Journalist

ACM; Ballarat; Hybrid; AUD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work

Parental leave (leave)

Study support

Flare benefits

Health insurance discounts

Volunteer leave

Fitness Passport

Fertility support

Job summary

The Courier in Ballarat is seeking a dynamic journalist to cover an 8-month maternity leave in the local newsroom.

Join the editorial team delivering high-quality local news, digital content, and breaking stories to the Ballarat community, with opportunities to shoot video and create digital assets. The role requires strong news judgment, time management, and collaboration with senior editors in a hybrid work setting.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated newsroom writing experience with good news judgment and time management.
• 1

Responsibilities

• Develop and write concise, high-impact local news stories.
• 0
• Cover court proceedings, breaking news, council meetings, and pitch exclusive Ballarat content.
• 0
• Shoot and edit basic video packages, take photos, and produce digital assets like maps and charts.
• 0
• Meet daily newsroom digital deadlines with quality content for subscribers.
• 0
• Work collaboratively with senior editors while upholding high ethical standards.

Skills

Newsroom writing

Digital news understanding

Video basics

SEO basics

Time management

Social media

Education

Tertiary qualifications in Journalism or Communication

Tools

Canva

Flourish

Analytics tools

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

Find us on the following platforms! ACM Careers LinkedIn

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 - ****@austcommunitymedia.com.au