The annual Australia Day celebrations at the Australian High Commission took on added significance in 2018, as almost 40 years to the day - on 28 January in 1978 - the Australian Government first established an office in the (then) New Hebrides.
The office, opened by Australia’s Consul General to Noumea, Bill Fisher, was symbolic of Australia’s strong and vocal support for Vanuatu’s independence and meant Australia was one of the first permanent diplomatic missions to be established following the formation of the Republic of Vanuatu in 1980.
Australia’s High Commissioner, Jenny Da Rin, was joined by Vanuatu’s acting President, Esmon Saimon, and Prime Minister, Charlot Salwai, to celebrate the occasion and reflect on this major milestone in the Australia-Vanuatu relationship.
“Australia first established a presence here in 1978 and we have worked consistently ever since to nurture and grow a strong and vibrant relationship, based on mutual trust and respect,” said Ms Da Rin.
“40 years on, Australia’s relationship with Vanuatu has grown substantially, on a foundation of strong historical, geographic, economic and cultural ties. Australia will continue to build on our successes and make the relationship stronger still” she said.
Photo caption: The Acting President of the Republic of Vanuatu, Esmon Saimon, the Australian High Commissioner, Her Excellency Jenny Da Rin, and the Prime Minister, Charlot Salwai, cut the Australia Day cake.