A week-long media trip to Australia has given eight local journalists an opportunity to experience the country’s media landscape and visit some of its iconic landmark sites.
The International Media Visit Program, supported by the Australian High Commission in the Solomon Islands, took place on March 23 to 30, 2025, with the goal of deepening participants’ understanding of Australia, its media landscape, and strengthening bilateral ties through shared journalistic experiences.
The delegation included Assumpta Buchanan (Solomon Star), Ned Gagahe (Island Sun), Charley Piringi (In-depth Solomons), Allan Tarohania (Deputy Press Secretary,OPMC), Joy Ofasia (Sunday Isles), Lanieta Nimelea (PAOA FM), Jeremy Gwao (Tavuli News), and Benjamin Afuga (Media Island & Yumi TokTok Forum).
In Canberra, the cohort visited the Australian National War Memorial and Parliament House, participated in newsroom tours, and held engagements with senior officials at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
A key highlight of the trip included visits to Australian media institutions, where participants gained insights into how Australia supports freedom of the press and sustains independent journalism. Island Sun journalist Ned Gagahe described the experience as transformative.
“My biggest takeaway from this trip was the opportunity to engage directly with media professionals and learn firsthand how they are navigating the digital transformation driven by rapid technological change,” he said.
“Hearing their experiences, both successes and struggles provided deep insights into the evolving global media landscape. Their strategies for long-term sustainability, balancing declining print revenue with digital growth were especially enlightening,” he added.
