An ambitious program to establish Internet training and wider access for residents is soon to be established in Maroondah. Courtesy of $100,000 funding from the State Government, the City expects to be able to assist a broad range of citizens to gain familiarity with this technology.
They can pursue their interests Online under a program called the Learning Information Network and Community Service (LINCS). LINCS will be managed by an Incorporated Committee of Management.
Senior Planner Jane Judd said the aim is to provide training at three levels, basic, intermediate and advanced, catering for a range of needs. Recent demonstrations at two senior citizens centres and the Maroondah Festival established there is enormous interest in Internet access.
“We were going to start up with 12 networked computers but expect demand will be so high that, for the program to be sustainable, we will eventually need to have 24 available,” Jane said.
An initial survey by Council found that, while there were pockets of high familiarity with information technology in Maroondah, many people had little access or understanding of what it could provide for them. Council felt it was an area in which greater use could benefit the whole community linking Council, residents, businesses, community groups, training colleges, schools and local libraries.
“Now the challenge is to find the right location, within the business district that is readily accessible by public transport,” Jane said.
The Centre will market its facilities to different groups aiming to pay for itself as it strengthens community ties. Included in the facilities will be a digital camera allowing photographs to be sent by email which Jane feels will be a great bonus for people with family overseas.
“There are many people of non English speaking background in our community who will be delighted to have the opportunity to send photos directly to children, grandchildren and friends,” Jane said. “We would also like to see older people feel more comfortable with information technology and are looking at ways of demystifying the process.”
Other groups Jane expects will make worthwhile use of the facilities include young unemployed people who may use the Net to gain help in finding and applying for jobs. Special interest groups, such as genealogy societies and community groups, will be able to publish newsletters Online and interlink with other like minded groups.
Human Services providers will be encouraged to set up pages to link with other providers, clients and local businesses. Businesses will be able to send staff to the Centre for computer training without having to set up separate training facilities themselves.
For further information contact Jane Judd, telephone (03) 9871 0282.
