Solomon Islands Theatre Leader Joins Indigenous Summit in Australia
Dreamcast Theatre Cultural Director Natty Dolaiasi has travelled to Australia to take part in the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) Summit 2026, joining Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders and cultural practitioners alongside fellow Pacific delegates as part of a broader cultural exchange.
Mr Dolaiasi attended as part of a Pacific delegation supported by the Australian Government through the Office for First Nations International Engagement with Ambassador Justin Mohamed.
The visit formed part of a two-week program across Australia, beginning on Turrbal and Yuggera Country in Meanjin (Brisbane) and continuing through key cultural sites including Muṯitjulu, Uluṟu, Kata Tjuṯa and Mparntwe, before concluding at the Gold Coast.
Held from 1–5 June at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre on Kombumerri Country, the AIATSIS Summit created a space for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to share knowledge, strengthen culture and shape future priorities. As part of the program, Pacific delegates connected with remote communities, shared perspectives, built new friendships and explored opportunities for collaboration between Pacific Nations and Australia’s First Nations peoples.
Widely recognised for his work with Dreamcast Theatre, Mr Dolaiasi uses performance and storytelling to explore social issues, preserve culture and engage young people in Solomon Islands. His participation in the summit provided an opportunity to share Solomon Islands perspectives while learning from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in Australia.
Discussions at the summit covered cultural preservation, community leadership and strengthening Indigenous knowledge systems. The program also fostered connections between Pacific and Australian First Nations peoples, supporting the exchange of ideas and practical approaches to cultural and community development.
Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands Jeff Roach said the visit highlights the value of cultural exchange under the Solomon Islands–Australia partnership.
“Natty Dolaiasi’s participation in the AIATSIS Summit shows how the Solomon Islands–Australia partnership is creating opportunities for cultural leaders to learn from each other and build lasting connections,” High Commissioner Roach said.
“These exchanges support Solomon Islanders to strengthen cultural knowledge, develop new skills and expand networks that benefit communities, particularly young people engaged in the arts.”
For Mr Dolaiasi, the experience offers insights to take back to Solomon Islands, supporting ongoing work through Dreamcast Theatre to promote creativity, cultural expression and youth engagement.
Source: Australian High Commission, Solomon Islands
