About Bundaberg Now
Bundaberg Now was established by Council in January 2019 as a community service and to improve communication.
Bundaberg Now provides a free online platform for publishing news that's relevant to the Bundaberg Region.
This includes news and information from Council and regarding Council services.
The website also publishes news from groups, individuals and other organisations that's relevant to the Bundaberg Region, with many community groups seeking and welcoming greater support to share their messages.
Bundaberg Now promotes a positive image of the Bundaberg Region to the rest of Queensland, Australia and the world.
The website highlights “good” news about local community organisations, businesses, events and people’s achievements along with community announcements such as emergency updates and weather warnings.
It’s a key tool to deliver Council’s 2021-26 corporate plan commitment to Open Communication:
- High community engagement with social media platforms and Council websites.
- Regular media reporting of Council issues that provides fair and balanced coverage.
- Innovative utilisation of data and technology to encourage community engagement.
Bundaberg Now publishes all news from Council business units on a single platform, reducing the need for multiple websites and social media accounts.
Council has more than 50 business units which need to promote their news, activities, events and services including the Multiplex, Fairymead House, parks and gardens, water, civil works, the zoo, etc.
The website is available free of charge to local businesses and community organisations to share their news and information, and many have taken advantage of this service.
This is especially important for people outside Bundaberg and Bargara, and Council is committed to keeping our entire region informed.
Many large organisations operate their own news platforms including sporting codes (eg www.afl.com.au) and universities.
The difference with Bundaberg Now is that Council makes it available for community use.
Since its launch, Bundaberg Now has helped to highlight hundreds of local businesses, community groups and events.
Council has received a positive and appreciative response from many individuals and organisations who have had their stories shared through Bundaberg Now.
Anne Davies at Nardoo Nursery:
We had no budget for advertising but wanted to let people know about our nursery. From the very start Bundaberg Now has been so supportive and has written marvellous stories that have showcased our nursery and what we do. Without Bundaberg Now we would never have achieved the wonderful customer base we have now and have the ability to help support our clients with disability.
Geoff Strube, Bundaberg Tennis:
Tennis Bundaberg had great stories to tell the people of Bundaberg but no voice. That's where the talented writers and editors at Bundaberg Now were able to help. When they heard we had some of the oldest clay courts in Queensland where legends like Rod Laver honed their skills or that we wanted to launch a brand new game called Pickleball they told us they love good news stories. With a little bit of cleverness, they took our message and turned it into an internet sensation.
MyPolice Bundaberg:
On behalf of the Bundaberg Police we would like to thank Bundaberg Now for the article about our new local “MyPolice Bundaberg” Facebook page. Since the article was posted our engagements have increased dramatically meaning we are reaching more members of the community with important crime prevention information, current events and positive news stories.
Communications has been identified in community surveys as a priority service area for Council.
Bundaberg Now is an effective communications tool which reaches more than 70,000 people online every month and has 30,000 followers on Facebook.
It’s more effective and less expensive than alternatives like newsletters and newspaper advertising.
To pass on a news tip, enquire about contributing news or ask about becoming a “citizen journalist” please email news@bundabergnow.com
