Sports Journalist – The Courier

Australian Community Media; Ballarat; Hybrid; AUD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangements

Parental leave 18 weeks

Study support

Employee benefits via Flare and Commbi

Health insurance discounts

Volunteer leave

Job summary

Australian Community Media in Ballarat invites an energetic sports journalist to lead our local sports coverage. Based in Ballarat, you’ll report on grassroots leagues and the region’s vibrant sporting culture, spotlighting compelling personalities and emerging stars for our readers.

You’ll work in a hybrid setup, covering high-profile games while using social and multimedia to engage subscribers. Join us to deliver distinct, audience-driven storytelling that reflects Ballarat’s sporting

Qualifications

• Proven experience working as a journalist.
• Expertise in building contacts and seeking out exclusive content.
• At least two years experience working in a newsroom in a similar role.
• High attention to detail in a fast-paced environment.
• You live and breathe finding and writing great stories.

Responsibilities

• Write sports stories our readers can’t get anywhere else.
• Sell your content across social media platforms
• Create engaging video to make your content sing.
• Use data to tell stories that go that extra mile.

Skills

Journalism experience

Story telling

Social media

Video editing

Tools

WordPress

Job description

The Courier is looking for a sports journalist to join its high-performing team to lead the publication into the future. Based in Ballarat, Victoria’s largest regional inland city, we’re looking for someone to join a team of hard-working, inspiring and energetic journalists during a time of rapid change in Ballarat in the local news industry.

This role will focus on Ballarat’s rich and competitive sporting culture and will see you keep our subscribers across the most interesting sports stories of the day. You will be able to spot the story behind the story with a focus on the rich personalities that form Ballarat’s sporting community.

You will be able to follow the highs and lows of local footy, and will enjoy seeking out our young sports stars of the future.

In return, you’ll get to live in one of the best places in the state, work with a team committed to finding a work-life balance whilst delivering constructive journalism our readers love. You’ll get to cover the grassroots Central Highlands Football League and the Ballarat Football Netball League. If this sounds like the challenge you are looking for, please send us your resume with a cover letter letting us know how you’d help engage The Courier’s subscribers.

What you’ll do :

• Write sports stories our readers can’t get anywhere else.
• Sell your content across social media platforms
• Create engaging video to make your content sing.
• Use data to tell stories that go that extra mile.

What we’re looking for:

• You will live and breathe finding and writing great stories
• Proven experience working as a journalist
• Expertise in building contacts and seeking out exclusive content
• Adaptable and able to work in a fast-paced environment have high attention to detail
• At least two years experience working in a newsroom in a similar role

Why you will 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

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]

Posted - 22 September 2026
Closing - 22 October 2026