A growing number of Tongans who have studied in Australia and returned to Tonga, gathered for a Tonga-Australia Alumni networking event on June 7 at Tanoa International Dateline Hotel.

Over 100 people attended the event, coming not only from the Australian awards program, Australia Awards Fellowships, Australia Pacific Technical College but also those who have studied privately in Australia.

The Australian High Commissioner to Tonga, HE Mr Andrew Ford told the alumni that they are current and future leaders, influential movers and shakers, and catalysts for change. "As members of Australia’s Global Alumni, you are helping to shape Tonga and the world around you."

He said that through the Australia Awards, the Australian government is proud to have supported around 440 Tongans to study at Australian institutions over the past 20-years, aimed to contribute to the long-term development needs of Australia's partner countries in line with bilateral and regional agreements.

He congratulated their newest alumnus, 33 Australia awardees (eight from Australian institutions and 25 from regional institutions) who completed their studies in 2016.

"You are now part of a highly skilled and influential network that plays an important role in national development and for many of you, that extends to the region as well. You will be able to use your Australian qualification to make a positive contribution to Tonga’s development, and this is ultimately what the Australia Awards are about."

Petina Vi, an alumni who was awarded three gold medals for attaining the highest Grade Point Average for her majors in Education, Literature and Language at the University of the South Pacific, spoke of her studies and was grateful to the Australian awards for her education.

"Before I was a great teacher, now I am an excellent teacher."

She had also received a Gold Medal for being the most outstanding graduate for the overall Bachelor of Education program.

Dr Lia Maka, CEO of the Public Service Commission also spoke of her studies in Australia, as a Macquarie University graduate.