A third cohort of Solomon Islands journalists have wrapped up a media tour of Australia, highlighting continued Australian support aimed at strengthening media links and mutual understanding between the two nations.
The tour led by officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAT) took place between Sunday 30th November to the Monday 8th December 2025.
For this tour, participants included Cheryl Bera and Grace Palapu of the Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC), John Houanihau and Irwin Angiki of The Island Sun newspaper, Deli Oso representing the Solomon Star newspaper, George Noda from Tavuli News, Stephanie Titili from PAOA FM, Noelyn Wagapu-Tuza from ZFM 99.5 radio station and Ednal Palmer from In-depth Solomons.
The cohort begun their tour in Canberra, where they took part in round table discussions with Australian Government officials and visited the Parliament House and Museum.
In Sydney, the cohort visited the Special Broadcasting Service (SBS), Australian Associated Press, youth radio station Triple J, and information giants like Google and Meta. perspectives on emerging issues including artificial intelligence, the role of media in democracy, and the digital transformation of the media sector.
Speaking on her experience to the Australian High Commission office in the Solomon Islands Deli Oso, the weekday Editor of Solomon Star newspaper deemed is as a great privilege
” We had the honor of engaging in roundtable discussions with various officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade on the different aid programs Australia is funding in Solomon Islands and Australia’s ongoing commitment to ensure the effectiveness of Solomon Islands Media.”
” For me the key takeaway is that the media plays a critical role in democracy. A well-informed media makes for a well-informed nation and a transparent and accountable government.”
Meanwhile the Australia’s Acting High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, Andrew Schloeffel emphasized the important role a ” free, independent and informed media” plays in a healthy democracies.
“Journalists help ensure communities are informed, institutions are accountable and public debate is open and inclusive. Supporting journalists with training and development opportunities like this one is a key part of Australia’s support for a free and independent media in Solomon Islands.”
The Australian government has been supporting series of study tours in April and June 2025 and leadership programs between 2024 and 2025.
