Journalist

Australian Community Media; Ballarat; Hybrid; AUD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangements

18 weeks parental leave

Study support for work-related courses

Job summary

Australian Community Media (ACM) seeks a skilled journalist to cover The Courier in Ballarat for an 8-month maternity leave contract. You will report on local news, produce digital content, and respond quickly to breaking stories for the Ballarat community.

We value multi-skilled reporters with newsroom experience, capable of video, social media, and SEO, and who can adapt to irregular hours while maintaining high ethical standards.

Qualifications

• Must have newsroom writing experience with solid news judgment.
• Multiskilled journalist with understanding of digital news processes, including basic video, social media and SEO.
• Desirable: tertiary qualifications in Journalism or Communication and analytics tools knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Develop and write concise, high-impact local news stories for Ballarat readers.
• Cover court proceedings, breaking news, council meetings, and identify exclusive content.
• Shoot and edit basic video packages; capture photos and produce digital assets.
• Meet daily newsroom deadlines with quality content for subscribers.
• Collaborate with senior editors and monitor legal risks and ethics.

Skills

Newsroom writing

Digital journalism

Video basics

SEO basics

Social media

Education

Tertiary qualifications in Journalism or Communication

Tools

Canva

Flourish

Job description

Journalist – The Courier (8-Month Maternity Leave Cover)

A career at ACM is more than just a job. It’s a career that grows with your lifestyle.

As Australia’s leading regional media organisation, we offer meaningful careers across metro and regional communities. From journalism and digital innovation to commercial strategy, our people are passionate about work that keeps communities strong, informed, and connected.

About Us

With more than 180 years of history, ACM’s network includes iconic mastheads like The Canberra Times, Newcastle Herald, and Bendigo Advertiser. We operate across digital platforms, newspapers, magazines and events.

Our people are united by purpose and driven by impact, delivering trusted local journalism and storytelling that matters to the communities we serve.

About the Role

Join the vibrant newsroom at The Courier in Ballarat to cover an 8-month maternity leave role. You will work closely with the editorial team to deliver high-quality local news, digital content, and breaking stories directly to the Ballarat community. This is an exciting, hands-on opportunity for an ambitious journalist to cover diverse local rounds, build strong contacts, and keep our regional audience informed.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Develop and write concise, high-impact news stories to drive digital reader engagement and subscription growth.
• Cover court proceedings, breaking news, council meetings and be able to identify and pitch unique and exclusive content relevant to Ballarat.
• Shoot and edit basic video packages, take photos, and produce digital assets like maps and charts.
• Meet daily newsroom digital deadlines, focusing on quality content that meets our subscriber needs.
• Work collaboratively with senior editorial leaders while actively identifying legal risks and ensuring high ethical standards.

What You’ll Bring

• Essential: Demonstrated newsroom writing experience with strong news judgment and solid time management skills.
• Essential: Be a multi-skilled journalist, with an understanding of digital news processes, including basic video, social media and SEO.

Essential: Strong people skills, able to develop good contacts in the community.

• Essential: Flexibility to work irregular hours as news demands, paired with a growth mindset and strong communication skills.
• Desirable: Tertiary qualifications in Journalism or Communication, and experience using analytics tools and platforms like Canva and Flourish.

Why You’ll Love Working Here

Because at ACM, your career should grow with your lifestyle, not against it. We offer:

• Hybrid and flexible work arrangements
• 18 weeks paid parental leave (after 12 months of service)
• Study support for work-related courses and qualifications
• Exclusive employee benefits via Flare and Commbank, including novated lease and exclusive offers through workplace banking
• Discounted health insurance through NIB and free, confidential EAP, available to you and your immediate family.
• Paid volunteer leave (up to 3 days per year) to support causes you care about
• Corporate partnerships that support your wellbeing, including:

Fitness Passport membership to access a variety of gyms and pools across Australia

Fertility support through City Fertility – up to 55% off out-of-pocket costs for you and your family

Ready to Grow with Us?

*We advocate Diversity and Inclusion*

ACM embraces all aspects of diversity and inclusion and are committed to creating a workplace which reflects the incredibly diverse customers, audiences and communities we serve. Candidates from all backgrounds will receive equal consideration for the opportunity they apply for

*Disability Accommodation*

For individuals who need assistance at any point in the application and interview process please contact the ACM Jobs team via email – [e-mail]