Yak Media is a Club attached to the University of Newcastle. We aim to provide students with opportunities to gain work experience, to showcase and develop their skills in areas such as journalism, graphic design, media production, public relations and promotions, and, to connect with like-minded individuals and industry professionals.

Yak has been producing content and sharing relevant stories and news to the UON Student Community for 10 years. In 2020, Yak was nominated for the UON Student Engagement Awards and we got involved in a number of new projects. Our Yak Alumni includes a long list of successful and well-known industry professionals.

Yak Media recruits at the beginning of the year, however, we occasionally recruit mid year, depending on the number of current contributing members. You can complete an EOI at any time during the year to ensure you are notified of any recruitment updates.

If you are interested in volunteering for a role on the Executive Committee: Managing Editor, Vice President, Deputy Managing Editor or Treasurer, email us for more information about the roles and a link to the nomination form. Nominations are voted on at Yak’s Annual General Meeting.

Becoming a Member

There are two different types of memberships available.

Social Membership

Cost $2.00

Social membership is a basic membership. It includes notifications and updates about Yak activities and invitations to Yak events. Social members are able to submit content to the Committee for consideration, and are required to attend 80% of General Meetings (unless an apology is given prior).

Available to: Students and Non Students.

Contributing Membership

Cost $5.00 

Weekly Commitment: 3 to 10hrs (varies weekly depending on commitments).

Your volunteering efforts are included on your Australian Higher Education Graduation Statement (AHEGS).

While we like to keep the vibe fun and flexible, signing on as a Contributing Member does mean you are volunteering to take on responsibilities related to your role. Once your membership is finalised and you have nominated how you would like to contribute to Yak Media e.g. (writing, editing, graphic design, events, promotion, etc), you may be asked to attend an informal interview to help decide how you may best contribute to the club.

As a Contributing Member you will be elected into your official role within Yak’s sub-committees/ teams e.g. Staff Writer, Graphic Designer and Public Relations Officer. The responsibilities of these roles vary, however, all contributing members are required communicate regularly, to meet set deadlines and other obligations e.g. attending team and club meetings, and, to abide by the rules and governance of the Club Constitution.

Contributing members are also required to attend 80% of Team Meetings and General Meetings (unless an apology is given prior).

Available to: Current UON Students only.

Contributing Members Roles and Responsibilities

Editorial Team (Staff Writer)

• Coordinate article content for Yak Magazine and Yak Online
• Write, edit and proof article content
• Produce content in quick turnaround times
• Find story leads and contribute to content planning meetings
• Ensure all article content is suitable for publication (including proofing)
• Assist in the promotion of Yak Magazine and Yak Online as required

Reports to: Managing Editor and Deputy Managing Editor

Design Team (Graphic Designer)

• Create visual design of magazine articles and digital articles,
• Contribute to content ideas for magazine and digital channels
• Assist in the promotion of Yak Magazine and Yak Online as required

Reports to: Public Relations Coordinator and/or Managing Editor and Deputy Managing Editor.

Promotions Team (Public Relations Officer)

• Management of social and digital media channels owned by Yak Media- ie. Posting and creating content, as well as maintaining an active presence
• Planning and managing any events run by the Yak Media team- ie. Yaktivities, fundraising/crowdfunding events, social events
• Promoting all content produced by Yak Media, both online and across campus (where applicable)

Reports to: Public Relations Coordinator

Need More Information?

If you have any other questions about joining Yak Media flick us an email and tell us a bit about yourself, or hit is up on one of our social channels: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn.