For smaller Councils, even a simple newsletter to residents is difficult to initiate. However with participation from the local community, Urana Shire in New South Wales, with a population of 1,554, has been able to do exactly that.
With no newspaper prepared to provide coverage of Urana Shire activities, Council decided to introduce the Shire Newsletter in 1991.
“The Shire Newsletter has become the most sought after Council document,” said General Manager, Dennis Hovendon.“Every household in the Shire receives a copy of the Newsletter and Council mails copies to as far away as Queensland, to former residents eager to keep up with what’s happening in Urana.”
In 2001 the Shire Newsletter celebrated its 10th year of production.
The Newsletter is delivered every month to 870 homes, and is prepared by Council staff. It is layed out in A4 size however the final product is a B5 sized booklet.
The Newsletter includes Council news as well as contributions received from the community. Advertising is also accepted which helps cover production costs. In 1991 the Shire Newsletter comprised six pages. In 2001 that number has grown to over 50 pages full of community news.
“Council won’t turn information away and encourages all within the community to provide articles,” Dennis Hovendon said.“Community groups use the Shire Newsletter to promote fund raising activities which are vital to keeping organisations and clubs operational in small rural towns.”
While the Newsletter may not be seen as a major commercial venture, it demonstrates what can be achieved by simple solutions to develop the community pride within a Shire.
“Council’s aim was not necessarily to make a huge economic gain but simply to bring its communities together through information sharing,” he said.“Pleasingly, it has worked and Council has been approached by a number of other smaller Councils in pursuing a similar idea.”
For further information, contact Dennis Hovendon on (02) 6920 8205.
