Solomon Tofana in the newsrooom at the Yarrawonga Chronicle.
From the crowded streets of Honiara, the Solomon Islands’ capital, and Santa Isabel and Malaita Province, two journalists are trading island life for an Australian adventure and discovering a very different world of reporting at the Yarrawonga Chronicle.
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With notebooks in hand and curiosity in full swing, Elton Lonaratha Jnr and Solomon Lofana are learning firsthand how newspapers operate in Australia, gaining insights they hope will transform their work back home.
Elton, 29, is a sports reporter for the Island Sun newspaper, covering an incredible 26 different sports.
At home, he balances a demanding job with family life, his wife and two-year-old daughter.
His friend and colleague, Solomon Tofana works as a general reporter for the Solomon Star newspaper, covering council meetings, government news, environmental issues, and community events.
The two are more than colleagues, they’re friends navigating the challenges of a tight-knit island community.
“Everyone knows everyone back home,” Elton said.
“It makes reporting personal and rewarding, but resources are limited.”
This is their first trip to Australia, where they spent three days in Melbourne before arriving in Yarrawonga on October 12, for two weeks.
In Melbourne, they visited The Age newspaper, where they attended an editorial meeting, and toured the ABC.
Elton Lonaratha Jnr on assignment with James Kelly at Kelly Bros farm.
“Melbourne was like a jungle of buildings,” Solomon said.
“You cannot see the sky; it’s just so big - amazing, but overwhelming.”
By contrast, Yarrawonga has been a peaceful, haven.
“We love the freedom to walk around,” Elton said.
“Back home, unemployment is high, and groups of youths roam the streets; it isn’t always safe at night.”
Solomon said Yarrawonga felt like home in some ways, but much safer and everyone was so friendly.
Life as a journalist in the Solomon Islands is tough.
“We walk or take public buses to cover stories because we don’t have cars,” Elton said.
“Getting quality stories is hard with limited transport and restricted internet access.
“YouTube isn’t allowed, and online resources are minimal.”
Despite the challenges, both journalists are making the most of their Australian experience.
Elton and Solomon outside the Yarrawonga Chronicle office where they are based for two weeks.
They’re learning the ins and outs of the publication process, from editing and proofreading to how daily newspapers operate.
“We’re learning so much about the publishing process here,” Solomon said.
“It’s fascinating to see how different things are compared to home.”
From quiet streets to welcoming locals, the contrast between home and Australia has been striking.
The pair are genuinely impressed by the warmth of the local community and how everyone immediately made them feel like part of the town.
As their two-week visit continues, Elton and Solomon are soaking up every lesson.
They hope to return home with new ideas, tools, and techniques to enrich journalism in the Solomon Islands.
While they may miss the energy of Honiara and Santa Isabel Island, it’s clear that the calm, friendly streets of Yarrawonga and the knowledge they are gaining here will leave a lasting mark.
Both journalists say they would love to come back to Yarrawonga in the future, drawn by its welcoming locals peaceful charm.
