Region Riverina journalist Erin Hee works with editor Oliver Jacques. Photo: File.
Are you a young person who wants to try your hand at journalism? Opportunity is knocking.
Region has been selected to support two people, aged between 12 and 24, who will receive free training in digital content creation and mentoring so they can produce stories that will be published online this December.
The project Know Your Neighbour is a partnership between the Local & Independent News Association (LINA) and the NSW Government Premier’s Department. The aim is to assist young people in creating digital content that helps those in the community get to know each other better.
Region is on the lookout for one applicant based in the Riverina (preferably Wagga or Griffith) and one based in Canberra. Both successful applicants will work on stories with a regional theme. No experience in journalism or content creation is necessary.
Free online training from LINA will begin on 1 October. While you’re learning at home, you can also come into our Wagga or Canberra offices to meet our newsroom team and get help to develop your content. It’s not a full-time position; we will work with you outside your employment or study commitments.
Over two months we’ll provide hands-on guidance so you can develop your skills in research, interviewing, editing, multimedia and networking to ensure you produce content of which you can be proud.
Region Riverina editor Oliver Jacques, editorial director Kim Treasure and former editor Chris Roe at the 2024 Walkley awards night. Photo: Supplied.
Region Riverina editor Oliver Jacques will be one of the mentors.
“I was fortunate enough to be a Walkley and Kennedy award finalist last year for my expose on a Griffith winemaker who owed the tax office $32 million,” Oliver said.
“I’d be happy to work with you to give you all the tips and skills needed to succeed at investigative journalism.
“But what you write about can be your choice. You can profile the diverse voices in your community, celebrate local achievements or tackle regional issues such as renewable energy, inland rail, health services or access to education.
“This program is a wonderful opportunity to either give news reporting a try to see if it suits you or to take the next step in your career and get your work published under your own name. Good quality work will be uploaded across the entire Region network and can be read by tens of thousands of people.”
To apply, send your CV to [email protected] with a short email detailing why you’re interested in this opportunity by 5 pm, Friday 22 August. You can also call Oliver on 0498 843 181 if you have any questions.
