Community
21 September, 2026
Young voices wanted as The Southern Wire joins statewide journalism program
The Southern Wire is opening its newsroom to the next generation of local storytellers, with two young people to receive professional journalism training, mentoring and the chance to have their work published.
The Southern Wire is opening its newsroom to the next generation of local storytellers, with two young people to receive professional journalism training, mentoring and the chance to have their work published.
The opportunity has been made possible through The Southern Wire’s membership of the Local & Independent News Association (LINA), with the publication taking part in the 2026 Know Your Neighbour program.
Supported by the NSW Premier’s Department, the program aims to build social cohesion, amplify diverse voices and give young people the skills to tell stories about the communities they live in.
The Southern Wire is looking for two people aged between 15 and 25 from across our Southern NSW coverage area.
No previous journalism, writing, video or content creation experience is required.
Successful participants will receive free training delivered by the Community Media Training Organisation, covering journalism basics, verifying information, news and social media writing, interview techniques, mobile journalism, basic editing and audio storytelling.
They will also be mentored by The Southern Wire newsroom while developing three short stories about people, places or issues within their community.
The completed stories will be published by The Southern Wire in December, with each participant receiving $150 for their published work.
Expressions of interest from young people or schools are open until 5pm Wednesday 23 September via news@thesouthernwire.com.au
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