Journalism masterclass inspires future storytellers at Parramatta South
Western Sydney University was proud to welcome two leading journalists to campus for an inspiring masterclass that left a lasting impression on students, staff, and visiting fellows.
Hosted by the School of Humanities and Communication Arts, the masterclass filmed by the School's students took place at the Parramatta South campus on Monday, 28 April, featuring acclaimed journalists Rully Kurniawan and Hamish McDonald.
Students and guests took part in a dynamic discussion exploring global reporting, investigative storytelling, media ethics, and the evolving role of journalism in democratic societies.
The speakers highlighted critical aspects of journalism, including how to identify and tell a story, interview techniques, truth and objectivity in journalism, representing the underrepresented and ways we can overcome stereotypes in the Australia-Indonesia relationship.
The session was attended by Western students, academic staff, and international fellows from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), all of whom engaged in lively Q&A and conversation.
Journalism area convenor, Dr Asha Chand, Associate Dean International South Asia in the School of Humanities and Communication Arts, described the event as a powerful opportunity to reinforce journalism’s role in society.
“For me, the event was an important platform for like-minded people to come together for a shared purpose—to highlight why journalism remains vital to a functioning democracy, especially in an age of fake news, misinformation, and disinformation,” said Dr Chand.
“The masterclass was a fitting conclusion to our $459,000 DFAT-funded immersion journalism training project in Sydney. Our visiting fellows found the session to be both refreshing and reflective, providing a valuable recap of key principles such as research, verification, fact-checking, and giving voice to the voiceless.”
Dr Leo Robba, Associate Dean Engagement at the School of Humanities and Communication Arts, thanked both speakers for their extraordinary insights and contribution to the session.
“A huge thank you to Rully and Hamish for sharing their powerful insights, experiences, and stories with Western students and academic staff. Also in attendance were our thirteen DFAT visiting fellows from the Indo-pacific region. The session left us all energised, challenged, and more committed than ever to the importance of quality journalism in the delivery of credible news and information,” said Dr Robba.
Among the student attendees was Mohammad Noun, a second year journalism student from Liverpool, who said the perspectives from experienced journalists like Rully and Hamish illustrated the vital role journalism plays in upholding democratic values.
“They reminded us that journalism is not just about storytelling, but about ensuring that stories are told with integrity, responsibility, and respect for the truth. As the media landscape continues to evolve, it is crucial for both journalists and media consumers to stay vigilant in our approach to information—questioning sources, verifying facts, and ensuring that our work contributes to a more informed and ethical society," said Mohammad.
ENDS
6 May 2025
Ali Sardyga, Senior Media Officer
Photo credit: Sally Tsoutas
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