Australia has provided significant funding support to the Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) to prepare them cover the Pacific Games, now underway in Honiara.

“ABC International Development (ABCID) has delivered equipment and training to SIBC on behalf of the Australian Government,” a statement the Australian High Commission issued today said.

“This includes working with the SIBC leadership and staff who have received training in programming and event planning,” the statement added.

“They have also received studio and technical equipment to assist with covering the Games. 

SIBC staff John Silas Linton Kere and Junior Oiofa

“Last month, the Australian Government gifted more equipment to SIBC valued at approximately SBD234,000 (AUD$42,600).”

This support has culminated in supporting local commentary and storytelling during the Games themselves, the statement says.

“The ABCID team arrived in Honiara a week prior to the Games to re-commence work with SIBC and will leave after the Closing Ceremony.”

Australia is also supporting seven sports media women (five Pacific and two First Nations) to attend the Games. 

They will be working alongside the Games’ host broadcaster SIBC to support radio and online coverage. 

“The team of Pacific and Australian First Nations content makers will provide commentary and mobile journalism stories. 

“This experience follows training they did covering the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brisbane, Australia.”

The participants come from Fiji, Cook Islands, PNG (Bougainville) and Australia. 

This program, according to the statement, is funded by the Australian Government sports for development program Team Up and FIFA via the Oceania Football Confederation.

SIBC and the Pacific-First Nations team will be accompanied, trained and mentored by those who have worked with them before the Games:

• Aaron Kearney, Project Director and Commentary & Media Skills Trainer, ABCID
• Peter Longman, Commentary Trainer (former ABC)
• Sally Eeles, Project Manager and MoJo Trainer, ABCID
• Nina Tuhaika, Project Manager Solomon Islands, ABCID.

“In addition, Australia is proud that many Pacific journalists who have received prior training and mentoring through Australian Government programs, such as Women in News and Sport (WINS), will be covering the event for their media organisations and/or supporting the Games Organising Committee communications team.”

ABC will also send 13 radio, TV, and digital staff (content crews, technical expertise, presenters) from a range of Pacific programs to the Solomon Islands to cover the Games for Australian and Pacific audiences. 

Many Australians are following the Games to watch, listen and follow the best of Pacific sports.