Commercial web executives are being welcomed into the Sydney Pressgang networking group, which held its first meeting of 2015 in the Fairfax Media boardroom.

Established more than 45 years ago, the newspaper print executives group has witnessed massive change: "Now in order to stay relevant to our industry, we believe the time has come to include commercial web executives to our network," says convenor James Ackland.

Guest speaker Peter Netchaef of the PNEB Environmental Advisory Group talked about print and the environment at the meeting at the Fairfax headquarters in Sydney's Pyrmont, attended by representatives from Fairfax, News Corp Australia, IPMG and Hannanprint.

From its original inception in Sydney, Pressgang groups are now also established in most Australian capital cities, plus London and Auckland. Currently 45 active members meet at the Carnarvon Golf Club in Lidcombe on the first Monday of the month, with the highlight an annual Christmas dinner traditionally held at the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron, Kirribilli, where guest speakers have included John B Fairfax, David Kirk, Brian McCarthy and John Hartigan.

Members of the committee are Bob Lockley (Fairfax Media), Geoff Booth (News), Peter Williams (retirees), David Boekemann (treasurer), Gordon Cole (suppliers), James Ackland (convenor).

Next meeting is scheduled for March 2 (at the Carnarvon Golf Club) with other 'theme' meetings planned for 2015 on May 6 (when the topic is safety), July 1 and September 2.

As part of a bid to raise the group's profile, members are being urged to involve prospective members, who attend by invitation of the committee. Contact James Ackland, email jamesa@dschemport.com.au for details.