Warruwi's king of the airwaves signs off

Solomon Imeraganyan on the mic.

SOLOMON Imeraganyan is a name well-known to radio audiences in Warruwi.

A talented artist and musician, Solomon has presided over the airwaves of South Goulburn Island since starting out as a broadcaster with the 106.1 station in the early 80s. Well-educated, well-spoken and passionate about his work, Solomon has brought local news, views and information to his community through his chosen medium for many years.

Earlier this year, Solomon made the difficult decision to retire from West Arnhem Regional Council’s remote broadcasting service due to ill health. He said he felt privileged to have had a rewarding career in a job he loves.

“It is hard leaving broadcasting – I have spent nearly half my life in radio,” Solomon told The Wire.

After completing his secondary schooling at Casuarina High School and Kormilda College, Solomon returned to Warruwi to work as a carpenter on the new housing projects of the 70s. Soon after, he discovered his talent for broadcasting, and embarked on a remarkable career that has seen him travel, study and work across Australia. Solomon gained valuable work experience with ABC in Darwin the late 80s, and in Sydney on the set of the TV series ‘Water Rats’.

He graduated in broadcasting from James Cook University in Townsville, where he also studied three years of law, before completing further studies in broadcasting in Sydney and Canberra.

A talented musician with the Mosquito band, Solomon also produces high-quality painted and carved works that are sold through Mardbalk Arts & Culture, and displayed in art galleries around the country. Solomon was born in Warruwi and lives there with his wife Linda Najinga, also an artist, and four children.

West Arnhem Regional Council Services Officer in Warruwi, Kupa Teao, thanked Solomon for his years of dedication and service to his community.

“On behalf of the West Arnhem Regional Council – and I am certain the Warruwi Community shares this sentiment – we would like to thank Solomon for his wonderful work as Broadcasting Officer,” Kupa said.

“We recognise his efforts throughout the years, continuing to deliver a program that was informative, entertaining and interesting. Solomon enjoyed the work, he had a passion for it, and he was good at it. He is an inspiration to Indigenous Aboriginal and Torre strait community, especially amongst the young people, and who knows, maybe someday soon, a young person in the Warruwi community will follow in his footsteps.

“Solomon, we simply say thank you, ma bobo.”

West Arnhem Regional Council acknowledges the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet's support for its Warruwi Local Radio service.

Thecla Brogan and Bernard Namok Jnr (Bala B) are joined by Solomon Imeraganyan during a TEABBA outside broadcast from Warruwi's 2015 Jamalak Festival.