Rotary Club donation decreases digital poverty

BALLARAT Community Health has received a grant of more than nine thousand dollars from the Rotary Club of Wendouree Breakfast to digitally support clients throughout the pandemic period.

Pausing face-to-face services to stay COVID safe, BCH needed to take consultations online. Suzanne Powell, manager of alcohol and other drugs services said not all clients had the technology needed, whether it be a device with video calling capabilities, or an internet connection.

“For social connectedness, video conferencing was the best option for us in regard to group programs, like our day therapeutic rehab program and mental health programs,” she said.

“It became apparent to us that this was all very well, but the clients didn’t necessarily have the laptop or data they’d need to participate, so that’s when this opportunity with Rotary became available, to purchase devices and data to give to clients temporarily.”

Ms Powell said tech access has not only benefited the community’s health, but their digital literacy.

“People may not have used a laptop before, or ever had an email, so they’ve learned how to use new technology.

“This has opened up doors which could lead to education, connecting with family members, or other treatment services,” she said.

Huy Nguyen, Rotary Club of Wendouree Breakfast president said his team had been saving money away over three years in preparation for the right program.

“This is the special project we’ve been waiting for. We exist to serve the community, and so do Ballarat Community Health,” he said.