Details

History of the Buninyong News

The first edition hit the streets on 26th July 1977. Reading it today jogs the memory of times past and gives interesting glimpses into life in Buninyong, 35 years ago.     
Issue No.1 July 1977 consisted of eight pages and covered items such as:

* Kid's Corner by Uncle Bill (written by the headmaster of Buninyong Primary School, Peter Carter). A Children's Contribution: "The grade 5 & 6 girls played against the Napoleon and Magpie girls for a game of softball.  As we started the game Joanne Peoples was hit by a football and was taken out of the game";
* Films for Children shown at the school on Saturday afternoons (admission 50cents);
* Concert to Aid School Camps to Halls Gap and Adekate at Dean; 
* News of an Innovation Grant to set up ceramics and photography programs in the restored Miner's Court cottage in the school grounds;
* Badminton team times - the contacts were Mrs L Huggins and Mr & Mrs R Parkinson;  
* Football Club News that announced that Cr Tom Mahoney was re-elected President;  
* Buninyong Gardens Restoration Group progress report of which Mrs D Whykes was the Secretary, with Mr R Vagg President and Cr Tom Mahoney Treasurer; 
* * St Peter and Paul's Catholic Church calling for donations of magazines and books to take to the residents of Brim Brim; 
* Holy Trinity Anglican Church services were in the small Sunday School Hall because the interior walls of the Church were being restored; 
* The Buninyong CWA held their meetings in the RSL Hall; 
* Ladies Keep Fit every Tuesday morning in the Holy Trinity Hall; 
* Meals on Wheels had been operating for 18 months out of Brim Brim, co-ordinated by Mrs J Powell, and delivered by 43 volunteers to clients within a five mile radius;
* There were three Cub and Scouts groups that met at the Holy Trinity Hall with the contact person Derick Leather; 
* Senior Citizens had just had their second birthday; 
* Two local Spinning Groups met at the primary school and were assisted by Diane Westbrooke, Gillian Carron, Helen McKnight, Marilyn Bradford and Heather George; 
* * A Youth and Recreation Centre was being organised by Dot Henderson and Carol Henderson;
Brownies and Guides news; 
* Lions Club of Buninyong-Mt Helen information;

Many of these residents named on various committees are still active in the community today. The first newsletters were sponsored by the Buninyong & Mt Helen Lions Club who still continue their interest today.

The original (July 1977) Committee members were:

  • Betty Schreinzer and Peter Carter (co-editors)
  • Derick Leather (Secretary/Treasurer)
  • Jeanne Hendy (Publisher)
  • Alan and Mavis Bath
  • Maureen Coxall
  • Frank Stafford
  • from September 1977, Dawn Whykes (Treasurer/Asst Secretary)

Change to online publication - 2012

In 2012, rising printing costs and distribution difficulties forced the committee to consider moving to online publication, and in July 2012 the Buninyong and District Community Newsletter marked its 35th Birthday with its first digital edition. The move was not widely popular and many complaints ensued, especially from older residents. Meetings between the Newsletter Committee and the Buninyong and District Community Association in 2014 resulted in the Association taking over responsibility for the production of the newsletter and the return to print copies from the start of 2015.
Read more in Newsletters 2012-2014

"New-look" Buninyong Newsletter - 2015

As of February 2015, print editions of the Buninyong & District Community News were once again produced each month, with the assistance of grants from the Community Bank, and made available at designated outlets in Buninyong. A dedicated newsletter co-ordinator was appointed and the newsletter was completely revamped with a new design including color images and a stronger emphasis on reporting local news. Late in 2015, the newsletter was given a permanent home in the newly-opened Community House at 407 Warrenheip St. Online copies continue to be posted monthly for storage on this website.
Community members and groups are invited to submit material for the Buninyong Community Newsletter. Copy for articles should be no more than 400 words and may be accompanied by a photo (max 2). Articles should be submitted by the 12th of each month and forwarded by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Advertising enquiries should be directed to 5341 2844.
Read more in Newsletters 2015