FOUR newspaper journalists are currently in Australia to participate in a two-week newsroom placement program with Australian media outlets, an initiative designed to support local staff retention and build leadership skills.
The 2025 cohort includes Loretta Manele and Elton Loranatha of Island Sun, and Agnes Menanopo and Solomon Lofana of the Solomon Star.
Supported by the Pacific Media Assistance Scheme (PACMAS) and delivered in partnership with Country Press Australia (CPA), the Solomon Islands Media Emerging Leaders: Country Press Australia Placements offer local journalists the opportunity to gain hands-on experience, working alongside professionals in CPA member newsrooms.
During the placements, Manele and Menanopo will be attached to the Wangaratta Chronicle, while Lofana and Loranatha will join the Yarrawonga Chronicle, both respected regional newspapers based in Victoria, outside of Melbourne.
Picture : Loretta Manele
Ahead of their departure on Thursday, 8th October 2025, Loranatha shared his excitement:
“Since working as a sports reporter, this is my first opportunity to travel for work. I believe the time is right to take this step, and I’m looking forward to experiencing something new,” he said.
He added that he hopes to make the most of the opportunity:
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I’m keen to compare the host newsroom with my current one and bring back what I’ve learned to apply both inside and outside the newsroom.”
Before heading to their placements, the group will spend time in Melbourne visiting the headquarters of The Age, the Australian Financial Review, and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), offering further exposure to leading national media organisations.
The cohort is scheduled to return to the Solomon Islands on Sunday, 26th October 2025.
This initiative builds on last year’s successful pilot in 2024, which saw Mavis Podokolo of Island Sun and Uluta Gina of the Solomon Star become the first Solomon Islands journalists to participate in the program.
