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| Media Releases |
 Marsha Thomson MP |
Media release
From the Minister for Information and Communication Technology
Tuesday 7 February 2006
Ms Thomson said the grants were part of the Bracks Government's $5 million commitment under its My Connected Community program to giving disadvantaged Victorians the skills, resources and purpose to get online and access all the benefits the Internet has to offer.
"The commitment to helping disadvantaged people overcome barriers to accessing and using the Internet is a feature of the Bracks Government's strategy A Fairer Victoria," Ms Thomson said.
"This is the fifth round of funding under this program and further evidence the Bracks Government is leading Australia in bridging the digital divide for disadvantaged groups.
"In stark contrast, the Federal Government is de-funding important online access programs for disadvantaged groups, further isolating them from our technology driven society.
"The Bracks Government remains the only government in Australia committed to funding programs that allow community groups to come together to share ideas and interests and build Internet skills.
"This latest funding will help community groups across Victoria to establish websites, extend their online activities and most importantly provide their members with the opportunity to get online and communicate with people via the Internet.
"People with a disability, senior Victorians, unemployed people and those from non-English speaking backgrounds have all benefited from this initiative since its inception almost five years ago and will continue to do so."
My Connected Community has funded 96 organisations with a total of $2.65 million. This funding has created more than 3,400 online groups and a total of more than 47,000 registered users.
A list of successful applicants for the latest My Connected Community funding follows:
Goulburn Ovens Institute of TAFE (Shepparton) will receive $30,000 to establish 20 online groups to support senior Victorians, including those from a non-English speaking background. The aim of the project is to improve the quality of life for senior Victorians by changing the way they communicate and to reduce the feeling of isolation.
Hume City Council (Dallas) will receive $30,000 to establish 20 online groups focusing on senior Victorians (including those from a non-English speaking background), recent migrants and those outside the education system and workforce and people with a disability. The project will aim to enhance social confidence and to provide opportunities and pathways for people to engage with their community.
Inglewood Community Resource Centre (Inglewood) will receive $30,000 to establish 20 online groups to support senior Victorians, including those from a non-English speaking background. The aim of the project is to improve the quality of life for senior Victorians by changing the way they communicate and to reduce the feeling of isolation.
Community One (formerly Mount Martha Community Contact Inc of Mount Martha) will receive $30,000 to establish 20 online groups. The project will target people disabilities and aim to provide communication, representation, networking and resources to reduce isolation.
Northern Support Services (Northcote) will receive $30,000 to establish 10 online groups targeting people with intellectual, physical, sensory and psychiatric disabilities. The project aims to increase access and integration in the local and broader community, and to provide those with a disability and their families with an opportunity for social interaction, participation and a sense of community.
Over 50's Association (Melbourne) will receive $30,000 to establish 20 online groups as part of a statewide project aimed to support and encourage older people who are out of the workforce. It will also provide those who are disadvantaged by rapid changes and improved technology, to remain informed and actively involved.
Russian Ethnic Representative Council of Victoria Inc (Fitzroy) will receive $30,000 to establish 20 online groups targeting their senior members. The project aims to facilitate communication between members and the world around them.
Strzelecki Lions Club (Poowong) will receive $30,000 to establish 20 online groups targeting senior Victorians, including those from a non-English speaking background. The partnership project will provide training to use the Internet.
Victorian Vocational Rehabilitation Association (VVRA) (Broadmeadows) will receive $30,000 to establish 15 online groups targeting people with a disability. The project aims to reduce the feeling of isolation and provide a greater awareness of the services available to them.
Wesley Mission Melbourne (Melbourne) will receive $30,000 to establish 15 online groups targeting senior Victorians, including those from a non-English speaking background, and people with a disability. The project will aim to provide another avenue to enhance self esteem, create new interests, reconnect with other people and activities and allow people to share interests.
Altona Green Neighbourhood House (Altona Meadows) will receive $10,000 to establish 10 online groups targeting senior Victorians, including those from a non-English speaking background, recent migrants and those unemployed and outside the education system and workforce. The project aims to teach the groups new ways of communicating.
Association of Independent Retirees Limited (Beaumaris) will receive $10,000 to establish seven online groups targeting senior Victorians, including those for a non-English speaking background. The statewide project aims to assist retirees to communicate online.
Creswick Adult Learning Centre & Neighbourhood House (Creswick) will receive $10,000 to establish 10 online groups targeting senior Victorians, including those from a non-English speaking background. The aim of the project is to teach how to communicate in new ways.
Diabetes Australia - VIC (Melbourne) will receive $10,000 to establish seven online groups targeting people with diabetes. The statewide project aims to provide training and encourage information sharing among families and members. It also provides peer support and engagement with health allied professionals for further education in diabetes management.
Elwood St Kilda Neighbourhood Learning Centre (Elwood) will receive $10,000 to establish six online groups targeting senior Victorians, including those from a non-English speaking background, unemployed people and those outside the education system and workforce. The project aims to offer existing groups a new means of communication.
Preston Neighbourhood House Inc (Preston) will receive $10,000 to establish 10 online groups targeting senior Victorians, including those from a non-English speaking background, recent migrants, people with disabilities, the unemployed and those outside the education system and workplace. The project aims to boost its members' skills in using the Internet to communicate with similar groups.
Rosanna Fire Station Community House (Rosanna) will receive $10,000 to establish five online groups targeting people with disabilities, senior Victorians including those from a non-English speaking background, the unemployed and those outside the education system and workforce, including disadvantaged youth.
The Hungarian Community Co-operative Association Ltd (Wantirna) will receive $10,000 to establish five online groups targeting senior Victorians, including those from non-English speaking background, in particular the Hungarian community. The project aims to provide its members with skills to communicate online with similar groups.
Westernport Speaking Out Inc. (Frankston) will receive $10,000 to establish five online groups targeting intellectually disabled people. The project aims to allow people with intellectual disabilities throughout Victoria to develop their computer, Internet and communication skills.
Yarraville Community Centre (Yarraville) will receive $10,000 to establish seven online groups targeting senior Victorians, recent migrants, people with disabilities, the unemployed and those outside the education system and workplace. The project will provide training in online communication.
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