The Australian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea (PNG), John Feakes, recently opened a Community Government Hall in Ioro 2, Panguna District, one of many Australian funded community projects in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (AROB). The structure is one of nine community halls and ten community government offices built by Australia in Bougainville's 19 districts. During the ceremony, High Commissioner Feakes expressed his hope that the hall would provide more opportunities for community engagement. "These buildings provide meeting spaces for community governments and wards, furthering their efforts to meet their community's development needs." The K30 million community government infrastructure initiative complements Australia's localization policy, which prioritizes contracting with local Bougainville-based service providers. Over 200 people in Bougainville have found work and improved their skills in the construction industry as a result of the projects. The facilities are designed specifically for community meetings and include kitchenettes and storage rooms, a disability access ramp, chairs and storage racks, ceiling fans, and a 9, 000-litre water tank. Theonila Roka-Matbob, Minister for Community Government and District Affairs in the Autonomous Bougainville Government, stated that the Community Government facilities are intended to support community governments and wards. "They provide a functional space for the elected women and men to work together to perform their leadership and administrative duties and for community meetings and local activities."