Raised with an ethos of providing a helping hand to your neighbour, joining Australian Business Volunteers (ABV) in 2023 to volunteer with communities in Nauru was in some ways simply common sense for Sydney local, Vera Pajovic.
“Maxine Wiggs, a wonderful lady I used to work with in the travel industry reached out to me and said she was working with an organisation that I would love,” Vera says.
When a volunteer position came up to support ABV’s work with the Nauru Chamber of Commerce and Sustainable Tourism Working Group to support a range of locally-led private sector strengthening initiatives, Vera, who has a longstanding career in marketing in Australia’s tourism and travel industry, didn’t hesitate to apply.
“I have worked in the Pacific for many years with tourism boards and communities in Papua New Guinea when I was working for the Kokoda Track Foundation,” Vera adds. “I feel very connected to the Pacific, and the need to support our region; bringing everyone with us, and not leaving anyone behind.”
An avid traveller and founding director of sustainable tourism consultancy, EcoStory, Vera has come in contact with countless tourist businesses, but when it comes to sharing her expertise for inclusive economic development in Nauru, Vera says ABV’s involvement has been vital.
“It’s essential to work with an organisation who understands the community's needs and can navigate the local complexities that make the work meaningful and impactful,” Vera explains.
“It’s not ABV coming in, it’s really finding the local parties and uncovering opportunities to support micro and small businesses in the ways that they want.”
“The country is beginning to understand the benefits of what tourism could mean for people in Nauru, but it needs to be led by the community and foreign tourists need to meet the locals where they’re at.”
In her two years with ABV, Vera has been in Nauru twice, with a third volunteer visit on its way to help build the country’s tourism industry in a sustainable and empowering way for inclusive economic development.
“I was expecting the workshops (in business mentorship and coaching), but less so the strategic direction piece that I’ve had the opportunity to contribute to with local stakeholders and the Chamber.”
“Nauru’s described as the rough diamond of the Pacific and it has so much to offer,” Vera emphasises through her work on the Nauru Private Sector Development Roadmap, supported by the Australian High Commission in Nauru. “It is a great tourism destination for the adventure tourist.”
“There’s amazing hiking, and incredible opportunities for fishing and snorkelling. Nauruans are also proud of their culture; they’re generous and have so much to share.”
“It’s about finding partnerships on the island and working together to grow the industry.”
Not spoken about is the fact that with her own business, Vera is no doubt incredibly busy and continues to find time for this vocational work in a voluntary capacity.
“I’ve learnt so much from it as well. Along with training, I’ve learnt about a different culture and different ways of how things are done,” Vera says.
“It’s been humbling, and I’m so happy to be just a small piece of the puzzle.”
“Building local tourism is helping people to improve their livelihoods and strengthen their communities. If I can support just five people to build their businesses, I will be so happy!”
