After two weeks of intensive courtroom observation, mentoring and hands-on workshops in Melbourne, young Vanuatu lawyers Kylie Bakeomemea and Betina Ngwele have returned home determined to share their new skills with colleagues across Vanuatu’s justice sector.
Kylie, a solicitor with the Office of the Public Solicitor (OPS), and Betina, Senior State Prosecutor at the Office of the Public Prosecutor (OPP), were among a select group from across the Pacific, chosen to take part in the Victorian Bar Association’s 2025 “Train the Trainer” program. Designed to strengthen courtroom advocacy and mentoring skills, the program prepares participants to contribute to legal capacity-building efforts within their own systems.
The Australian Government, through the Vanuatu Australia Policing and Justice Program (VAPJP), supports initiatives like these to strengthen legal workforce development, promote gender equity and leadership, and build a more inclusive justice system for all, especially women, children and people living with disability.
Celebrating the returning lawyers, Australian High Commissioner H.E. Mr. Max Willis said, “Within our partnership with Vanuatu – which aims to enhance, institutionalise and sustain justice services – we’re seeking new ways to strengthen legal capacity and skills. We’re proud to support the professional development of young leaders like Kylie and Betina who will empower and strengthen the justice sector for the long term working closely with the Government of Vanuatu.”
During their time in Australia, Kylie and Betina were immersed in a legal environment that exposed them to high-level expertise and professional excellence. Training under King’s Counsel and members of the Australian legal profession, the two Vanuatu lawyers gained insights from specialists in advocacy and complex legal practice. “The sessions were conducted by distinguished legal professionals in Australia, including King’s Counsels with extensive years of practice,” said Kylie. “Several presentations were also delivered by subject-matter experts, such as forensic specialists. The contributions of these experts during the training left a lasting and significant impression.”
One of the most impactful experiences was observing live courtroom proceedings, including jury trials, where they witnessed Australian prosecutors and barristers in action. This real-time exposure brought their previous training to life and gave them a picture of what courtroom advocacy looks like outside Vanuatu. “We’ve been watching jury trials in movies, but to actually observe that, see that, and experience that in person is a lifetime memory for me.”
Beyond the formal sessions, both women benefited from structured mentorship, with experienced Australian lawyers offering personal guidance and support throughout the program.
Both women described the experience as energising and have returned full of fresh ideas that they are eager to apply in their own legal context to build a justice system in Vanuatu where all voices can be heard and represented in court. With stronger advocacy across the profession, they hope to better support vulnerable groups, including victims of violence, in navigating the justice system.
Looking ahead, Kylie and Betina are eager to share their knowledge with legal specialists across Vanuatu. They plan to deliver structured advocacy training not only for junior lawyers, but also for colleagues working in remote provincial offices who may have limited access to professional development.
The lawyers have already started taking their first steps, assisting their colleagues Linda Bakotoko, Assistant Senior Solicitor and Christopher Shem, State Prosecutor who led the Victorian Bar Advocacy Training in Port Vila end of August. The week-long course gave Betina and Kylie the chance to showcase their new learnings alongside legal teams from across the sector.