Journalist

Australian Community Media; Tamworth Regional Council; On-site; AUD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangements

18 weeks parental leave (after 12 mos)

Study support for work-related courses

Employee benefits via partner programs

Volunteer leave

Job summary

Australian Community Media in Tamworth seeks a skilled journalist to cover local sports and breaking news for print and digital audiences. You will work with the Regional NSW Sports Editor to strengthen community connections and drive digital engagement.

You’ll attend events, produce multimedia content, and contribute to daily content output while meeting tight deadlines. ACM offers hybrid options, parental leave, study support, and employee benefits.

Qualifications

• Proven reporting background with strong news judgment and writing skills.
• Ability to meet daily print and digital deadlines.
• Interest in digital media and multimedia content creation.
• Experience in a regional newsroom is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Interview, research, and write accurate, engaging news copy for print and digital platforms.
• Attend local events and fixtures to ensure comprehensive regional coverage.
• Pitch fresh story ideas at editorial conferences and maintain contacts.
• Produce photographs, video, and audio to accompany stories and enhance galleries.
• Ensure content is ethical, accurate and within defamation standards, meeting deadlines.
• Collaborate with newsroom colleagues and engage with the Tamworth community online.

Skills

Journalistic & Reporting Experience

Deadline & Production Discipline

Digital & Multimedia Capability

Regional Experience

Education

Tertiary qualifications in journalism, media, or communications

Tools

CMS tools

News photography/video basics

Job description

A career at ACM is more than just a job. Its 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 over 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

You’ll be working closely with the Regional NSW Sports Editor and editorial team at The Northern Daily Leader in Tamworth to cover local sporting events, break news, and generate engaging content for print and digital audiences across the region. This role plays an essential part in strengthening our community connection, driving digital subscription growth, and giving local residents a stronger voice. This is a hands-on role that offers both independence and collaboration, with space to grow your skills and career.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Interview, research, and write accurate, engaging news copy across print and digital platforms, maintaining an agreed daily content output.
• Attend local events, sporting events and fixtures to ensure comprehensive regional coverage.
• Pitch fresh, relevant story ideas at daily morning editorial conferences and maintain an active personal contact diary.
• Produce still photographs, video, and audio elements to accompany stories and enhance digital galleries.
• Ensure all content is ethically sound, accurate, and compliant with legal/defamation standards while adhering to daily deadlines.
• Collaborate with newsroom colleagues and engage with the Tamworth community across digital and social channels.

What You’ll Bring

• Journalistic & Reporting Experience (Essential): Proven reporting background with strong news judgment, excellent writing skills, and high attention to detail.
• Deadline & Production Discipline (Essential): Ability to prioritise work, meet strict daily print and digital deadlines, and adapt to flexible or irregular news hours.
• Digital & Multimedia Capability (Essential): Genuine interest in digital media, adaptability to newsroom software/CMS tools, and basic skills in taking news photography or video.
• Qualifications & Regional Experience (Desirable): Tertiary qualifications in journalism, media, or communications, and prior experience in a regional newsroom environment.

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 - ****@austcommunitymedia.com.au