Solomon Islands media at Goulburn, Australia’s first inland city, with the iconic Big Merino statue, which celebrates the region’s fine wool industry.

A delegation of Solomon Islands journalists have completed a study tour to Canberra and Sydney, gaining new skills and perspectives on emerging issues including artificial intelligence, the role of media in democracy, and the digital transformation of the media sector.

The visit also helped to forge relationships with leading Australian media outlets, including the Special Broadcasting Service (SBS), Australian Associated Press, youth radio station Triple J, the Canberra Times newspaper and information giants like Google and Meta.

Solomon Islands media at the Women’s Big Bash League Twenty20 cricket match between Sydney Thunder and Brisbane Heat. Pictured here with Sydney Thunder mascots Thor and Freya at Drummoyne Oval, Sydney.

The group met Australian Government officials to learn firsthand about the Solomon Islands–Australia Partnership, and visited national institutions like the Australian Parliament House, Australian Museum, and the Sydney Opera House.

The delegation included Cheryl Bera and Grace Palapu from Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation, John Houanihau and Irwin Angiki from The Island Sun newspaper, Deli Oso from 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.

Deli Oso, the weekday Editor of Solomon Star newspaper, said “I deem it a great privilege to participate in this media tour for Solomon Islands media practitioners in Australia. We had the honour 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 ensuring the effectiveness of Solomon Islands media.

Ms Deli Oso, weekday editor of Solomon Star newspaper, pictured at Australian Parliament House, Canberra.

“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,” Ms Oso said.

Mr George Noda, a camera operator at Tavuli News, said “This was my first time taking part in a media visit and my first time travelling… and it has been incredibly worthwhile. The visit gave me practical insights and a clearer understanding of newsroom environments which I can take back to support stronger media practice in Solomon Islands.”

Ms Grace Palapu, a Programs and Presenter Officer with the Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation, said “being a part of this… program with other media colleagues was an exciting experience… learning about the culture and art of Australia, gaining more understanding of Australia’s parliamentary processes and democracy, understanding the media landscape of Australia, and so much more.

(L-R) Ms Noelyn Wagapu-Tuza, Station Manager of ZFM, Ms Grace Palapu, a Programs and Presenter Officer with the Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation, and Ms Stephanie Titili, Station Manager of PAOAM FM, at the Sydney Opera House.

“The session at Google about artificial intelligence (AI) tools [was] one highlight for me. The press gallery tour at the Australian Parliament House showed me the significance of the role that media hold in the democratic process of a country. They are the bridge between leaders and ordinary citizens.

“Media visit programs like this are good, as [they] provide media personnel the chance to learn and gain new insights,” Ms Palapu said.

Mr Ednal Palmer, reporter at In-depth Solomons, with an echidna and trainer at Taronga Zoo, Sydney.

Australia’s Acting High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, Mr Andrew Schloeffel, said “A free, independent and informed media is the backbone of all 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.”

Australia has supported two previous media visits in 2024 and 2025, ensuring these opportunities are widely available to the Solomon Islands media sector.