You don’t have to be a student to appreciate student media… or the contribution made by past editors and writers.

Nor do you have to be a student to access the Student Journalism Conference organised by Honi Soit and being held at University of Sydney from August 15-18.

The “star-studded cast” includes the likes of Cheng Lei – imprisoned in China for more than three years – cartoonist Cathy Wilcox and journalists Kate McClymont, Tracey Holmes and Will Glasgow, in what is being describes as “the greatest gathering of Australian student media ever seen”.

The centenary of Melbourne’s Farrago – and with it, student media – will be celebrated on Saturday August 16) by editor Mathilda Stewart, with Bianca Nogrady and Pam Walker.

Interviews, panels and workshops – some live-streamed and all free to access (including lunch!) – are intended not just for students or journalists, but open to all, and will accessible to view online.

Nineteen student publications from across Australia have collaborated on this conference and will be in attendance. Check the programme on Issuu here.

The event is sponsored by Medianet, Express Media (Voiceworks) and Writing NSW, with supporters including the National Young Writers Festival, Ultimo Press, Pan Macmillan, Upswell Publishing, the Lansdowne Hotel, the Rose Hotel, MEAA, and the Walkley Foundation.

Pictured: Sydney Uni’s Belinda Hutchinson Building is the venue for many of the events; The Rose in Chippendale, (top) location for the Friday welcome party