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CommunicationOne of the Branch’s major challenges is to ensure that communication with members continues to be relevant and effective. We communicate with members for a number of reasons, including providing members with information about current campaigns, programs, news and policies; promoting Union benefits and services and encouraging members to take action (eg. attend a meeting, seminar or training).
TWU News
The official publication of the Branch is published quarterly in a tabloid newspaper format and is posted to the home addresses of all current and honorary members.
TWU NEWS aims to give members a broad picture of the Branch’s activities while giving enough “nuts and bolts” news about specific sections of the industry to keep members engaged and connected to one another.
Our most recent research among members shows that the TWU NEWS is still the Branch’s most important method of communication.
The Stalwarts
The Stalwarts project provided the Branch with an opportunity to illustrate the contribution made by transport workers to the economy and general community. The Stalwarts Book was launched at Parliament House on Tuesday 9 September 2008, by the Victorian Premier, the Hon. John Brumby.
The Book acknowledges the strong history and proud tradition of workers in the transport industry and is a tribute to all Union members, particularly those who have been loyal members of the Branch for many years.
Many books have been written about the transport industry, however, not much has ever been written about the workers who are the life-blood of the industry. These are the hard working, no-nonsense family people who deliver goods and services to the community.
“Our Dad” Campaign
The “Our dad’s a truckie....” public relations campaign focuses on improving the public image of truck drivers.
The campaign serves to illustrate that truck drivers are hard working members of the community who play a vital role in our economy by delivering goods and services. For the most part, truck drivers are responsible family people who are committed to workplace safety.
Organisers are delivering A2 posters (420 x 594 mm) to all the major transport yards in their areas. Posters will also be distributed all major transport stakeholders. The next phase of the campaign may involve seeking funding to promote the message in the general community.
Web-site
The Branch web-site is an effective communication tool, averaging 70,000 hits per month. The web-site provides members with news, member discounts, rates, training events, and much more. The web-site is an ideal notice board for Branch activities and events, and the Administration Console allows the site to be dynamic and readily updated.
Bulk SMS
The bulk SMS functionality built into the Administration Console of the Branch web-site is effective in managing simple day to day communications with Organisers and members or an SMS communication campaign.
The SMS application is user friendly and efficient. An SMS sent to a database of numbers takes only a few minutes to upload and send, regardless of whether the database contains a few numbers or hundreds of numbers.
Regional Radio
The Branch has developed a radio advertising campaign which it delivers through the Ace Radio network. Since 1984, Ace Radio have been at the forefront of regional radio. The Ace Radio network includes stations in the following geographical areas:
- Albury
- Colac/Apollo Bay/Lorne
- Gippsland
- Hamilton/Portland
- Horsham/Ararat
- Swan Hill/Kerang
- Warrnambool.
The advertising focuses on chain of responsibility, fatigue management, the need for adequate rest areas, and the benefits of Union membership.
