Media Release

16 June 2009


External Communications Committee representative wanted

Byron Shire Council is looking for people interested in joining their Communications Committee.

Byron Shire Council’s General Manager, Graeme Faulkner said the committee has been formed to look at new and emerging communication technologies and how they may apply to Council communications.

“We are currently testing an electronic newsletter that will soon be available to interested community members,” Mr Faulkner said

“The electronic newsletter will be distributed the week following Council meetings and include a summary of key council decisions, current work programs and issues currently affecting the Shire.

“Likewise, the committee are assessing the practicalities of MySpace, Twitter and Facebook and the potential for reaching specific target audiences such as young people.

“We are also aiming to feature information on our website that is not reliant upon the written word but utilises pictures, audio and film clips,” Mr Faulkner said.

At the recently held communications meeting, the committee considered the option of web streaming Council meetings, e-news templates and a presentation on multimedia applications from ACE representatives.

“The committee is keen to develop a multimedia training program that will influence internally the way information is produced.

“Staff will be asked to consider what is the best method for communicating a message and who are we trying to reach.

“That is, can this message be better explained in a voice grab, pictures or film and distributed via our website, media releases, advertising, flyers, letterbox drops or a combination,” Mr Faulkner said.

The community representative on the Communications Committee must be relevantly qualified in journalism, public relations or communications.  The committee will meet on a quarterly basis and be appointed for approximately three years.

Expressions of interest must be submitted in writing, faxed or emailed no later than Friday 26 June 2009.

 Attention:                     Graeme Faulkner

                                       General Manager

                                       Byron Shire Council

                                       PO Box 219

                                       MULLUMBIMBY NSW 2482

                                       Fax: 02 6684 3018

                                       Email:  mailto:council@byron.nsw.gov.au

END

Media Contact:            Donna Johnston

                                       Media Communications Officer

                                       Byron Shire Council

                                       Ph: 6626 7320

Byron Shire is located at Australia's eastern-most point with a population of almost 29,000. It is a thriving community where residents and visitors live, work and play in a sustainable environment and where Council strives to deliver the highest standard of local government services and infrastructure.