SEVEN MANSFIELD COMMUNITY GROUPS SUCCESSFUL IN COMPUTER PROJECT

Nationals Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes, says Round 6 of the Joint Community Computer Project has had a massive response from community groups throughout the Benalla electorate, and in particular Mansfield which has had seven successful applications.

“This round offers 25 computers for distribution through the program, kindly made available by THALES Australia and an anonymous Benalla organisation,” Dr Sykes said.

The following Mansfield organisations were successful:

1.       MACCRO – to assist with life skills programs, especially digital photography and video art;

2.       Beolite Village Limited – to assist with the management of the not-for-profit retirement home;

3.       Maindample Progress Association – to assist in the establishment of a three acre park land in Maindample;

4.       Merton Landcare – to develop Local Area Plan for erosion, weed control, waterway management and other sustainable
   programs;

5.       Mansfield Community Radio – to stream the radio station signal on the internet to get the signal to as many people as
   possible and provide emergency information;

6.       Maindample CFA – to assist members with secretarial work, map distribution and incident updates during fires; and

7.       Gough’s Bay CFA – to train residents in internet use in preparation for accessing information in the event of a bushfire.

“I am impressed that so many community groups applied through the Joint Community Computer Project for computers and also with the wide variety of uses planned,” Dr Sykes said.

“There is no doubt the computers will make it easier for local organisations, which often operate with limited funds, to continue to provide innovative and important services to their local community.”

Community groups interested in applying for a computer are asked to write to the Joint Community Project, 2/55 Carrier Street, Benalla VIC 3672 stating the reasons why they would benefit from the project.

For further information contact Peta Clark at Bill Sykes’ office on 5762 2100 or email bill.sykes@parliament.vic.gov.au