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Selection Criteria and Terms & Conditions

Walkley Opportunity Scholarship with SBS and the Newcastle Herald, supported by Ampol

Selection criteria

  • A clear demonstration of your passion for and commitment to journalism, based on your Personal Goals Statement and your video pitch.
  • This opportunity is intended for individuals who identify as coming from a socio-economically disadvantaged background. Evidence should be presented in your 300-word Application Statement and verifier letter on how you meet the requirements of this Scholarship and its Terms and Conditions. Applicants are invited to describe their personal experience if applicable, and may also wish to consult the following resources when determining their eligibility and writing their Application Statement:
  • The ability to spot a newsworthy story and produce publishable content, as evidenced by your 300-word story idea pitch, examples of your best journalistic work, and your CV.
  • Experience in interviewing people and researching stories for publication or broadcast.
  • The ability to be part of a collaborative, busy environment.
  • Written and spoken proficiency in English.
  • The ability to work to a deadline.
  • A positive, willing and adaptable approach.

Terms and Conditions

  • Entrants must be: Australian citizens OR permanent residents of Australia OR able to work in Australia on an appropriate work visa.
  • Shortlisted applicants must be available to be interviewed via video call by the judging panel in September 2024.
  • There are two judging panels for this Scholarship – one convened by the Newcastle Herald and the other convened by SBS. Each panel will choose one winner. The judges’ decision is final.
  • The Scholarship will be undertaken at EITHER the Newcastle Herald in Newcastle OR at SBS in Sydney. Applicants will not be able to choose the news organisation where they will undertake their scholarship.
  • The Scholarship winners must be available to commence the 10-week placement within 6 months of winning a scholarship and no later than 1 March 2025.
  • The Scholarship winners will each receive a stipend of $10,000 to contribute towards living expenses and accommodation for the duration of the scholarship. This will be paid fortnightly by the Walkley Foundation, directly into each winner’s bank account, starting with the closest pay run to the start of their placement.
  • No employment relationship will exist between the recipient and the host newsroom, or between the recipient and the Walkley Foundation. The scholarship recipient will not be required to fill the position of an employee at their media host organisation. The host newsroom will not pay the recipient during the placement.
  • The Scholarship winners will each receive one return flight from their home location to Sydney to enable them to take up their placement. This will be organised and paid for by the Walkley Foundation.
  • The Scholarship winners will each be responsible for sourcing their own accommodation during their placement.
  • The Scholarship winners will also be expected to be available to travel to Sydney for a presentation of the Scholarship on 18 October in Sydney. A return flight to Sydney will be covered by the Walkley Foundation, plus one night accommodation if required.
  • The Scholarship winners will participate in tasks assigned to them by the newsroom where they do their scholarship placement.
  • The Scholarship winners must abide by their respective host news organisation’s workplace and safety regulations and attend a standard 37.5 hour working week (including potential shiftwork).
  • The Scholarship winners are expected to keep confidential any information obtained during the course of their respective placements.
  • The Scholarship winners must:
    • Track the production of content that they produce, or contribute to, during the course of the Scholarship, and have this signed off by host newsroom mentor
    • Participate in an end-of-placement questionnaire and interview to track the impact of the Scholarship.