Australian Embassy, Palau

Australia, through Pacific Women Lead, has been proud to support implementation of Palau’s Family Protection Act (FPA) over the past two years.

Frontline providers across education, public safety, health and human services and the judiciary recently met to strengthen support for survivors of domestic abuse and human trafficking. Through practical case scenarios participants unpacked real challenges, both highlighting strengths while identifying where coordination can improve.

This momentum carried into a follow-up session with the FPA Working Group, focused on turning insights into action and reinforcing commitment to implementing the Act across Palau.

These efforts were convened by the Bureau of Human Services, Ministry of Health & Human Services - Republic of Palau, with FPA Adviser Jelga Emiwo leading the coordination and facilitation.

Australia is proud to support Palau’s economic growth through aviation connectivity and tourism development. A study has found the Palau Paradise Express flight between Brisbane and Koror accelerated Palau’s post-pandemic recovery by boosting the number of high-value tourists to Palau who stay longer, spend more, and directly support local businesses and communities.

An economic impact analysis study has found that in 2025, the flight contributed over USD7.3m to Palau’s economy, delivered 26 per cent growth in total visitor expenditure in Palau and more than doubled the passenger traffic to Palau from Australia and Oceania.

Thank you to all the tourism operators for your hard work in introducing beautiful Palau to very enthusiastic Australian visitors! ✈️🦘

Australia-Pacific Partnerships for Aviation - P4A Palau Visitors Authority

Australia is proud to support Palau’s preparations for the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting

The Embassy development team will be available at the Ernguul Park Market from 5pm this Friday, 12 June to provide guidance on the Australia Awards Scholarship Program application process.

If you’re considering applying for the 2027 intake, stop by and speak with the team before applications close on 30 June 2026.

📍Ernguul Park Market
🕒 5pm onwards
📅 Friday, 12 June 2026

What if AI could help save coral reefs? In 97 countries, it already is.

Coral reefs support 25% of all marine life and more than 500 million people. But climate change is placing these vital ecosystems at risk.

Co-designed by Australia and Pacific partners, ReefCloud is an open-source AI tool that analyses reef health up to 700 times faster than traditional methods. It is helping scientists, Traditional Owner rangers and policymakers better understand and protect what lies beneath.

“When you are able to collect your data quickly, you can spend more time exploring the data and find ways to achieve excellent management. And excellent management is required for Pacific islands whose survival depends greatly on their marine resources,” said Victor Nestor, Palau International Coral Reef Center-PICRC, who participated in a ReefCloud train the trainer program for emerging leaders in reef monitoring.

Protecting reefs means protecting our shared future.

Australian Institute of Marine Science Niue Ocean Wide - NOW - Conserving Our EEZ WCS-Fiji

Media leaders from across the Indo-Pacific gathered in Canberra earlier this year for an Australia Awards Fellowship, including Palau’s Mr Ngewakl Isaac Soaladaob from the Palau Media Council.

Through the program, discussions focused on how media organisations can stay resilient and relevant including through navigating misinformation, shifting audiences and rapid digital change.

Workshops, media visits and exchanges with Australian counterparts built practical skills and, just as importantly, strengthened connections that continue to grow across the region.

Delivered by ABC Australia in partnership with UNSW the Fellowship is helping build a stronger, more connected network of media leaders across the Indo-Pacific.

Last week’s welcoming ceremony for the Alingano Maisu marked the end of an extraordinary journey of over 6,000km from Palau to Taiwan, Okinawa and back - navigated using traditional wayfinding.

This voyage highlights that this knowledge is not confined to the past. It continues to be practised and passed down through generations, guided by the stars and sustained by strong cultural foundations.

Through Australia’s 2025 Direct Aid Program, the Micronesian Voyaging Society has been sharing the art and science of wayfinding across Palau, through school visits and community outreach and preparation for this journey, including support for the canoe’s sail.

A powerful example of cultural knowledge in motion. Congratulations to MVS and the crew members on this achievement – one that the Embassy is proud to support.

Happy President’s Day from all of us at the Australian Embassy!

The Embassy is closed on Monday 1 June. If you require urgent consular assistance, please contact +61 2 6261 3305.

Don’t miss your chance to study in Australia!

Applications for the 2027 Australia Awards Scholarships intake close in one month on Tuesday, 30 June at 5:00PM (Koror time).

Apply online here: https://oasis.dfat.gov.au/Function/Home/Default.aspx

We’re proud to highlight Palau’s own Kierra Ketebengang, who recently took part in the FIBA Oceania 3x3 High Performance Camp supported through Australia’s PacificAus Sports program.

Referees from Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Vanuatu, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Palau sharpened their skills at the camp. Kierra was able to:
✨ Participate in targeted officiating workshops
✨ Engage in real-time match play assessments
✨ Build strong decision-making, consistent and game ready skills
✨ Connect with other referees and expand her regional network

Through PacificAus Sports, Australia is supporting opportunities for Pacific athletes, referees and coaches like Kierra to access high-quality training and build pathways in sport. Learn more about the High Performance Camp here: https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fabout.fiba.basketball%2Fen%2Fregions%2Foceania%2Fnews%2Foceanias-3x3-future-strengthened-as-second-high-performance-camp-tips-off&data=05%7C02%7CCamille.Pesava%40dfat.gov.au%7Ccd552af8bb364027970108debd599f56%7C9b7f23b30e8347a58a40ffa8a6fea536%7C0%7C0%7C639156389787962718%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=90oWuOE%2FkVpFu4VnI%2BEzywpG5eX5arwWS0HSvV3XobU%3D&reserved=0

Basketball Federation