TORBA women gain economic boost through Australia-funded market projects
November 4, 2025 9:30 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook
By Hilaire Bule.
The Australian government is supporting mothers in TORBA Province to participate in economic activities by financing two market houses on the island of Vanualava.
Last Thursday, Australian High Commissioner to Vanuatu Max Willis visited the village of Musina to perform the groundbreaking for the new market houses. The total cost of the project is over VT4 million.
The groundbreaking followed a request from the Member of Parliament (MP) for Banks constituency, Danny Silas, to the Australian government.
“I would like to congratulate MP Danny Silas and the Musina community for their successful application under the 2024–25 Vanuatu–Australia Community Grants Program. Thank you, MP Silas, for inviting me to join you at today’s event. It is a great honour. I also acknowledge your contribution to this project. The Vanuatu–Australia Community Grants Program works with communities across Vanuatu to address development needs, particularly for young girls and women, people living with disabilities, and those in rural areas,” High Commissioner Willis told the people of Musina.
He said the new market house will empower the people of Musina and nearby communities, providing opportunities to contribute to the economic and social wellbeing of the village and Vanuatu as a whole.
Mr. Willis said he was pleased to learn that the market house will bring together women and community groups from Musina to sell locally grown products, showcasing their skills and ambition. He said he looked forward to returning to see the positive impact once the project is complete.
The next day, Mr. Willis visited the extension of the Sola Market House, which Australia also contributed to.
He told vendors that the extension is an exciting development that will benefit communities across the Banks Islands.
The High Commissioner said the Vanuatu–Australia Community Grants Program works with communities across Vanuatu to address development needs, particularly for young girls and women, people living with disabilities, and those in rural areas.
Mr. Willis said the extension will allow women and market vendors from Sola and surrounding islands such as Mota, Gaua, Motalava, and Ureparapara to have more space to sell their local produce.
“I am pleased to learn that Australia supported the original construction of the Sola Market House in 2016 through our Direct Aid Program,” he said.
“This extension will provide shelter for vendors and customers and improve access to economic opportunities. It is encouraging that women and community members will take part in both the construction and operations of the market house. I was glad to see members of the East Vanualava Sewing and Creativity Club, who received another Vanuatu–Australia Community Grants Program grant of VT3.86 million for sewing machines and gazebos, join us today.”
He acknowledged the contribution of MP Silas to the project. Australia’s contribution to the Sola Market House extension is over VT2 million.
High Commissioner Willis also purchased some of the local products offered by the mothers.
