SMH Reporter, Parramatta

Company Description

The Sydney Morning Herald is the oldest continuously published newspaper in the country, having recently celebrated 190 years in print. We have a rich history of courageous, quality and independent journalism. In 2025, we remain in a stronger position than ever with more than 7 million readers consuming our journalism in print and online each month, making the Herald Australia’s most widely-read masthead.

Our team comprises hundreds of Australia’s best journalists, photographers, editors, sub editors and designers. We are passionate about what we do and we are always looking for ways to do it better. We support each other as a team and we encourage diversity of opinion. We embrace the rich history that comes with working for the Herald whilst operating out of the most modern, advanced newsroom in the country.

Job Description

The Sydney Morning Herald is expanding its coverage of Sydney with the recruitment of two new reporter positions to be based in Parramatta.

Western Sydney is the nation’s third-largest economy and home to one in 10 Australians. As Sydney’s second CBD, Parramatta is set to double in population over the next two decades, adding 100,000 new jobs to its workforce. Parramatta is booming and the potential for the Herald and its award-winning journalism is huge.

This is a huge opportunity for a dynamic journalist to make their mark.

The role requires a multi-skilled journalist with the ability to write with authority across a range of subjects including urban affairs, politics, transport, health and education. The reporter will be expected to combine breaking news, analysis and feature writing capability at the highest-level for our digital and print platforms.

Applicants will need to demonstrate expertise reporting on western Sydney, and/or deep knowledge of the area. Strong journalistic experience is required with a good range of contacts across key topics and the wider community.

Applications from journalists living in the Parramatta region are strongly encouraged.

In this role you will:

Generate unique story ideas and maintain a strong network of contacts.
Demonstrate excellent news judgement, current affairs knowledge, and editorial quality.
Write and deliver quality stories on time, ensuring accuracy, balance, and legal compliance.
Take ownership of stories, follow up as needed, and meet audience benchmarks.
Attend key events and networking opportunities as directed by the editor.
Create content for the masthead’s social and video platforms in collaboration with relevant editors.

Qualifications

What we would like to see:

First rate news judgement.
Proven ability to identify, articulate and develop quality stories.
Ability to work collaboratively across The Sydney Morning Herald and various national Metro teams.
Demonstrated understanding of and/or expertise reporting on Western Sydney.
Excellent organisation and time management skills.

Please include 3-5 story pitches with your application.

Additional Information

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion:

We're committed to a safe, respectful and inclusive Nine. From day one, you'll be encouraged to bring your whole self to work and will be supported to perform at your best.

We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disabilities, and of all ages, genders, nationalities, backgrounds and cultures as we recognise the importance and value of diverse perspectives. Should you require any adjustments to the recruitment process, please advise us when you apply.

Work rights: Please note to apply for this role you must already have the right to lawfully work and live in Australia.

I'm interested

The Sydney Morning Herald

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SMH Reporter, Parramatta