Australia in Tonga

18/06/2026

Australia is always impressed at the talent in Tonga 🇹🇴

Congratulations to the Tonga Team representing Tonga at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.

17/06/2026

Ko e pongipongi fakakoloa ‘emau kau fakataha atu ki hono tāpuaki ʻo e ngaahi fale fo‘ou ma’a e fānau ako mo e kau faiako ʻo GMS Kolomotuʻa.

Ko e ngāue fakalakalaka´ ni ʻoku kau ia ʻi he poloseki Tonga Safe and Resilient Schools Project – ko e fengāue’aki fakataha ia ʻa e Ministry of Education and Training Tonga, World Bank Pacific mo e Pule‘anga ʻAositelēlia.

Ko e tokoni ʻa e polokalama´ ni ki he ngaahi ‘apiako kuo uesia ʻe he ngaahi fakatamaki fakaenatula´ pea mo e ngaahi ako ʻoku tuʻu lavea ngofua ki he ngaahi fakatamaki´ ni, ke fakapapauʻi ha ngaahi ʻātakai ako ʻoku malu ange, pea toe mālohi ange.

Fakamālō lahi kiate kinautolu kotoa pē na‘a nau kau ki he ngāue´ ni. Fakatauange ‘e hoko ko ha ngāue lelei ‘i he ngaahi ta’u ka hoko mai.

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We were honoured to join the official blessing and handover of new facilities for students and teachers at GMS Kolomotu’a.

This milestone is part of the Tonga Safe and Resilient Schools Program – a joint initiative between the Ministry of Education and Training, the World Bank and the Australian Government.

The Program supports disaster-affected and at-risk schools across Tonga, helping ensure safer, more resilient learning environments.

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17/06/2026

Following celebration of International Day of Family Remittances, we hear from Sione Siakumi as he reflects on the real impacts of participating in the PALM scheme 🏝️

Together with his brother, Filipe, Sione has completed four seasons with Tree Minders - turning hard work into meaningful change back home. From building a family home and supporting daily living expenses to fulfilling family, community, and church obligations, their journey highlights how opportunity transforms lives.

We are proud to see Tongan families thrive through the PALM scheme, while Australian employers continue to benefit from the dedication and hardwork that PALM workers bring to their businesses 💪

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17/06/2026

‘E kamata ‘a e lesisita ki he lulu monu’ia nofo fonua ‘i ‘Aositelelia pe koe PEV ‘i he ‘aho 1 ‘o Siulai 2026 ki he ‘aho 29 ‘o Siulai 2026.

Ko e ‘inasi ‘o Tonga ki he ta’u ni koe visa ‘e 150.

Kimu’a pea ke lesisitá, fakapapauʻi ʻoku mahino kiate koe ʻa e ngaahi fiemaʻu ‘oku malava ke ke lesisita mo kau ki he polokalama ni.

Fakatokanga’iange ‘oku ‘ikai ‘uhinga ho’o lesisita ki he lulu monu’ia ke fakapapau’i ‘e fili ai koe. Ka ‘okapau ‘e fili koe ‘i he lulu monu’ia ko eni, ‘e fakaafe koe ke fakahu ho’o kole visa nofo fonua.

Fakapapau’i pe ‘oku malava ke ke kau mai ‘o lesisita ki he lulu monu’ia ‘aki ho’o vakai kihe website ‘a e Potungaue ki he Ngaahi Me’a Fakalotofonua: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/pacific-engagement/ballot-registration/ballot-eligibility

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Registrations for the Pacific Engagement Visa (PEV) ballot will open from 1 July 2026 to 29 July 2026.

150 visas are being allocated to the Kingdom of Tonga this program year.

Before registering, make sure you understand the eligibility requirements for both the ballot and the visa. Please note that registering in the ballot does not guarantee selection in the draw.

If you are randomly selected in the ballot, you will be invited to apply for a PEV.

Find out if you are eligible to register by visiting the Department of Home Affairs website:
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/pacific-engagement/ballot-registration/ballot-eligibility

16/06/2026

“My life here has improved and also has provided many things in my life in Vava’u.”

On International Day of Family Remittances, we recognise Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme workers like Sydney, who has spent the past three years working on a berry farm in Tasmania.
Starting as a picker and promoted to working in quality assurance, Sydney sends money home for his children’s school fees, for his church and to help build the family’s pearl business.

While he works in Australia, his wife manages the business in Vava’u. His earnings help purchase the tools and equipment needed to grow and carve pearls, which she crafts into jewellery and sells locally.
“It has changed me to become a better father and also better businessman, and I try hard in many things to provide for my family, as a loving father.”

Today we recognise the role remittances play for families across Tonga. Just like a pearl grown over time, remittances continue to grow with families into their future.
PALM scheme workers sent A$79.5 million (TOP$118 million) through remittances to Tonga in 2025.

15/06/2026

Powerhouse voices, Pacific pride, ARIA Hall of Fame legends 🎤🇹🇴🇦🇺

Congratulations Vika and Linda!🎉

Tongan/Australian sisters Vika and Linda have been recognised for their inspiring contribution to music as inductees to the ARIA hall of fame.

The powerhouse sisters have had an incredible journey to get to this point, rising to the music scene with their 1994 self-titled debut album reached the ARIA Top 10 and went platinum, and their greatest hits complication ‘Akilota (Anthology 1993 - 2006) hit #1 in 2020.

Over the course of their career, the Tongan sisters have released multiple acclaimed albums, collaborated with artists including Paul Kelly, Kasey Chambers, Archie Roach, Renee Geyer and Mark Seymour.

Vika and Linda have received six ARIA Award nominations, AIR Awards recognition, induction into the Music Victoria Hall of Fame, and were awarded the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in 2022 in recognition of their contribution to the performing arts.

Their induction to the ARIA hall of fame comes days after the release of their ninth studio album, 'Where Do You Come From?'

15/06/2026

Australia is proud to support specialised training on International Public Sector Accounting Standards for auditors and accountants across Tonga’s public sector.

This means stronger financial reporting, more transparent use of public funds, and better services for the people of Tonga.

Who’s the accountant in your life that deserves a shout-out? Tag them below 👇

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14/06/2026

The Australian High Commission is looking forward to the 2026 Heilala Festival🇹🇴🌺

13/06/2026

A lovely morning with Tonga Leitis Association Inc. at the Life Skills Program Expo, celebrating participants' creativity and talent through beautiful floral arrangements and handmade crafts. 🌸✨

Congratulations to all the winners and participants this year!

Australia is proud to support this initiative through our partnership with Tonga Leitis Association, helping create opportunities for skills development, confidence, and inclusion.

12/06/2026

St John of God Ballarat Hospital and the Ministry of Health Tonga have proudly shared a 30-year partnership🤝❤️

This highlighs the power of people-to-people connections and enduring institutional partnerships between Tonga and Australia.