Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre

Today, with pride and optimism, we gather to hand-over the magnificent new Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre to the people of Honiara.

And we entrust its future to the Ministry of Health and Medical Services and the Honiara City Council.

In doing so, we pay tribute to the dedication, skill and hard work of everyone who has helped turn a remarkable vision, into a transformative reality.

And it is my honour to be joined here by Prime Minister Wale.

On a day when your proud nation celebrates independence, this centre is a celebration of the partnership between our citizens and our nations.

This place is proof of what Australia and Solomon Islands can achieve when we work together.

When we create local jobs - and empower locals with the skills to do them - from construction to health care.

When we build for local conditions, with reliable clean energy and the resilience to handle extreme weather so that if disaster strikes, these essential services are there when people need them most.

And this place also demonstrates what we can do when we trust in community.

When we build from the ground up, bringing together the comprehensive, high-quality care that every citizen of Solomon Islands deserves - especially the youngest Solomon Islanders, the future of this nation.

It is wonderful to think that there will be happy and healthy children who get immunisations and care here and go on to grow up and bring their own children here one day.

That is the positive and practical difference we can make when we build to last.

That is true for this extraordinary facility.

And it is true for everything that Australia and Solomon Islands are doing together to build a more stable, peaceful and prosperous Pacific.

Our efforts are not just a partnership between nations - they are a pact between generations.

So that we pass on a healthier and stronger future to our communities and our countries.

Tagio tumas.

And God bless Solomon Islands.