December 2003

Olinda Action Group (OAG) and Olinda Community House (OCH) plan to hold a community meeting to discuss the future of the Olinda township from a resident’s perspective.

18 Feb 2004

More than 90 people contribute their ideas for Olinda’s future. There is a strong feeling that any planning should also incorporate the Mt. Dandenong community.

A community website is flagged as a method of connecting the community and dispersing information.

19 June 2004

In conjunction with a community representative group, the Shire of Yarra Ranges (SYR) holds the Olinda & Mt Dandenong Community Planning Day.

A community website is identified as a project that should be prioritised.

20 June 2004

OAG approaches OCH to partner it in seeking funds to develop a community website.

July 2004

www.olindanews.info is registered as the domain name.

August 2004

OAG and OCH apply for and receive funding support from the SYR Community Grant program.

August 2004

A Steering Group is formed to develop a Project Plan and bring the website into fruition.

September 2004

OAG and OCH apply for and receive funding support from the Australian Government under its Regional Partnerships programme.

September 2004

OAG applies for and receives funding support from the Bendigo Bank, Upwey & District Branch, through its Community Support Grant program.

23 November 2004

The website is kicked off with a community information night. Few people attend, but there are large numbers of apologies from interested businesses and community groups.

As a result of feedback on the night, it is decided that the website shopuld be for the Hills community. If you live, work or play in the Hills, then the site will be relevant to you.

www.theHillsOnline.info becomes the new domain name.

Feb – April 2005

Volunteer Website Assistants are recruited and trained.

The website is becoming a true community project, with 11 enthusiastic volunteers being selected from more than 30 applicants. They represent a broad cross-section of the local community and will form a valuable reference group for the project, keeping the site relevant and useful.

Amongst other things, volunteers support the administration of the site, work with the local community to enable them to utilise the website and source and write content.

1 April 2005

The Hills community is invited to include content on the site.

17 September 2005

Public launch. A new phase begins of opening the PC at Olinda Community House to public access - by appointment.

The launch