SGS News is a collaborative initiative of local human service networks and interagencies in southern Sydney. They worked together to find a collective solution to cross postings, blocked inboxes and information not reaching all the people who could use it. With a small one-off grant the first issue of SGS news was published in 2012 for St George and Sutherland Shire.
Now, information is submitted to the SGS news editor who produces a concise, easy-to-read, weekly newsletter emailed to 1,900 subscribers who pass SGS news on to many others.
How does the SGS news project work?
- SGS news is an independent project funded entirely by voluntary financial contributions from organisations that are all not-for-profit. They are showcased on this website and in the newsletter.
- Information is published, at no charge, for not-for-profits including local councils, government agencies and community groups. It’s free for all to subscribe.
- CommunityConnective is contracted to produce the newsletter, post on Facebook and produce the interagency timetable and calendar
- The coordinator, a volunteer, promotes the project and raises the funds.
- A Reference Group with representatives from the following organisations guides the project: Bayside Council, Georges River Council, Kai’Mia Community, South Eastern Sydney Local Health District and Sutherland Shire Council.
- 3Bridges Community the project auspice, provides in-kind administrative support.
How do people use SGS news?
SGS news shares information about upcoming local events, new services, programs, training, resources and more for people of all ages living, learning or working in the Bayside, Georges River or Sutherland Shire council areas. Regular Facebook posts spread the news further.
Readers use SGS news to:
- stay informed and up to date
- market and promote their services
- make referrals to services
- print and display flyers
- attend events and training
- apply for grants and funds
- find partners for projects
- look for interagency and network meetings
- read in other languages with Google translate
- share with other newsletters and Facebook pages
- pass information on to their professional and personal networks.
They save time by finding all that in one easy to read weekly bulletin.
What do our readers say about SGS news?
The latest survey of SGS news subscribers in 2024 confirmed that the newsletter is highly regarded as a trusted source of regular, accurate information from reliable sources.
- 98% of respondents said they would recommend the newsletter to other people.
- 100% were satisfied with the accuracy of information in SGS news.
Some comments from the survey:
- SGS news is a super reliable source of information share within networks and community
- It always has important and up to date information which are relevant to workers and residents in our areas.
- I always pass on information to other colleagues about events or programs that may be of interest for their clients. I also encourage them to subscribe.
- It caters for all the age groups involved in our programs over all the council areas we cover. I look forward to it.
- We have had many enquiries from people after publishing events.
- I love the sections so you can look for what you want quickly.
- Everything in one place reduces my need to get lots of other emails.
- Everyone I know is a subscriber.