Developing Next Generation Of Victorian Journalists

Young people are encouraged to apply for the 2019 YMCA Youth Press Gallery to learn valuable reporting skills, publish and broadcast stories about Youth Parliament and meet experienced political journalists.

Minister for Youth Gabrielle Williams today launched the Youth Press Gallery media book 2018, which showcases the stellar efforts of last year’s 22 aspiring journalists.

The Andrews Labor Government is investing $640,000 over the next four years to support the YMCA Youth Parliament and YMCA Press Gallery programs for young people aged 16 to 25.

Youth Parliament has a long and successful history in Victoria, having helped shape more than 25 pieces of Victorian legislation including laws on mandatory bike helmets, roadside drug testing and gun reforms.

This July, teams of young parliamentarians will draft, debate and vote on Bills during a three-day sitting.

And just like the Victorian Parliament, Youth Parliament will be covered by the media – in this case, the Youth Press Gallery formed by young people from different schools, universities and backgrounds.

During the three-day sitting of Youth Parliament, the Youth Press Gallery will work intensively in the Victorian Parliament covering news and events and learning from experienced political journalists.

They will manage social media, interview and photograph Youth Parliament members, and produce stories for publication or broadcast.

Positions available include roles as news reporters, digital journalists, videographers and photographers. Applicants can come from a range of backgrounds including secondary schools and tertiary institutions.

Members of last year’s Youth Press Gallery were published in Victorian media outlets including the Bendigo Advertiser, Border Mail, Maribyrnong Leader, Heidelberg Leader, Wangaratta Chronicle and SYN FM.

For more information on how to apply visit www.vicyouth.ymca.org.au/programs

As stated by Minister for Youth Gabrielle Williams

“It’s incredibly valuable for budding young journalists to get the chance to hone their skills, gain real-world experience, learn how parliament works and see their work published through the Youth Press Gallery program.”

“It’s been a pleasure to meet the members of the 2018 Youth Press Gallery, whose coverage of Youth Parliament in 2018 reached over one million people – including more than 100,000 on Twitter.”

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