Revived newsletter to reconnect village

EARLY last year, Buninyong’s local newsletter ceased production.

But as recent surveys have found, many village residents still want the publication regularly produced, and need it to stay in touch with their neighbours.

The Buninyong and District Community Association has noted the feedback, and committee members are set on bringing the Buninyong Community News back in a sustainable way.

With a new president Sue Yorston at the helm of the association, the group is hiring a project officer and forming a special working party to redevelop and oversee the monthly newsletter in print and online.

“We want to employ a project officer to come in, look at the history, become aware of the different groups in the town that can contribute, and canvas community interest to be on the committee,” she said.

“Up front, we want to be clear about the intent of the newspaper, what stories will run, what its parameters are, and seek to gain some sponsorship to keep it sustainable.”

Through the new Buninyong Community News, Ms Yorston said the association will aim to share reports on recent events, the stories of residents, and the issues affecting the area, while giving village locals notice about what’s coming up in town.

But getting the news headlines out, and giving a voice to local school, kindergarten, and sports groups, not-for-profits, and clubs, won’t be its only purpose.

“In one of our face-to-face survey sessions, I met a lady who had been living in Buninyong for six months, and was new to the town,” Ms Yorston said.

“She said she was feeling isolated because she didn’t know what was happening, where to go, or how to make contact.

“Having a newsletter will be really helpful for her to know what’s happening in the town, and to me, that encapsulates what it’s all about.”

The BDCA has received funding from Community Bank Buninyong to re-establish the Buninyong Community News.

It was first published in 1977, and alongside print copies, it went digital in 2012 but ceased operation in 2022 when committee members dwindled.

“We know people are happy with it online, but they want hard copies as well,” Ms Yorston said.

“We plan to put some hard copies at the supermarket and service station, and in cafes, the bowling and golf clubs; places where people can sit down, have a coffee, and a look at the newsletter.

“If anybody specifically wants it delivered to their home, we’ll make that opportunity available to them.”

The BDCA are seeking a project officer with a media and communications background, and knowledge of the local area, with applications closing this Monday 27 November at bit.ly/3QODvxm.

If you are interested in the paid six-month role, or becoming a committee member, contact Ms Yorston for more information at [email protected].