services
| Seniors get broadband access at Centacare Bundaberg |
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Broadband for Seniors is part of a $15m Australian Government initiative to increase the skills of older Australians using computers and the internet. The Government is employing the skills of NEC Australia to manage and deliver the project, along with its consortium partners: Adult Learning Australia, Australian Seniors Computer Clubs Association and U3A Online. The aim is to get seniors in our community better connected, enabling them to discover a whole new social experience on the web and to help them stay in touch online with friends and family, along with offering access to the wealth of information available online. The Centacare Broadband for Seniors Kiosk at Centacare Bundaberg comprises two computers with broadband access for use by older members of our local community and will offer training and support to those who are new to computers and the internet.
“NEC is leading the way to establish connected communities in Australia and Broadband for Seniors is a key part of this commitment. Along with our learning partners, we hope to establish a widely recognised education initiative to really improve the way seniors obtain information.” Jenny Tree, Team Leader of Aged Care Services said, “The new Seniors Kiosk will benefit the local community by providing individuals with new skills, develop self confidence and provide participants with a new way to stay in touch with family, friends and current events. The program will also reduce client isolation by reducing fear around using new technology and will also mean clients can be more independent and rely less on family / friends to perform tasks for them.”
Under the initiative, NEC will deliver approximately 2,000 internet kiosks over two and a half years. If your local community centre, club or other seniors’ organisation is interested in hosting a free kiosk you can find more information, and organisation managers or secretaries can register their interest, at the following website: http://www.necseniors.net.au For further details please contact Centacare Bundaberg on 4131 6800 or email bundaberg@centacare.net
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Centacare Bundaberg has officially opened a free Broadband for Seniors Kiosk to service the local senior’s community.
According to David Cooke, Group Manager, NEC Australia: “The Broadband for Seniors initiative not only provides free access to computers and broadband, but offers training in order to increase the confidence and skills of older Australians in using computers and the internet. This can help to build their community participation and levels of social inclusion and will address the issue of older Australians feeling isolated and ‘left behind’ in a technological age. 
The kiosk is now open and is located at the St Mary’s Community Complex on the corner Barolin and Maynard Streets. Information on kiosk hours, training and session bookings can be obtained from Karlene and Jenny at Centacare Bundaberg on 4131 6800.
