Computerbank’s young workers assist high rise residents

Computerbank Victoria has just installed a public access network in the Community Centre at the Melrose St High Rise Public Housing Estate. The units cater for residents aged 50 years and over. 

Salvation Army workers asked Computerbank to install the network in the recently renovated library/games room.  'There is an excitement about the  network.  We are seeing residents gaining knowledge in technology.  An added plus is we are seeing residents help each other as they learn. They are looking forward to being able to communicate via email to distant relatives', said Vernessa Heta, Salvation Army Support Coordinator,  Melrose High Rise Public Housing Estate.
The network was built by Computerbank’s Work for the Dole team and has been customised to be tamper proof.  The computers reset each time they are turned on. This ensures that the desktop always looks the same and that the system has no unwanted programs added to it.   Computerbank’s Work for the Dole program operates in partnership  with Kangan-Batman TAFE.

Computerbank Victoria President, Kylie Davies, said 'This network gives residents fast access the Internet - for many of them for the first time.  The high cost of a broadband connection means many older people cannot afford the Internet.'

The network including computers and installation cost under $1000.  The five recycled computers have the Linux operating system and  an extensive range of free open source software including web browser, email client, word processing (Microsoft Word compatible), spreadsheet and database. Also included are a range of games and educational software including a typing tutor. Mah-jong is proving popular.

Contacts: 
Kylie Davies, President Computerbank Victoria Mobile:  - 0412099304
Vernessa Heta,  Salvation Army Support Coordinator,  Melrose High Rise Public Housing Estate     - Mobile: 0417598341

Computerbank Victoria Incorporated is a non-profit organisation recycling donated computers and distributes them to disadvantaged individuals and community groups.  Donated computers are tested, hard drives wiped, virus free open source software is installed on the computers and obsolete parts are recycled.  The recycled working computers come complete with a keyboard, monitor/screen and mouse and training booklet.  Free training is offered at Computerbank with each computer.  This work is carried out by volunteers, staff and Work for the Dole participants.

Computerbank, 483 Victoria St. West Melbourne
Open to the Public Friday 10am-5pm and Saturday 1-5pm only