enforcement authorities and community organisations from Palau and other Pacific countries to identify and clear explosive remnants of war and raise community awareness of the risks they pose.

Helping the Palauan Government and community to remove explosive remnants of war is a key priority of the Australia–Palau Partnership for Development.

The opening of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Training School on Peleliu Island, Palau. From left: Ms Etelel Siangeldeb (CGD ERW Team Member), His Excellency President of the Republic of Palau Tommy Remengesau, His Excellency Ambassador Martin Quinn, High Chief Obak Singeo, The Honorable Governor Temmy Shmull and Steve Ballinger (Operations Director CGD). Photo: Erin Magee / AusAID

Supporting the Micronesian Community

FSM- The Australian Embassy provided financial assistance to various groups, events, and projects including sports clubs and teams, youth groups, municipal governments and more.

The Australian Embassy supported the local sports community by providing financial assistance to the Pohnpei Tennis Club for uniforms (left) and Yap Sports Council for soccer equipment (right).

His Excellency Ambassador Martin Quinn hands over cheque of $4,737 to Mr Patricio Ramirez, Chief Minister of U Municipal Government, in support of U Constitution Day celebrations (left). Third Secretary and Vice-Consul Nikola Pejic hands over a cheque to Bill Jaynes, General Manager of Kaselehlie Press, to fund new photographic equipment for the newspaper.

ANZAC Day in FSM, RMI & ROP

ANZAC Day ceremonies were held in the Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of the Marshall Islands and Republic of Palau. All ceremonies were well attended with members from the political, diplomatic, business and expat communities paying respect to those who served in conflicts.

Earth Day 2013

On the 22nd of April 2013, Pohnpei marked Earth Day at Pohnpei Center Cinema with numerous educational activities, games, stalls, free movie screenings highlighting environment issues, skits, songs and telling of traditional stories. The day was well attended by 700 students from all over Pohnpei as well as by members of Pohnpei's political, diplomatic and cultural community. Australian Embassy was the major sponsor of the event having donated $4,000 through the Australian Government's Direct Aid Program (DAP). The event has been hailed as certainly one-of-a-kind.

New to the island Third Secretary and Vice Consul Nikola Pejic gives his remarks on Pohnpei's beauty and rich natural environment and Australia's commitment on tackling climate change issues (left). To support Pohnpei's efforts for Earth Day activities Pejic presents a cheque of $4,000 to the Director of FSM Emergency and Environment Management Mr Andrew Yatilman, who receives the cheque on behalf of the Joint Risk Management Network (centre). Poster promoting the 2013 Earth Day found around popular spots in town (right).

Participating students show their understanding of climate change through short skits and songs.

Celebrating International Women's Day in Kolonia, Pohnpei

Pohnpeian community gathers to celebrates 2013 International Women's Day

The day was marked by various exhibits promoting Pohnpeian culture and Women issues

Empowering Communities in Sokehs for road maintenance and beautification

Australian Embassy’s First Secretary and Consul, Michael Kulesza, hands over the DAP grant to Sokehs’ Chief Magistrate Michael Lieman.

New equipment purchased with the Australian DAP grant for community empowerment project in Sokehs Municipality.

Embassy Commemorates the Governor General's Visit with the FSM Department of Foreign Affairs

Ambassador Martin Quinn delivered a framed mat that was used during the arrival ceremony for the Australian Governor General, Ms Quentin Bryce, to Pohnpei in April 2012 to the FSM Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Lorin Robert. The mat will be hung in the FSM Department of Foreign Affairs conference room to commemorate the event. Assistant Secretary Samson Pretrick and Deputy Assistant Secretary Shanty Sigrah are also pictured.

Island Food Community of Pohnpei Delivers Pandanus Products

Members of the Island Food Community of Pohnpei delivered some of the results of their Pandanus Festival that was held in Mwoakilloa in December 2012. The festival was sponsored by an Australian DAP grant (see below). First Secretary Michael Kulesza received the gifts on behalf of the Embassy.

AusAID Launches Sei Farms Dry Litter Piggery in Kitti, Pohnpei

AusAID Program Manager Caroline Adams was present at Sei Pepper Farm for the launching of the Dry Litter Piggery Project in December 2012. This project was funded under an AusAID Small Grant Scheme. Pohnpei State Governor John Ehsa and Mr Sei helped cut the ribbon to officially open the project. This project was done in conjunction with other partners, such as USDA-NRCS, Pohnpei State Divison of Agriculture, SPC, the Embassy of Japan and the Pohnpei Piggeries Council, and will contribute to environmental waste management and organic certification for Mr Sei's Pohnpei Pepper.

White Ribbon Day Celebrated in Pohnpei and Palau

On Saturday 24 November 2012, community members from across Pohnpei joined the White Ribbon Day Fun Run and Concert to help raise awareness for domestic violence against women. This activity, organised by the Pohnpei Women’s Advisory Council, was sponsored through a Direct Aid Program grant through the Australian Embassy in Pohnpei. Before the run, all attendees had the option to participate in the ʻMy Oath’ campaign for White Ribbon Day by ʻswearing’ to stop violence against women.

The White Ribbon Day Fun Run commenced at the Spanish Wall Park at 9:00 AM with some background information on White Ribbon Day from the Pohnpei Women’s Advisory Council. Buses carried all the runners to Wapar, Madolenihmw at 12:00 midday, with two teams of approximately 140 runners racing each other by way of U or Kitti, around the island and finishing at the Spanish Wall Park at 6:00 PM. Following the run, there was a free concert featuring local bands.

The Pohnpei Women’s Advisory Council, together with the Australian Embassy and the College of Micronesia - FSM proudly supported White Ribbon Day, raising awareness about violence against women in our community and encouraging others to do the same.

The White Ribbon Day Fun Run and Concert is the first of several events taking place across FSM to raise awareness for White Ribbon Day, 25 November, the United Nations’ Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

In Palau, the Bureau of Public Safety was awarded a Direct Aid Program (DAP) grant to sponsor t-shirts for their march on White Ribbon Day.

(T-shirt design from the Palau Bureau of Public Safety)

Their awareness program began on the 11th of November with the following activities:
• Palau President Johnson Toribiong proclaimed 25 November as White Ribbon Day
• Media (Radio & TV) Blitz for two weeks
• Held a march thru downtown Koror holding White Ribbon posters on Friday, 23 Oct. 2012
• Held a Run/Walkathon on Sunday, 25 November 2012 “White Ribbon Day”

The Australian Embassy in Pohnpei also encourages you to visit the DFAT Youtube website and hear other messages on White Ribbon Day from Australia’s Global Ambassador for Women and Girls, Ms Penny Williams. http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL10121AA92340E9BD&feature=plcp

Australian Grants Awarded

The Pohnpei Women's Association Council (PWAC) received a Direct Aid Program (DAP) grant award to hold a White Ribbon Day Awareness Walk around the island of Pohnpei. The Event will take place on Saturday 24 November 2012 and end at the Spanish Wall Park in Kolonia Town. A free concert will be held and everyone is invited to attend. President of the PWAC, Mrs Susana Sohs, accepts the check from Ambassador Quinn. PWAC officers Bernolina Hedson and Janet Panuelo were also in attendance.

The Island Food Community of Pohnpei received a DAP grant to hold a pandanus festival on the island of Mwoakilloa. The festival will highlight the nutrition benefits of pandanus and also provide a venue for the women of Mowoakilloa to show off the different types of crafts that can be made from the pandanus tree. Mrs Emihner Johnson accepted the check from the Ambassador with IFCP staff Mona Tara and the Embassy's Second Secretary Mr Casey Parker. The fair is to be held some time in December.

The Ambassador also presented an AusAID Small Grant to the Conservation Society of Pohnpei (CSP) for a project entitled the "Pohnpei Pride Campaign" that CSP will do in conjunction with RARE, an international conservation organisation. The project will support CSP in managing and enforcing its conservation campaigns among the community marine protected areas in Pohnpei. The Director of CSP, Mr Eugene Joseph, accepted the check with Andrew Falcam and Angel Jonathon of CSP, and Christina Canlas of RARE also pictured.

Ambassador Quinn Pays Courtesy Call on President Loeak

Majuro, Marshall Islands------Australian Ambassador Martin Quinn paid a courtesy call on President Christopher J. Loeak at the President's office to discuss advancing bilateral, regional, and international cooperation. President Loeak took the opportunity to express the RMI's appreciation for the assistance the Australian Government made towards Manit Day, particularly the canoe race events, that were held the end of last month. Recognizing Australia's strong commitment to multiculturalism and assistance to its Pacific neighbors, including assistance toward the development and growth of the RMI, President Loeak confirmed the RMI's support for Australia's United Nations Security Council candidature. After congratulating the RMI on securing next year's Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) and throwing in ideas for the PIF, Ambassador Quinn expressed Australia's readiness to assist in the forum which will be held in Majuro next year. Other issues discussed during Ambassador Quinn's visit were nuclear issues, climate change, sea transportation to the outer islands, and regional air transportation. President Loeak recognises the strong and abiding friendship of the RMI and Australia and looks forward to advancing common agenda at the bilateral, regional, and international levels.

International Day for Disaster Reduction and World Food Day in FSM

Leah Briones, Senior Program Manager, AusAID Pohnpei post presenting education materials to students for the AusAID Climate Adaptation, Disaster Risk Reduction and Education project (CADRE) at the International Day for Disaster Reduction, Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia, 13 October 2012.

New FSM Fingerprint Lab opens with assistance from the Australian Federal Police

On 11 September 2012 the FSM National Police held a ribbon cutting ceremony in front of the FSM National Police Office
in Palikir, Pohnpei to celebrate the opening of the new FSM Fingerprint Lab. The lab was funded by the Australian Federal Police through the Pacific Police Development Program and is a national asset open to all the four FSM states to utilise for fingerprint processing. AFP Project Coordinator, Mr Frank Clair (photo on top), explained that the equipment utilised in the lab is the same equipment found in forensic fingerprint labs in Australia. This lab will allow the FSM to have the ability to treat fingerprints in a safe and secure environment, and the lab will ultimately make FSM a safer place for everyone. Second Secretary Casey Parker (photo on bottom) joined FSM dignitaries and took a tour of the new lab and attended the ceremony on behalf of the Australian Embassy in Pohnpei.

The Australian Embassy in Pohnpei Sponsors Clean Up the World Week 2012

Second Secretary Casey Parker hands over a Direct Aid Program grant to Mr Albert Roby, Director of Pohnpei State Environmental Protection Agency, for sponsorship of the 2012 Clean Up the World Week in Pohnpei that will run from 14 September through 24 September. This grant will be used to purchase trash bags, gloves, banners, posters, and fuel for the boats and vehicles that will go around the island and collect trash from clean-up activities in all the villages of Pohnpei. The Australian Embassy is proud to sponsor this annual event, which originated in Australia and has come to be an international campaign that sees more than 35 million people from over 131 countries participate each year. Pohnpei State has been celebrating the event for more than 12 years now.

The Australian Embassy was a co-sponsor for the FSM's 2012 Olympic team and helped to support their efforts by promoting the London Games with banners in Pohnpei which announced how to tune into the Olympic Games on TV.

Ambassador Quinn presented a Certificate of Appreciation to our partners at Paradise Radio for their outstanding co-operation with the Embassy in putting on the first Australian Reconciliation Music Festival in Pohnpei in June 2012.

At the Chuuk International Airport, Ambassador Quinn met with delegates from the FSM National Women's Conference, including AusAID Senior Program Manager, Dr Leah Briones (right) and Pohnpei delegate Flora Ikosia. Dr Briones presented a welcome video message from the Australian Governor General, Quentin Bryce, as a follow up to her visit to Pohnpei in April 2012.

The Australian Embassy in Pohnpei this year celebrated Australia's National Reconciliation Week from 27 May to 3 June 2012. The theme for this year was "Let’s Talk Recognition"—with a focus on how Australians can better recognise each other, and recognise the contributions, cultures and histories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Locally, we held a music festival in Pohnpei to celebrate the achievements and talent of Micronesian artists. This family friendly event was held at the College of Micronesia-FSM gym and over 600 people attended. The Embassy was pleased to partner with Paradise Radio 89.5FM and the College of Micronesia to put on this successful event, which was the first of it's kind in Micronesia.

Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia
visits the Federated States of Micronesia

The Governor General was greeted at Pohnpei Airport by an Honour Guard while the Australian
National Anthem was played.

The Governor General posing with (L-R) FSM Chief of Staff Mr Churchill Edwards, FSM Vice President Alik Alik,
Australian Parliamentary Secretary of Pacific Island Affairs and Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Mr Richard Marles, FSM President Emaneul Mori, First Lady Emma Nelson-Mori and their granddaughter Tarifa Bisalen, and Ambassador Martin Quinn, during her call on the President.

After her call on President Mori, the Governor General and the President planted a
coconut tree to commemorate her visit.

The Pohnpei Women’s Association presented the Governor General with local gifts during
her visit with the Island Food Community.

On her way to visit the Pacific Patrol boats, the Governor General stopped her motorcade to meet with
local high school students lining the road, who cheered her with Australian flags.

Australian Embassy address and contact numbers

Australian Embassy

PO Box S

Kolonia, Pohnpei FSM 96941

Telephone No: (691) 320-5448

Fax No: (691) 320-5449

E-mail: phpi.mail@dfat.gov.au

Embassy Location:

Second Floor H & E Building Waterfront Road Kolonia Pohnpei FM 96941

Opening hours: The Embassy will be open from 8:30am to 5:00 pm Monday to Friday except for public holidays.

Time difference (with Eastern Australia)

One hour ahead of Eastern Australia during winter

Same time as Eastern Australia during summer