About Us
Core Publishing Group is a trusted regional media company dedicated to producing high-quality journalism and engaging community content. Our key publications include Mackay Life Newspaper, Core Life and Tripping Magazine, serving the Mackay region and beyond with relevant, timely news and features.
Position Overview
We're looking for a Senior Journalist with a passion for storytelling and a strategic mindset to join our team. This role involves reporting, writing, and editing across Mackay Life newspaper, Core Life and Tripping Magazine, with an emphasis on rural news coverage.
The ideal candidate will have strong journalistic skills and the ability to manage deadlines, mentor junior reporters, and contribute high-impact feature stories. Experience or interest in sales and marketing is a huge advantage, as the role requires close collaboration with sales teams to align editorial content with commercial objectives and community engagement.
Key Responsibilities
Editorial & Reporting:
* Produce and edit quality content for Mackay Life Newspaper Core Life and Tripping Magazine, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and strong storytelling
* Cover rural and regional news with balanced, politically neutral reporting that supports the local agricultural and business sectors across all publications
* Mentor and support junior journalists, including cadets, helping develop their skills and content contributions
* Manage editorial workflows to meet publication deadlines consistently
Feature Development & Content Coordination:
* Contribute up to 20% of feature articles for Core Life Magazine, focusing on impactful stories relevant to the Mackay region
* Coordinate with freelance writers and staff to ensure a diverse and engaging content mix
* Maintain editorial tracking systems and enforce timely article submissions
Commercial Collaboration:
* Work closely with the sales team to identify story leads that can support advertising and sponsorship opportunities
* Attend local business and community events as a company representative
* Develop and nurture partnerships with key stakeholders such as Mackay Regional Council and Chambers of Commerce
* Help shape editorial strategies that balance journalistic integrity with commercial growth
What We're Looking For:
* Proven experience as a journalist, ideally with some senior or lead reporting roles
* Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills with high attention to detail
* Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines under pressure
* Understanding of rural and regional community issues and news values
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with an aptitude for mentoring others
* Sales and marketing experience or interest is a significant plus, with a collaborative approach to aligning editorial and commercial goals
Why Work With Us?
* Join a respected regional media company with a strong community focus
* Play a key role in shaping quality journalism across multiple platforms
* Opportunity to grow your skills in editorial leadership and commercial collaboration
* Work alongside a supportive team passionate about local news and storytelling
How to Apply
Send your resume, a cover letter outlining your relevant experience and interest in sales/marketing, and samples of your journalistic work to