EIGHT local media personnel are back home after wrapping up a week- long media exchange and learning experience in Australia.
Organized by the Australian High Commission in the Solomon Island, the media international visit offered participants a first-hand look into Australia’s political system, socio-economic landscape, and historical ties with the Solomon Islands.
The participating journalists included Lachlan Eddie (SIBC), Ruthina Koroa (ZFM), Chris Adifaka (Barava FM), Ronald Toito’ona and Georgina Maka’a (In-Depth Solomons), Bradford Noda (Tavuli News), and Loretta Manele and Indy Maealasia (Island Sun).
The program began in Canberra, Australia’s capital, where the cohort visited key institutions such as the Old and New Parliament Houses, the National Gallery, the Australian War Memorial, and the Canberra Times newspaper.
They also engaged in meaningful roundtable discussions with Australian government officials.
The second leg of the trip took them to Sydney — Australia’s largest and most iconic city.
There, the group took part in insightful engagements with major media organisations including AAP, SBS, and local radio
stations.
The team also had the opportunity to explore some of Sydney’s most famous landmarks, including a guided tour of the Sydney Opera House, panoramic views of the Harbour Bridge, and a visit to Taronga Zoo.
For many of the journalists, the trip was an eye-opening experience. Ruthina Koroa, station manager of ZFM radio station, described the tour of Triple J — a youth-focused radio station owned by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation — as the highlight of her visit.
“The visit to Triple J was especially inspiring,” Koroa said.
“I learned how they maintain journalistic integrity while remaining creative and relatable to younger audiences,” she added.
“It was impressive to see how they balance fun with serious reporting.” Koroa also expressed her gratitude to the Australian Government, stating,
“Many thanks to the Australian Government for this opportunity. It has helped us grow as journalists and build strong connections with media professionals.”
This was the second cohort to travel
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