Media Release

 
AUSTRALIA'S 700,000 community groups now have 24-hour a day access to free marketing and media advice and tools to promote their message to potential donors and supporters through a new partnership with www.ourcommunity.com.au and Australia Post.
 
An innovative new online Marketing Media & Post Centre has been created by Our Community in collaboration with Australia Post. It will provide over 100 free Help Sheets, tools and resources to help boost the ability of community organisations to expand their support.
 
The centre is now online at www.ourcommunity.com.au/marketingmediapostcentre.
 
As well as the free Help Sheets, the centre also provides best practice examples and tools to assist groups in developing marketing, mail marketing and communications campaigns as well as advice on improving their media relationships.
 
A directory of Australian metropolitan, suburban and regional media is also included to help community groups get the message out. Groups also have access to a free image library, tools to assist with direct mail campaigns and links to Australia Post services such as Charity Mail.
 
Australia Post Managing Director Graeme John said the centre was a practical way Australia Post could assist all Australian community groups to communicate their needs for public support.

"Australia Post plays a vital role in connecting communities across Australia, and we know how important it is to communicate and to build linkages within the support network," Mr John said.

"We also are well aware of the challenges facing community organisations, particularly volunteer groups, in getting their message to the general public.  The problem is not a lack of good will but a lack of basic, practical and free information and this centre help to fill those needs.
 
"We are proud to join with Our Community, an organisation that has a track record in delivering strong results for community groups."
 
Dr Rhonda Galbally AO, Chief Executive Officer of ourcommunity.com.au, applauded Australia Post for its vision in supporting a project that could benefit all community groups - regardless of their size or location.
 
"The challenges facing community groups are enormous. People are prepared to donate and support groups but they want more information on where and how their money is spent," Dr Galbally said.
 
"Groups need to communicate their messages to the public and their supporters, but they also need to get better at informing the community about what they have achieved and how they are using the money. Communication is a key part of accountability and transparency but it is also a key part of groups increasing public awareness of their programs and outcomes."
 
More details: Brian Walsh (03) 9320 6813 or brianw@ourcommunity.com.au