Internet access widens

By Dion Teasdale
WARBURTON Online launched its Public Internet Access Program (PIAP) at the Warburton Waterwheel last week.
Earlier this year the community internet facility received a $7500 grant from the State Government to fund free computer and internet access for disadvantaged members of the community.
The grant has been used by Warburton Online to purchase two new computers which are reserved for use by the elderly, people with disabilities and the unemployed.
At the launch of the new service last week, Warburton Online secretary Peter Willis said the grant would enable the service to target specific groups in the community.
“Through funding from the PIAP initiative Warburton Online is now able to provide free internet facilities to some of the most disadvantaged people in the community,” he said.
“The unemployed, the elderly and people with disabilities will be able to come here and take advantage of free computer use and internet access.”
Mr Willis said the grant would help break down barriers in the community.
“A lot of older people are scared of computers and don’t know where to start. We’ll have volunteers on hand to assist people and give them one-on-one personal training,” he said.
“This grant will open up computer access to people in our community who can least afford it and it will get people who might be isolated out and about and help them build confidence.”
Mr Willis said that in addition to funding the purchase of two new computers specifically for the program, the grant would also pay running costs and internet usage fees for the next two years.
Warburton Online president Laurie Hastings said the new service was a windfall for the local community.
“People without access to the internet are at a disadvantage so being able to provide access to information technology is vital,” he said.
“The grant from the State Government is recognition of the hard work of the people who volunteer their time and energy to operate this service seven days a week.”
Gembrook MP Tammy Lobato, who officially launched the new service, described the PIAP initiative as a powerful tool in breaking down barriers in isolated communities.
“With this program we are bridging the digital divide that exists in places like the Upper Yarra,” she said.
“It targets people who are geographically isolated and empowers seniors, the unemployed and people living with disabilities.”
Ms Lobato said the grant was recognition of the passion and hard work of the volunteers who run Warburton Online and she urged community members to take advantage of the service.