Let's Talk Bayside

You asked for it: your feedback, as part of the Bayside News evaluation project, has transformed the Bayside News (community magazine) into Let's Talk Bayside. The first edition is being delivered from 1 July 2008 to Bayside households. 

Click here to view an online version.

Let’s Talk Bayside aspires to be a valued magazine where the Bayside community can hear about what’s going on, be informed on local matters, read a range of opinions on issues affecting local amenity and have a say on issues of interest.

Specific content will include: 

• consultations

• agenda setting/issues/education opinion pieces or feature articles

• behaviour changing info/articles

• in brief updates.

The Bayside News evaluation project was undertaken to better understand the communication needs of the community and organisation, and to ensure that the community publication delivers on expectations and presents value for money.

The project research told us that no single source of information can meet all expectations, but there remains a role for a regular Council communication effectively delivered to residents as one of these information sources.

So here are some of the changes we are piloting in the first edition; fell free to give us feedback.

• It will be delivered by Australia Post and we will audit delivery rates.

• It will be published four times a year (it was six times a year)

• The look and format have changed.

• An interactive copy of the magazine will be available in the internet.

• The Council News column, now in Melbourne Weekly Bayside, will be used for ‘news’ now not being published in Bayside News.

• The staff and councillors are encouraged to write for the publication and start a dialogue for contribution and content within the agreed strategic intent.

• We will look at offers for writing, editing, publishing and citizen journalism training for the community through the Bayside library network in 2009.

• Community groups will be encouraged to promote their major events.

The look of Let's Talk Bayside has changed, but remaining cognisant of the threat of climate change, we will continue to rely on sustainable materials for production. The paper used is composed of 80 per cent recycled fibre and 20 per cent chlorine free pulp derived from well-managed forests. The ‘biowrap’ protecting each issue is 100 per cent biodegradable. Within about 18 months it will disintegrate completely, causing no harm to the environment.

Thanks to your feedback, Let's Talk Bayside stands ready to open a new chapter in community communication.

Please continue to let us know your thoughts. If you have a criticism, idea, or opinion you want to share with us, your comments are always welcome. Please email the editors at communications@bayside.vic.gov.au