About Bathurst Community Website
About the Bathurst Community Website Project
Who are Bathurst Community Website Inc?
Bathurst Community Website Incorporated was a community based non for profit organisation established in 2004 after a sequence of community meetings involving over 100 participants representing all sectors of the community. Initially any individual with a primary residence in the 2795 postcode or operates a business registered in the 2795 postcode could become a member of Bathurst Community Website Inc.
Bathurst Community Website Inc. were the original managers of the license for the local community geographic domain name website www.bathurst.nsw.au
In January 2017 The Neighbourhood Centre took over the role of managing and administering the website and domain name.
What are Community Geographic Domain Names?
Community Geographic Domain Names are intuitive, easy to remember, locality based website addresses that combine a town or suburb’s name with the name of the state and country where the town or suburb is found, such as www.bathurst.nsw.au and www.ballarat.vic.au.
The Community Geographic Domain Name licensing system is a national system that aims to deliver quality online information portals potentially for every town and suburb in Australia. They are regulated by auDA on behalf of the Australian Government and supported by all Australian State and Territory Governments. There are currently 22,000 Community Geographic Domain Name licenses available in Australia and with continued government support the Community Geographic Domain Name system will become the standard for accessing locality based information.
What are the requirements of a Community Geographic Domain Name License holder?
To ensure quality of experience for the internet user Community Geographic Domain Name license holders may only use the domain for provision of a community based information portal. Such portals should include, but are not limited to community events calendar, local business directory, community organisation directory, general information, local news and a community feedback facility.
The aim of Community Websites is to provide an online communication tool to help foster and develop stronger communities by promoting local economic activity and participation in social, cultural, learning and civic activities.
What has Bathurst Community Website achieved?
Bathurst Community Website Inc. launched the first community website portal in Australia in April 2006. The website averages around 11,000 hits each week with the Events calendar being the most frequently used facility.
Bathurst Community Website has developed strong relationships with the Bathurst Information and Neighborhood Centre now known as The Neighbourhood Centre, who now use BCW’s business and community directory as their chief source of information about services in the Bathurst area.
BCW also has developed close partnerships with the NSW Department of Education and Training and Central Tablelands Youth Connections providing opportunities for young people to learn about web publishing and contribute to the development of the site.
To contact BCW email : info@bathurst.nsw.au
During the initial development stage BCW also received assistance under the auspices of OCOS, in the form of Senior Project Manager, Natasha Scully and some technical support.
Making the most of your membership
How can I contribute to Bathurst Community Website?
Broad based community involvement is essential to ensure the ongoing success of the Bathurst Community Website.
All financial members may contribute to the development of this community website through participation in the affairs of the association, for example:
- attending general meetings,
- participating in sub committees,
- standing for election to the management committee and;
- providing feedback on the website development.
Communication and Feedback
Taking the time to provide the management committee with feedback will assist in the creation of an inclusive and useful community website.
For further information visit the Frequently Asked Questions page.