5 December 2025 – Australian volunteers and their Palau colleagues are celebrating creating enduring friendships and shared achievements this International Volunteer Day.
From strengthening healthcare delivery and sustainable land management to providing a range of support at the Pacific Mini Games, nine Australian volunteers have worked alongside colleagues and friends in Palau this year alone.
Marking the annual UN day, Australia’s Ambassador to Palau, Toby Sharpe said: “International Volunteer Day is a great opportunity to acknowledge the contribution volunteers make to the communities they support, and the enduring relationships formed by Australian volunteers and their colleagues in Palau.”
“The Australian Volunteers Program is committed to locally led development. By providing skilled volunteers to support partners in Palau, the program enables a diverse range of Australians to contribute to positive change that is locally owned and led.”
Australian Volunteer Sarah Bessel, volunteering as a Pharmacist Advisor, worked alongside colleagues at the Ministry of Health and Human Services to update drug protocols to reflect latest therapeutic guidelines for use across the nation.
In his role as a Land Regulation and Management Legal Advisor Max Lavery is supporting the Bureau of Lands and Surveys in its vital work managing the sustainable development of land resources in the Republic of Palau.
Another Australian volunteer, Legislative Specialist Shawn Wilson spent nine months assisting the Publication and Law Access Unit Office with its mission of codifying and publishing the laws of Palau.
Earlier this year six experts from across Australia’s sports sector were deployed through the Australian Volunteers Program to support the Palau National Olympic Committee’s delivery of the Pacific Mini Games.
Throughout their time in Palau, the Mini Games volunteers played an important role in preparing athletes for competition, supporting post-event recovery and promoting sustainable practices within Palau’s sports systems. Their contributions extended beyond technical assistance, focusing on capacity building and long-term development.
Palau’s Medical Commission Chairman, Jason Nolan, said: “I extend heartfelt thanks to our two physiotherapy volunteers for their outstanding support. Their care was vital to our athletes’ performance and well-being. Their impact has been both immediate and lasting.”
Strength and Conditioning Coach Mentor, Nicole Gusman, and Wellbeing Training Mentor, Kate Nelson, worked with coaches and athletes to boost physical performance and mental resilience. Palau Basketball Federation Coach, Jubilee Kuartei said: “They validated and enriched the existing coaching framework I developed with expert insights, tools, and resources. Their sessions introduced diverse approaches to what I was currently doing, to achieving performance goals, benefiting the team and maximizing the use of available island resources. Words can’t express my deepest gratitude for their support.” The Australian Government remains committed to supporting Palau’s development priorities and fostering strong regional partnerships through initiatives like the Australian Volunteers Program. Organisations in Palau interested in the Australian Volunteers Program are encouraged to contact the Australian Embassy or visit www.australianvolunteers.com
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