Employment Opportunities

Junior Journalist

The Western Weekender is the Penrith region’s leading local media brand. For more than 30 years, it has been the heartbeat of the city – providing a strong mix of news, sport, entertainment and more. The Weekender has been nominated as Newspaper of the Year on three separate occasions, won a major editorial award at the Mumbrella Publish Awards in 2023, and has been a starting point for dozens of national and international journalists.

We currently have a position available for a junior journalist to join our team at our Penrith-based office.

If you’re somebody who checks the news websites before you’ve had your morning coffee, never misses the 6pm news and uses social media to catch up on politics rather than Travis and Taylor, you’re who we’re looking for!

The successful candidate will write and research stories across a vast range of general local topics. Reporting to the Managing Editor, the successful candidate would write for both print and digital, with a primary focus on the highly regarded print edition.

This particular opportunity has a strong focus on political reporting, especially Council (as well as a cross-section of other portfolios and topics), so knowledge of all levels of government would be an obvious advantage.

A strong knowledge of the Penrith area would be an advantage.

We’re looking for an enthusiastic journalist with an eye for news, who is able to help deliver quality stories and information to our large readership.

As this is a junior role, it also encompasses strong on-the-job training and guidance.

Skills, attributes and requirements

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to produce accurate copy
  • Ability to identify and research fresh story angles and ideas
  • Ability to meet tight deadlines
  • Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
  • Strong worth ethic
  • A genuine interest in the local, state and national news cycle
  • High attention to detail
  • Driver’s licence and car is required

This is a full-time role, however is open to the flexibility of a four-day per week part-time role. As the role includes Council reporting, attendance at Council meetings on a Monday night one to two nights per month is required (with Time In Lieu provided).

The role is open to all experience levels including junior journalists and recent graduates.

A driver’s licence and car is a requirement of this role.

Applications close Sunday, January 28.

Please send your CV and cover letter to [email protected].