Alumni Network Facilitation in Fiji

The Support Unit went to an inaugural Fiji-Australia Awards alumni event on 12 March, where we met Ms Monika Lal (pictured), a proud alumnus who came back to Fiji in 2019 after earning a Masters degree in Environmental Risk Assessment and Remediation with Distinction from the University of Newcastle. She is currently pursuing a post graduate certificate in climate change at the Pacific Centre for Environment and Sustainable Development (PaCE-SD) at the University of the South Pacific.

In order to support professional development of Australian alumni in climate- and disaster-related disciplines like Ms Monika Lal, the Support Unit has begun working with a Fiji-based organisation to facilitate an active, vibrant and productive Australian alumni climate change network across the Pacific region, enabling professional development, sharing of experiences and enhancing access to employment opportunities.

This will complement the work of DFAT Australian Awards programs as well as Australian Awards alumni associations in respective countries.