On April 8-10, 2026, two Australia Awards alumni, Dr Nial Robert Vocor and Moirah Diana Matou, represented Vanuatu’s public sector at the International Research Society for Public Management (IRSPM) Conference held at Edith Cowan University in Perth, Western Australia. Both were selected to attend the conference as Australia Awards Alumni of the Year recipients,
recognising their outstanding professional achievements and leadership contributions in their respective fields.
Dr Vocor, Acting Medical Superintendent at Vanuatu’s National Hospital, was recognised for his demonstrated expertise in healthcare leadership, management, and clinical practice, with a proven record of improving hospital management, patient care, and health initiatives. He also played a pivotal role in establishing the Vanuatu Central Hospital kidney hub, leading to significant infrastructural and clinical advancements.
Reflecting on the conference themed “Beyond Boundaries: Wellbeing, Innovation, and the Future of Public Management,” Dr Vocor stated, “The conference reinforced the importance of prioritising community wellbeing, strengthening health systems, and embracing digital innovation to improve service delivery in Vanuatu.” He engaged with international experts and shared insights on capacity building within the health sector. Interactions with researchers from Finland, South Africa, and Australia provided valuable perspectives on hospital administration and workforce wellbeing, which he intends to apply in his practice.
Similarly, Moirah Matou, Project Manager with VanKIRAP at the Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-Hazards Department, was recognised for her transformative leadership through the VanKIRAP Project, which has advanced Vanuatu’s climate resilience through the installation of early warning systems and the country’s first weather radar. She has strengthened regional collaboration in meteorology between Vanuatu, Fiji, and Australia, built professional networks, led study tours, and promoted knowledge exchange across the region. Her work has also enhanced disaster preparedness through the installation of river gauges and sea temperature sensors, improving climate risk prediction and response. In addition, she has contributed to international climate discourse through participation in COP meetings and presentations on traditional climate adaptation knowledge, elevating Vanuatu’s global profile.
Moirah noted, “Engaging with global experts and researchers has broadened my understanding of how innovation, data, and collaboration can strengthen public sector resilience and climate response in Vanuatu.” At the conference, she participated in sessions on citizen engagement, innovative public management models, and the use of technology in governance, while networking with academics and researchers from Australia, the United States, and other countries.
Both alumni expressed a strong commitment to applying their learning to strengthen public management in Vanuatu. Dr Vocor emphasised the need to build research capacity within the health system and expand innovative healthcare management approaches. Moirah highlighted the importance of fostering a research-driven culture, strengthening regional collaboration, and increasing participation in international knowledge-sharing platforms.
Their participation in the IRSPM Conference demonstrates the impact of Australia Awards alumni in contributing to both national development and global knowledge exchange. It also reflects the programme’s mission to develop leaders capable of addressing complex development challenges through research, innovation, and international partnerships. As Vanuatu continues to strengthen its public sector, the insights gained by Dr Vocor and Moirah will support more informed, resilient, and sustainable policy development. Their achievements stand as a model for emerging leaders across the Pacific committed to advancing public service excellence and regional cooperation.