Australian Volunteers Program: A new intake cohort marks the start of another round of placements, with the program reporting 700+ volunteers since 1965 and recent gains in assignment progress with local partners. Education & Skills: The “1,000 Students Per Year to China” initiative begins as the first five students depart for vocational studies, while SINU heavy vehicle students get hands-on training at GPPOL. Business & Industry: SICCI expands its Business Excellence Awards to 21 categories (plus a Prime Minister’s Award), and the chamber urges provincial SMEs to join. Trade & Growth: Honiara hosts the 2026 National Annual Trade Fair (Sept 9–16) to showcase local production, innovation and investment opportunities. Climate & Food Security: El Niño is strengthening, with Solomon Islands urged to prepare for hotter, drier conditions that could hit water and agriculture. Biosecurity: Government launches a 10-year National Biosecurity Strategy (2026–2036) to protect agriculture, food security and trade from pests and diseases. Transport & Infrastructure: Malaita’s Malu’u Market seawall is completed, and West Makira receives $1.5m for fibreglass boats and outboard engines to support fisheries, agriculture and services. Mining Law Reform: Minister Derrick Manu’ari says the “first come, first serve” mining licence system is a weakness and reforms are headed to Parliament.