RSIPF Officers Join Women in Policing Conference in Melbourne

Four officers of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force attended the 2025 Australian Council of Women and Policing (ACWAP) Conference and the 26th Excellence in Policing Awards in Melbourne last week.

The travel arrangement was funded by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) Policing Partnership Program, and RAPPP Advisor Vanessa Pardy accompanied the officers.

The event, co-hosted by ACWAP and Victoria Police from 17 to 18 September in Melbourne, Australia, brought together delegates under the theme “Advancing Together.”

It created a platform for collaboration on contemporary challenges for women in policing, with opportunities to hear from keynote speakers and share experiences.

One of the keynote speakers was APF Deputy Commissioner Krissy Barrett, who will be promoted to APF Commissioner next month.

Inspector Alice Hillary, Sergeant Linda Iro, Constable Janice Wales, and Constable Lucy Kaehuna represented the RSIPF, strengthening regional ties and contributing to discussions on gender equality, leadership, and community-focused policing.

RSIPF officers Harrieth Kabi and Jacinta Keuni also attended ACWAP, supported by the Australian Institute of Police Management. Their participation highlighted the importance of cross-border cooperation and the professional growth of women in policing throughout the Pacific.

Inspector Alice Hillary said, “Attending the ACWAP Conference in Melbourne was an inspiring experience.

It gave me the chance to learn from other women in policing, share our RSIPF perspective, and see how together we can strengthen leadership and equality across our region. I am proud to represent the Solomon Islands and to bring these insights back home.”

The visit also coincided with the 26th Excellence in Policing Awards, which celebrated the contributions of women and men advancing gender equality and improving policing for women across the profession. Inspector Hillary was shortlisted for the Excellence in Law Enforcement in the Pacific Region Award.