Welcome

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The SpringDale Messenger was one of the first projects of SpringDale Community Cottage and is now the flagship service of SpringDale Neighbourhood Centre. The Messenger, as it is fondly known, started through discussion in Sue O’Connor’s lounge room between the founding members of SpringDale.

Our first SpringDale Messenger was eight sides in A5 format and black print on white paper and has grown to a stable 24 page, A4 full colour magazine which continues to

  • inform
  • highlight issues
  • bring people together.

It is so interesting that community challenges highlighted in the first issue continue to be issues during current times. More footpaths continues to be an issue that has grown in urgency not diminished.

With each editor, each graphic designer, each printer the SpringDale Messenger has evolved. Each issue we strive

  • to do better
  • bring more activities
  • show more good news
  • bring happiness
  • and joy to our readers

Hundreds of volunteer hours bring each issue together, hours are devoted to writing articles, editing articles, seeking photos, seeking cover stories and seeking advertising to keep every issue viable.

Our advertisers, some have been with us for 30 years, continue to share the cost that printing each edition brings. We have grown the number of issues printed from 3000 to 15000 over the 30 years and with each increase the amount of advertising needed has also increased. We currently have a wide range of very supportive advertisers who love what we do and how we do it.

Over the last decade we have appreciated the support of Community Newspaper Association of Victoria(CNAV), a not for profit organization which supports and promotes the work of Community Newspapers and has assisted us to gain more government advertising and inspired many changes.

SpringDale Messenger has won and been finalist for many CNAV awards and we continue to do better for our community through the award system.

We look forward to the next 30 years bringing ideas, news, challenges, successes and upcoming events to our community. It has been a privilege to have been the editor for the last 18 years. Each edition we have tried to ensure that everything we place in the Messenger is valuable and contributes to our overall goal of informing, inspiring and bringing joy to our community.
Anne Brackley OAM
Editor SpringDale Messenger 2003 +
Coordinator SpringDale Neighbourhood Centre 2003 +

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