Fellowship ‘Beyond the Headlines’

Applications are now open for Our Watch’s inaugural Fellowship, 'Beyond the Headlines': Respectful and accountable media reporting on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women – a first-of-its-kind opportunity for media professionals in Australia.

This prestigious Fellowship is designed for journalists, editors, producers and other media professionals who want to strengthen their practice and contribute to more ethical, sensitive and responsible reporting on violence against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, children, trans and gender diverse people.

Created in consultation and collaboration with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander journalists, editors, academics, sector specialists and a media organisation, the Fellowship offers a rare opportunity to learn from experts, build practical skills and be part of meaningful change in Australian media.

By going beyond the headlines, participants will explore how reporting can avoid harm, centre respect and accountability, and contribute to a stronger national conversation about prevention, justice and safety.

About this Fellowship

The Fellowship offers a rare opportunity for 25 media professionals to take part in a dynamic program of online and in-person learning, guided by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander media and prevention experts.

Participants will engage in facilitated discussions, practical reporting exercises and networking opportunities designed to strengthen ethical, culturally safe and accountable media practice.

By the end of the Fellowship, participants will be better equipped to:

• Deepen their understanding of violence against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, including the historical and contemporary contexts that shape and underline media reporting.
• Apply ethical reporting principles and culturally safe techniques to respectfully interview Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities, and support the safety of survivors.
• Challenge the harmful prejudice and bias that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, children, trans and gender diverse people experience.
• Shift reporting practices from deficit-based narratives and stereotypes to a strengths-based approach that acknowledges trauma and highlights Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander resilience, strength, and hope.

Who should apply

This Fellowship is designed primarily for non-Indigenous journalists and digital content creators at all stages of their careers - emerging, mid-career and experienced. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander journalists may also apply, noting that discussions are underway for a dedicated professional development opportunity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander journalists.

Fellowship places will be available at no-cost for those from commercial and non-commercial news organisations, freelance, and new media.

We also encourage sports journalists to apply, recognising the importance of their role in influencing public discourse on this critical issue. 

How to attend

Before you apply please note the following information:

• applicants must be available to participate in 3.5 hours of self-paced online learning prior
• applicants must be able to commit to a 2.5 days in person workshop in Sydney between Monday 14 and Wednesday 16 September 2026
• participants will receive a Certificate of Attendance from Our Watch. 

Travel and accommodation support are available on request for applicants based outside of Sydney.

Apply

To apply to join this program, click the 'Register' button on this page to open the application form. To complete the application, you will need:

• Approximately 15 minutes to complete the form
• A short CV with links to some examples of your work, including relevant reporting relating to gendered violence and/or reporting on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The deadline to apply for this Fellowship is 10 August 2026.

Accessibility and other enquiries

For more information about this Fellowship, to learn about other ways to register, or for questions about access, please email mediamakingchange@ourwatch.org.au.