Four emerging journalists from the Solomon Islands are traveling to Australia as part of the Solomon Islands Media Emerging Leaders Country Press Australia Placement.
The program, aimed at building capacity and providing real-world newsroom experience, will see these journalists spend two weeks on attachment with two regional newspapers in the state of Victoria.
The participants:
• Loretta Brigidia Manele – Island Sun
• Agnes Menanopo – Solomon Star
• Elton Lonaratha – Island Sun
• Solomon Lofana – Solomon Star
As part of their placement; Loretta Manele and Agnes Menanopo will be working with the Wangaratta Chronicle, while Solomon Lofana and Elton Lonaratha will join the Yarrawonga Chronicle.
The four journalists left Honiara for Brisbane, Wednesday afternoon.
After an overnight in Brisbane they will fly over to Melbourne on Thursday morning.
On Friday while in Melbourne the journalists will visit The Age and Financial Review headquarters in the morning and Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) after lunch.
On Sunday they will leave Melbourne by minivan separately to Wangaratta and Yarrawonga.
The placement is expected to offer participants hands-on experience in regional journalism, exposure to Australian newsroom practices, and opportunities for professional growth and networking.
Organisers wished the group safe travels and a successful learning journey as they represent the next generation of Solomon Islands media professionals on the international stage.
PACMAS is facilitating the program.
The journalists are expected back in Honiara on Sunday, 26 October.
In 2024 Ulutah Gina of Solomon Star participated in the first co-hort involving a number of regional journalists who have been placed on attachment at some of the regional newspapers.
– MASI Secretariat
Photo caption: From left, Agnes, Loretta, Solomon and Elton. Photo: Indy Mae’ alasia
