Join us for a program that takes you behind the scenes at the Parliament of Victoria!
Parliament exists to make and change laws and to represent the interests of all Victorians. Parliament is committed to ensuring that young Victorians engage in democracy, this program gives you a front row seat to the action.
Launched in 2022, Parliament Express provides young writers with the opportunity to gain practical skills, receive professional mentoring and have an article published on the Parliament website. You can read articles from last year’s program here and see a testimonial from a past participant here.
Parliament Express is a series of workshops delivered fortnightly. Last year’s program was delivered online, you will be able to indicate your preference for online, in person or a hybrid version on your application form.
Each workshop goes for 2 hours and focuses on developing your knowledge and skills and building on your understanding of how parliament functions. You will have the chance to engage in unique experiences and meet many of the people who play a role in the work of parliament. Last year that included a panel of MPs, the president of the Press Gallery and various parliamentary officers.
In addition to the fortnightly workshops, you’ll be able to take advantage of the 1:1 sessions available to support you towards having your article published on the Parliament website.
To be eligible for the program, you must be between 18 and 25, be eligible to vote in a Victorian election and be available to attend fortnightly sessions on a Tuesday night starting in April.
Applications for the 2023 Parliament Express program are now closed.
Facilitator | Zowie Douglas-Kinghorn
Zowie Douglas-Kinghorn is a writer and editor living in lutruwita/Tasmania. Her writing has been awarded the Scribe Nonfiction Prize and featured in The Big Issue, Meanjin, Overland and other journals. As a young environmental activist she has facilitated more than fifty workshops on climate science across Australia, campaigned successfully for fossil fuel divestment in universities, and is an inaugural recipient of the Deb Foskey scholarship from Women’s Environmental Leadership Australia. She is currently a commissioning editor at Moonland and the previous editor of Voiceworks.
Have a question? Need help with your application? Send an email to Express Media’s Creative Producer Mia Nie at creativeproducer@expressmedia.org.au.
Parliament Express is a joint project between Express Media and the Parliament of Victoria.
