The Jewish Independent acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of Country throughout Australia. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and strive to honour their rich history of storytelling in our work and mission.
Please note due to staff capacity we are unable to offer this in early 2026. We hope to review this later in 2026.
In memory of lifelong union activist and journalist Andrew Casey (1953-2018), this internship program has traditionally been a paid placement within the NSW trade union movement, however in 2026, it is transforming to a paid media internship with The Jewish Independent. The internship will be delivered in a hybrid format, with a mixture of work-from-home and in-person from the TJI offices in Sydney or Melbourne.
The Andrew Casey Memorial Internship Program honours the legacy of Andrew Casey, a dedicated journalist and social justice advocate whose Jewish values inspired a lifetime commitment to building bridges and fighting for equality.
This three-month program provides young people with hands-on experience in journalism, digital media and content creation in a Jewish context, while continuing Andrew's mission of meaningful storytelling and community connection.
Prerequisites and application process
This internship is designed for young adults (aged 18-30) interested in journalism, social media, content creation and skills development. It will provide an amazing opportunity for published bylines, editorial guidance and feedback, as well as podcast and social media campaign development. All applicants must complete an application form here.
In addition, all applicants will be required to submit:
Applications will close on 5 December 2025, but applicants are encouraged to apply earlier.
Shortlisted applicants will be required to attend an online interview in mid December 2025.
The program will run for 2 days per week over 12 weeks from Monday 23 February 2026 to Friday 15 May 2026.
Participants will be paid the current minimum wage for this time period.
The internship will be delivered in a hybrid format, including work-from-home and at one of TJI's offices in Sydney or Melbourne.
About Andrew Casey (1953 – 2018)
Born in Budapest, Hungary, the eldest son of Holocaust survivors, Andrew Casey’s family came to Australia as refugees in the 1950s when he was a young boy.
A former journalist and long-time activist in the union movement, Andrew’s dedication to social justice, inspired by his Jewish values, was widely admired. Throughout his life, he worked to connect Israelis and Palestinians through trade unions; support refugees and people seeking asylum; protest for land rights for First Nations peoples in Australia; and build bridges between Jews, Muslims and Christians in Australia.
His innovative work touched many people and the internship in his name is a way for his efforts to be remembered.
The Andrew Casey Memorial Internship Program is aimed at young Jewish adults (aged 18-30) interested in:
Developing their writing, digital and social media skills.
Gaining invaluable media experience.
Appreciating the role of Jewish media in community building and advocacy.
Connecting with Andrew Casey’s values of social justice to contemporary media and journalism.
2
Are there prerequisites for applying?
Candidates will be selected based on their:
Demonstrated writing ability.
Enthusiasm for learning and professional development.
Commitment to Jewish community engagement.
Potential for growth in media and journalism.
Alignment with Andrew Casey’s values of social justice and community building.
3
What is the internship timeline?
2025
24 October: Applications open
5 December: Applications close
Mid December: Interviews take place
Late December: Intern selected
2026
23 February to 15 May: 12 week internship, 2 days a week
4
Will the internship be paid?
The Andrew Casey Memorial Internship Program is a paid program. Successful applicants will receive a $4,500 stipend over the 12-week duration of the program.
This payment reflects our commitment to making the program accessible to all young people, regardless of their financial circumstances, and honours Andrew Casey’s lifelong advocacy for workers’ rights and fair treatment.
5
I don't live in Melbourne or Sydney. Can I still apply?
We may consider applications from exceptional candidates outside these cities. However, due to the experiential nature of the internship, we will be prioritising candidates who can work in-person in either our Melbourne or Sydney offices.
6
What should I do if I still have questions?
Please contact The Jewish Independent’s Events and Partnerships Manager, Sharon Berger, at sharonb@thejewishindependent.com.au if you have further questions about the Andrew Casey Memorial Internship Program.
History of the program with Unions NSW
Traditionally, the three-week placement with Unions NSW provided young Jewish activists with hands-on exposure to the work done by trade unions including organising, campaigning, legal advocacy and more.
Our Unions NSW interns' experiences
Avishai Conyer – 2025 Andrew Casey Internship recipient
Dani Sacks – 2023 Andrew Casey Internship recipient
“From the very first day of the internship, I was exposed to the real work of a union.”
Learn from the 2023 Andrew Casey Internship recipient Dani Sacks about how she discovered the power of unions and collective bargaining to effect change: New hope for movements to lead social change.
Tributes to Andrew
I would like to think that the bullying [he experienced in childhood] was the roots of his life-long commitment to the oppressed.
John Casey, Andrew's brother
Andrew from a very early age developed a lifetime’s interest in Judaism, and a curiosity as to why people believe in certain precepts, and empathising with people who feared and opposed authoritarianism, bullying and intolerance.
Michael Easson AM
Andrew’s friendship and his work has touched us all – as a comrade, friend, cobber, mensch –and his life’s work has been creative, tireless, driven and passionate.
Uri Windt, Publisher, The Jewish Independent
He already had a fine record as a newspaper journalist before becoming a pioneer of modern union communications.
Marcus Strom, President, Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA)
Since 2015, TJI has provided an independent voice on Australia, Israel and the Jewish World at zero cost to our readers.
Your contribution — big or small — is critical in helping us create a platform for diverse content, fresh voices and regular coverage on issues that matter to you.
