Kojonup’s combined Telecentre and Rural Transaction Centre (RTC) is a community owned and managed facility that provides new opportunities, support and services to the community.
It was the first RTC to be established in Western Australia. The Centre, conveniently located on Kojonup’s main street in a former bank building, provides a range of high tech equipment including computers, satellite linkage, Internet access, e-mail, desk top publishing and office support equipment.
Initially funded through the State Government, the successful application for Commonwealth funding as a RTC enabled Council to purchase the current building. Situated on a high profile, corner position in the main shopping area, the Kojonup Telecentre is a popular resource, with some 60 people visiting the Centre each week.
Kojonup’s Telecentre is a hub for programs that become viable due to this shared resource. Production of the local newspaper occurs in the Centre with desktop publishing facilities available for other users. The Kojonup News is produced at the Centre each fortnight, with 1,200 copies of the 16–20 page newspaper being printed. A copy of the newspaper is distributed to each household in the Shire.
Kojonup News is prepared by volunteers comprising between four and six on the editorial team and 12 to 15 folders. It is totally self funding through the support of advertisers.
The Telecentre creates opportunities through enhancement of existing services and assistance with new business ventures.
For a small fee, the following services are available.
- Computer and Internet access
- Internet Training
- Secretarial services
- Desk top publishing
- Tax services
- Scanning.
As a Rural Transaction Centre, it acts as an information agency for Centrelink, the Tax Office and Medicare. The Kojonup Community Employment Project, which links local employers and job seekers, also uses the Centre as a base. In addition, educational opportunities at Kojonup’s Telecentre include TAFE, university, adult education and a range of general interest programs.
