PacificAus Sports

An exciting milestone for Pacific sport has been achieved with the recent launch of the Safeguarding at Major Sporting Events toolkit.

The framework is the first of its kind developed by the Pacific, for the Pacific. 🙌

Proudly supported by the Australian Government through Team Up, the toolkit provides practical guidance, templates, and tools to help sporting events strengthen safeguarding, ensure the wellbeing of all participants, and support effective reporting and response processes.

Read more: https://www.teamup.gov.au/resources/safeguarding-major-sporting-events-toolkit

With the men's A-Leagues semifinals starting on Saturday, we’re looking back at Brisbane Roar FC’s visit to Solomon Islands last year.

This was the first-ever visit by an A-League club with a highlight of the visit being a much-anticipated match against the Solomon Islands’ national team. 🙌

The game ended in a 1-1 draw and outside of the match, the Brisbane Roar team spent time visiting local communities, leading football skills clinics, and engaging with young athletes.

Solomon Islands’ goal was scored by Clivert Sam in his debut match. “It means a lot to me, and it’s also a huge milestone for the country, and for my young football career.” ⚽️

“Playing against a professional team like the Brisbane Roar is a huge learning curve — I learned a lot…and I’ve gained a lot of confidence,” he said. 🌟

Read more about the visit here: https://www.pacificaussports.gov.au/our-stories/solomon-islands-football-lights-brisbane-roar-visit

Football Australia | Australian High Commission, Solomon Islands | Solomon Islands Football Federation

Solomon Islands football lights up with Brisbane Roar visit From debut goals to coaching exchanges, Honiara was abuzz with inspiration, competition and the pride of the football-community.

Congratulations to the 12 women leaders who have been selected for FIBA Oceania’s 2026 Women LEAD Basketball program! 🏀

The program prioritises leadership, visibility, and participation for women at every level of basketball. By equipping women in Oceania with practical skills, mentorship, and a regional support network, the program empowers women to influence decision making, guide organisational development, and drive meaningful change within their basketball federations and communities.

The participants of the 2026 program are:
Margaritta Viena (American Samoa)
Angie Kainamoli (Fiji)
Elysia Perez (Guam)
Yolene Koteureu (New Caledonia)
Katie Buckley (New Zealand)
Kristen Tauiliili (Samoa)
Theresa Masoe-Taimalelagi (Samoa)
Winnie Laora (Solomon Islands)
Tupou Falemei Fale (Tonga)
Sisi Fine (Tonga)
Christella Kalsrap (Vanuatu)
Christina Bare-Karae (Vanuatu)

Winnie Laora from the Solomon Islands is proud to be recognised by the program. “It feels like a quiet mix of pride, purpose and pressure - knowing I've earned my place, but also realising I now carry opportunities bigger than myself. It's not just about playing anymore but leading, inspiring and proving that I belong at that level every single day.” 🌟

is proud to partner with FIBA Oceania to back women in basketball, supporting pathways in coaching and leadership as well as increased international competition for Pacific teams.

Australian High Commission, Fiji | Australian Embassy, Federated States of Micronesia | L'Australie en Nouvelle-Calédonie et Wallis et Futuna | Australian High Commission, New Zealand | Australian High Commission, Samoa | Australian High Commission, Solomon Islands | Australia in Tonga | Australian High Commission, Vanuatu

Oceania Participants Announced for 2026 Women LEAD Basketball Program FIBA in Oceania has confirmed the 2026 Women LEAD Basketball cohort, strengthening leadership pathways for women driving basketball development across the region.

Congratulations to New Zealand on their qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup!

New Zealand defeated Papua New Guinea 1-0 in a close game to secure their place in the tournament.

Best wishes to PNG as they represent Oceania in the inter-confederation playoffs from October. 🇵🇬

Australian High Commission Papua New Guinea | PNG Football Association | Oceania Football Confederation

They’ve done it!

The are headed to the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™! 🇳🇿🙌🏽

Watch the full replay and highlights on FIFA+ 📺

Fiji is a hive of exciting tennis activity this month with the Pacific Oceania Junior Championships (POJC) currently underway! 🎾

is proud to partner with Tennis Australia to support emerging Pacific chair umpires and referees with mentoring by experienced Australian officials. These include:
• Ana Marie Draunidalo (Fiji) 🇫🇯
• Elisha Tupiti (Solomon Islands) 🇸🇧
• Kaycee Nimoho (Vanuatu) 🇻🇺
• Naomi Sipiti (Vanuatu) 🇻🇺

Following POJC, two ITF World Tennis Tour Junior tournaments will be held in Lautoka, where coach mentoring will be delivered by Australian coach developer Emily Burns, supporting:
• Matina Asimba (Papua New Guinea) 🇵🇬
• Naomi Sipiti (Vanuatu) 🇻🇺

These initiatives are creating meaningful pathways, building leadership capability, and strengthening opportunities for women across the Pacific.

Australian High Commission, Fiji | Australian High Commission Papua New Guinea | Australian High Commission, Solomon Islands | Australian High Commission, Vanuatu | Oceania Tennis | Vanuatu Tennis

Congratulations to both teams on an amazing game and this historic milestone for women’s rugby in both countries.

is proud to partner with Rugby Australia and Oceania Rugby to support high-performance pathways for Pacific women, empowering them to lead on and off the field. 🌟

Australia in Tonga | Australian High Commission, Samoa | Penina Pasifika Rugby | Tonga Rugby Union | Samoa Women's Rugby Union

We were thrilled to host Fijiana, the Wallaroos, and Rugby Australia for the Australian premiere of 'Breaking Ground: The Rise of Women’s Rugby in Fiji' in Canberra last week. 🤩

This powerful documentary celebrates the trailblazing Fijiana as well as the rise of women’s rugby in Fiji and the power of sport to influence social change. 🙌

Through our partnership with Oceania Rugby, is committed to supporting women’s rugby in the Pacific and elevating women in sport. 🏈

Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
| Fiji Rugby | Australian High Commission, Fiji | Australian Ambassador for Gender Equality