Our Team

Ian J Hosking Richards JP – Chair

Ian is the founding Chair of The Solomon Foundation, and Solomon Islands Honorary Consul Elect for the state of New South Wales. He is also well known in the Australian business community through his involvement in the property and finance sectors, and as CEO of Rocket Property Group.

‘My aim is to raise the profile of Solomon Islands in Australia, both from a diplomatic perspective as well as with community initiatives that bring our two peoples together on a cultural and humanitarian journey’.

His Excellency The Right Reverend Sir David Vunagi GCMG

Sir David is the Queen's viceregal representative in Solomon Islands, and officially took office on 7 July 2019. Originally from Isabel province, Sir David is a former Archbishop of Melanesia. The Solomon Foundation is honoured to have the support of such an illustrious patron.

Lady Primrose Potter AC – Patron-in Chief

Lady Potter is a well known Australian philanthropist who has been a strong supporter of The Solomon Foundation from the outset. Her philanthropic interests go far beyond her well-known and documented support for the arts, to embrace many other worthy causes, including child welfare and social development issues. Her warmth and humanity, as well as her expertise in fundraising and administration, make her a very valued and loved member of the team.

‘She has enormous curiosity and great enthusiasm. She’s amazing’ – Countess Primrose Krasicki, daughter.

Sir Frank Kabui, GCMG, CSI, OBE

Sir Frank served Her Majesty The Queen as Governor General of Solomon Islands from 7 July 2009 to 7 July 2019. He is a former High Court Judge and Attorney General. Sir Frank and his wife Lady Grace are well known for their support of humanitarian projects, and we welcome Sir Frank’s involvement with The Solomon Foundation.

Peter Doherty, AC FRS FMedSci

Peter is a well known Australian veterinary surgeon and researcher in the field of medicine. He received the Albert Lasker Award for Basic Medical Research in 1995, the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine jointly with Rolf M. Zinkernagel in 1996 and was named Australian of the Year in 1997. He is also a National Trust Australian Living Treasure. In 2009 as part of the Q150 celebrations, Doherty's immune system research was announced as one of the Q150 Icons of Queensland for its role as an iconic "innovation and invention". We are pleased to welcome Peter as our most recent patron.

Manogar Kuppusamy – Board Member

Mano is a highly successful property investor, and inaugural board member. After graduating from business school Mano spent many years working for IBM and American Express before taking a step back from full time employment to focus on managing his private investment portfolio. His empathy for those less fortunate, combined with his considerable business acumen and common-sense approach is a huge asset to the board of The Solomon Foundation.

‘ Those of us who find ourselves in a position where we can help the less fortunate, either financially or by giving our time, can make a huge and lasting impact. Even the smallest of gestures can lead to big outcomes for both parties’.

Ellen Yu CPA – Treasurer

Ellen is a highly qualified and experienced accountant and financial controller. She is also great team player with a very positive and optimistic attitude to life. Her expertise in managing the Foundation’s finances to ensure that donations are put to the very best possible use is invaluable, and she continually strives to uphold the ideals of the organisation on a very practical level.

‘I enjoy reading and yoga in my spare time, and believe that laughter is the best medicine in life’.

Dr James Weaver BSc (Med) MBBS (Hons) FRACP – Board Member and Chief Medical Advisor

James is an interventional cardiologist based at RPA Hospital in Camperdown in Sydney’s Inner West. James has a long association with Solomon Islands, having a sister-in-law who hails from Mundah in the Western Province.

He visits annually to run clinics which prioritize and assess patients for inclusion in overseas referral programmes. He has also been instrumental in working together with St George Private hospital, who generously provide free medical treatment to some of our sick patients.

His clinical as well as research expertise is highly regarded by his peers, and he is certainly very highly valued by The Solomon Foundation for his amazing contribution to the people of Solomon Islands.

Professor Cameron Holloway - Former Board Member

The Board would like to acknowledge the past contribution of Professor Holloway to the foundation, as well as his deep commitment to the people of Solomon Islands. Over the years Cameron has touched the hearts and lives of many Solomon Islanders, who hold him in the highest regard, as do we all here at The Solomon Foundation.