Broadband for Seniors

JENNY MACKLIN MP
Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services
and Indigenous Affairs

The Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin, today unveiled the first of the Australian Government’s free internet kiosks for seniors at the Melbourne Legacy Club.

Under the Australian Government’s Broadband for Seniors initiative, $15 million is being invested over three years to install up to 2000 kiosks across the country.

Forty-two kiosks are already operating, with many in regional and rural areas. Over the coming months hundreds of kiosks will be online across the country.

People aged 50 and over will be better connected to family, friends and the technological age with free computer training and internet access available across Australia.

Only one in five Australians over the age of 65 years currently uses the internet.

Many older Australians are missing out on the ease of staying in touch with family and friends online.

Broadband for Seniors will bring older Australians together to learn about computers and share their experiences, giving them the confidence to get online.

The kiosks are accessible to all seniors, including older citizens with disabilities and those from culturally and linguistically diverse communities, through the use of specific language software and assistive technology.

The Australian Government, NEC Australia, Adult Learning Australia, the Australian Seniors Computer Clubs Association and the University of the Third Age Online are working together to provide this free service.

We are currently looking for more community organisations to host kiosks, including computers, a broadband internet service and training materials.

Community organisations who wish to be involved can call the Broadband for Seniors hotline on 1300 795 897 or visit www.necseniors.net.au for more information.

Live Broadband for Seniors kiosks

New South Wales
Dougherty Community Centre, Chatswood, NSW
Polish Association & Seniors Cabramatta, Canley Vale, NSW
Cynthia Street Neighbourhood Centre, Bateau Bay, NSW
Cooinda Aged Care, Coonabarabran, NSW
Tingha Regeneration Inc, Tingha, NSW
Mungindi CTC, Mungindi, NSW
CTC Bulahdelah, Bulahdelah, NSW
Catholic Care of the Aged, Port Macquarie, NSW
North Coast Computer Project, Macksville, NSW
Bowraville Technology Centre, Bowraville NSW
Boambee Gardens Estate, Sawtell, NSW
Sawtell Catholic Care of the Aged, Toormina, NSW
Lismore Neighbourhood Centre, Lismore, NSW
CPSA Dapto Seniors Club, Dapto, NSW
CTC Sussex Inlet, Sussex Inlet, NSW
Eden Community Access Centre, Eden, NSW
Delegate Progress Association, Delegate, NSW
Intereach Albury, Albury, NSW
Intereach Buronga, Buronga, NSW
Nepean Community College, Penrith, NSW
Narromine Community Services Centre, Narromine, NSW
Blackheath Area Neighbourhood Centre, Blackheath, NSW
Springwood Neighbourhood Centre, Springwood, NSW

Queensland
African Seniors Club, QLD
Logan Area Committee, Logan Central, QLD
North Lakes Retirement Resort, North Lakes, QLD
Pomona Community House, Pomona, QLD
Fancy That Op Shop, Gympie QLD
Tiaro District Community Centre Inc, Tiaro, QLD
Hervey Bay Senior Citizens Club, Hervey Bay, QLD

South Australia
John Martin House, North Plymton, SA
Aldinga Community Centre, Aldinga Beach, SA

Victoria
Melbourne Legacy Club, Melbourne, VIC
Melita Social Club, Coburg, VIC
Watsonia Neighbourhood House, Watsonia, VIC
Ocean Grove Senior Citizens Centre, Ocean Grove, VIC
Anglesea & Aireys Inlet Senior Citizens Club, Anglesea, VIC
U3A Sunraysia, Mildura, VIC
Emerald Evergreens Senior Citizens, Emerald, VIC
Golden Beach Community Hall, Golden Beach, VIC

Western Australia
Manjimup Public Library, Manjimup, WA
Greenbushes Telecentre Inc, Greenbushes, WA