In 1997, the Information Technology Project at Tumby Bay in South Australia was announced rural winner of the 10th National Awards for Innovation in Local Government for the way it addressed community needs. Tumby Bay is a seaside town, 600 km from Adelaide.
Predominantly a service centre for the surrounding agricultural community, its principal industries are wheat and wool. Socially, culturally and geographically isolated from the rest of the State, Tumby Bay has continued to develop innovative ways of addressing these problems through the use of Information Technology.
The Information Technology Centre is a joint venture between the District Council of Tumby Bay, Tumby Bay Area School and the Community Support and Action Group. Fund raising for this community resource has included the raffling of a block of land which brought about an increase in tourism and local business turnover.
Also in recent months, $23,000 has been raised through using current multimedia techniques to promote Tumby Bay. This year, the Information Technology Centre aims to further address isolation by building on existing infrastructure.
Video Conferencing will be available for personal and professional development. This will suit people wishing to join a meeting in another location and for job interviews, study or seminars.
“Following two years work, a local Point of Presence for an Internet Service Provider will also come to fruition this year,” said Janene Piip, Community Development Officer. “This service will provide further access to the outside world for people in Tumby Bay at an affordable price, at a central location and during convenient hours.”
For further information contact Janene Piip, telephone (08) 8688 2828.
