Skipton Community News (SCN) was first established in 1977. 

A project of Skipton Progress Association SCN is published weekly during the four school terms, (no newsletters during school holiday breaks), and provides a valuable service to residents of Skipton & District keeping them up to date with local news and events.

The number of each edition is shown on the masthead.  It is displayed as (example) 45:02. Signifying the number of years since SCN began the Forty-Five (45) indicates we are now in the 45th year of production, and two(2) is the number of the editions so far this year. 

With the assistance of the respective Scribes and Secretaries throughout the district, SCN brings all of the news and event information, and due to the cooperation of the Team Scribes, provides up to the minute sporting results each weekend. (Pre-COVID 19 and little by little the normality of life is returning, with the Calendar of Meetings and Coming Events filling again.)

Since its inception, there have been four editors of SCN.  The current editor, Kathy Sproules has been managing the newsletter since October 1993,  with her first edition out on 8th of October 1993, when it was typed on an electric typewriter, with 'cut & paste' being done with 'scissors & clag'.  The first computer was purchased in 1994 "Windows For WorkGroups 3.1".

Many changes have occurred in the production of SCN during this time, especially with the printing which was done on our Dear 'Old Bertha' a Gestetner printer which was originally housed at the school, then at the RSL Hall, and later at the Maternal & Child Care Building (the current address - now the Jubilee Centre). 

Over time we have had photocopiers under contract to replace the Gestetner -- but have always been self-reliant on printing our own newsletter - SCN is fully produced by local volunteers in Skipton.  Our current semi-professional BizPro photocopier allows all publishing on-site with the opportunity to do Commercial Jobs as well, by the Editor in Skipton.  Just ask 03 5340 2340.

Without the need to travel to a commercial printer costs are kept to a minimum.. 

Produced locally through the efforts of the Editor and members of the 'Skipton Community News Team' who assist to fold the completed newsletters and to assist with distribution.

It is vital for small communities to maintain an active Progress Association so that they can provide a medium to enable residents to have 'a voice' for the local Shire Councils, and State and Federal politicians to get their message out to residents, with local groups and organisations all contributing their respective messages to the wider community. 

SCN also provides a great medium for tradespeople and businesses to advertise their various goods and services and helps them to reach their target market. Becoming quite popular Skipton is attracting many new businesses and tradespeople.

Rates are very attractive. Current rates and contact details are available on this site.  

Editor can be contacted by email on:  skiptonscn@bigpond.com

As a small town newsletter SCN certainly has a wide distrubution base.   

SCN is distributed free of charge to every household within the postcode of 3361. (Numbers produced vary, have been as high as 600 a few years ago, current number is 540.)

Further copies are distributed throughout various other outlets such as the roadhouse, schools, hospitals and also to the communities of Linton, Mannibadar, Streatham etc.  A large number are sent through Australia Post as requested by former residents, with copies are also distributed to the Shires of Corangamite, the Golden Plains and the Pryrenees. The list of people receiving SCN electronically continues to grow.

SCN is mailed to our local, State and Federal politicians (who don't mind paying the postage for this service), and is also sent each week to the Serials Acquisitions Section of the State Library of Victoria, the Skipton Historical Society and other Historical Socities with interest.   

One of the major topics the SCN ever covered was the proposal of a toxic waste dump in Pittong.  The SCN was instrumental in rallying public interest keeping everyone informed with both sides of the topic being covered.  There was quite a stir amongst the residents, with numerous meetings and a rally in Spring Street on the steps of Parliament House..  Support flowed throughout the area and because of the public backlash the proposal was defeated.  

Other big stories covered by SCN have been the the major flooding event experienced in Skipton in 2011 when the banks on the Mount Emu Creek failed to contain the large volume of water flowing down the creek and homes were inundated; and the very busy year of of community activities, as Skipton's residents celebrated the 175th Anniversary of when Skipton was established as a town, 1839 to 2014.  (This is on this website with photos as a separate page).

We hope SCN continues well into the future as a true Skipton icon.  The Editor always welcomes new ideas, views and opinions as well as articles based on the local community.  

In the menu section on the top of the page you can peruse latest copies of the newsletter.  You may make an inquiry to the editor regarding any earlier editions by email at skiptonscn@bigpond.com. 

They appear in "Abridged Format" (No ADS) a Trade Directory is separate.  Due to size.

Due to size restraints of website only later newsletters are available online.