Port Vila, Vanuatu – June 30, 2025: In a landmark step for disability inclusion in Vanuatu, the Government of Australia has committed over VT250 million to the Vanuatu Society for People with Disabilities (VSPD), marking the largest-ever financial support received by the organization since its founding in the early 1980s.

The announcement was made during an official signing ceremony at the VSPD Centre in Port Vila, attended by Australian High Commissioner Max Willis and Vanuatu’s Minister for Justice and Community Services, the Hon. Job Andy. The partnership, known as the Bildimap VSPD Partnership, will provide VSPD with its first-ever multi-year core funding, to be distributed over the next three years.

This funding is a significant milestone for VSPD, which remains the only disability service provider in the country. It is expected to enhance the organization’s work in health, education, and community development for people living with disabilities, and to support the Government of Vanuatu’s disability inclusion agenda.

Executive Director of VSPD, Elison Bovu, hailed the announcement as a “bold new chapter” for disability-inclusive development in the country. “This is the biggest ever financial support VSPD has received from any aid donor,” Bovu stated. “We are grateful for Australia’s commitment and will ensure full accountability in the use of these funds.”

The initiative follows the launch of VSPD’s new Strategic Plan for 2024–2028, which outlines a clear vision for expanding the organization’s reach and impact. The Bildimap VSPD Partnership will run through to 2028, supporting Vanuatu’s efforts to meet both regional and international obligations on disability rights.

High Commissioner Max Willis emphasized that Australia and Vanuatu share a strong commitment to advancing the rights of persons with disabilities. “Through this partnership, we are proud to stand alongside VSPD in building a more inclusive and empowered Vanuatu,” he said.

The partnership is expected to significantly strengthen VSPD’s operational capacity and community engagement, ensuring more people with disabilities across the islands receive vital support and services.

His Excellency Max Willis stated that Australia has been a long-time partner of Vanuatu. Through its involvement in this project, the relationship between the two countries continues to grow stronger. He emphasized that it is important for Australia to make these financial commitments, as the country has a long-standing and robust inclusion policy. This policy is actively implemented to ensure that everyone is treated equally across all services.

“Australia and Vanuatu share common values in strongly supporting the rights of people with disabilities.”

The Minister responsible for People with Disabilities, Job Andy, acknowledged the VSPD and the Government of Australia for initiating the Bildimap VSPD Partnership. He stated that this partnership will address many critical areas of need that directly affect people with disabilities.

Furthermore, this initiative will support Vanuatu in achieving its National Sustainable Development Goals and in providing updated reports to the United Nations on the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

This grant agreement begins on June 1, 2025, and will conclude on December 30, 2028, with an option to extend the agreement for up to four additional years.
According to the governance agreement, a representative from DFAT will be required to sit on the Project Advisory Committee.