Coordinators Report for February and March

General News

Busy, Busy, Busy! Computers are moving out really quickly, just look at the numbers. Big thanks to Jan, Allan and others for helping to get the word out, I think this has helped a lot. The other thing that seems to be pushing up the numbers is the move to providing them to anyone who has a concession card. I have noticed a lot of low income families buying a second computer.

While a lot of people install Windows, those who stick with Linux are pleasantly suprised. We've even had some calls from people wanting to buy Linux computers. I guess this is a good sign.

I should also mention another big thanks to Jan, Allan, Rob, Barry and Darce for doing great things across donations, documentation, websites, front desk, user support and the training area. It is also good to see new people helping regularly with the front desk.  Big thanks to Tony for improving my office with a door.

John recently got a full time job working on the help desk of an ISP, we miss having him around and still hope to see him from time to time. Barry is stepping up to maintain the distribution.

Con is with us for a month or so before he jets off to the UK looking for work and somewhere warm to stay. Con plans to help with the database rejuvenation project and might tinker around in the build room too.

Volunteer Tuesdays have been suspended for a little while, we might start them up again in a few months.

In last months report I forgot to mention that Community Media Services won a server for making a documentary of our Software Freedom Day event. You can check it out from http://video.google.com.au/videoplay?docid=4296057794260079695

Software Freedom Day is on Saturday September 16th this year, we might want to start planning for it soon.

Computers Out

January: 38, includes 1 shop box and 1 rebuild

February: 56, includes 4 shop boxes and 2 ebay sale

March: 72, includes 2 shop boxes, 1 laptop for the Cameroon Association of Australia and 12 computers for a Jobco WFD project.

Year to Date: 166; Last year at the end of March we had distributed 132 computers.

Donations

Donations came from regulars including GHD and TransUrban. We have received lots of donations from individuals too. We've also been taking a lot of jobs involving a bit of e-waste and some good stuff.

At the moment we are still unable to take large amounts of computers as we are quite full and have regular donors giving us good equipment. We are also (still) expecting the Red Cross computers and there may be another large donation coming up too. Our information about accepting donations has changed, check our website if you are unsure about this. See http://vic.computerbank.org.au/donations
There may be times where we have to say no to equipment and refer it elsewhere. Front desk folks should touch base with me each week to check our capacity.

Projects

Projects currently active include:

* CVI Distro: New maintainer: Barry. We thank John for all his work and special tweaks to the distro to date.
* Database Project/Revisit: Jan/Con/Michael. Jan will be managing this. Expect news soon.
* Distro Testing Guide Project: Barry.

It'd be great if folk working on these projects, could write a summary of where things are at (if they have not done so already).

WFD Project

The project rolled over on Feb 23rd with 12 participants and is progressing well. We have a full project with some very helpful and enthusiastic participants. The warehouse is looking good, as is the buildroom. Participants are keeping the surplus store stocked with a range of computers.

Rob and John finished up on the WFD program. Adam has been employed as our new WFD supervisor. Rob will continue on helping with e-waste and donation pick ups. Many thanks to both Rob and John for their work and contribution to the program over the years.

New Volunteers

We have one new volunteer this time, Greg Hubbard! Some of you may have had the opportunity to work with Greg on Fridays in the build room. Welcome aboard Greg.

Finances

January Income = $ 4370.75 (Banked) + 115.51 ING Interest.

February Income = $ 10995.58 (Banked) Includes $2200 SEI grant from Salvation Army. + 102.59 ING Interest.

March Income = $ 7172.81 (Banked) + 113.21 ING Interest.

Account Balances as at 02/04/07:
ING = $21,971.76
WestPac = $2977.26

Total: $ 24,949.02

Outstanding Accounts:
E-waste + Equipment Invoices: $ 2300.50 + SRS
WFD Final project payment for 16: $6006

WFD First payment for current project: $15,840

Total: $ 24, 146.50


Sorry if I have forgotten to mention something, if that's the case, let me know what it is, and I can add an amendment to the report.