Leopold Community & Learning Centre can now help more seniors with all aspects of digital technology thanks to a $50,000 grant.<\/p>\n
Corangamite federal member Sarah Henderson, joined by representatives of the Leopold community, officially launched the Centre\u2019s Technology Tearoom last month.<\/p>\n
The centre received a $50,000 grant from the federal government\u2019s Be Connected initiative to further develop its Technology Tearoom.<\/p>\n
The grant has resulted in the employment of digital technology trainee Tristan Grbin, who was previously volunteering at the centre for two hours a week.<\/p>\n
Ms Henderson congratulated the Centre on securing the funding, which she said would make a big difference to mature aged people living in the Leopold and broader Geelong community.<\/p>\n
\u201cTristan, you sound like you are pretty hot property,\u201d Ms Henderson joked.<\/p>\n
\u201cA very wanted man, but how wonderful you have been funded to provide this very critical service.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ms Henderson said whether people liked it or not, many services, government or non-government, were only available or more easily accessible via tablet, iPhone or computer.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe all know smartphones can do everything but sometimes it can be a nightmare.<\/p>\n
\u201cEven though 65 is the new 45, I will say that it is important to have that support.\u201d<\/p>\n
Co-ordinator Kerrie Tomkins said the centre was the only one in Geelong to offer the service, and only one of two in the state.<\/p>\n
Ms Tomkins said Tristan also visited seniors to help them with their
\ntechnology issues, including the local men\u2019s shed, Vietnam veterans, and retirement and nursing homes.<\/p>\n
Ms Henderson said she now called on other community organisations to apply for a share of up to $20 million in funding to help get seniors online.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe federal government is providing grants of up to $50,000 to local organisations to deliver free digital skills training to people over 50 as part of the Be Connected program,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cBy joining the Be Connected Network, organisations help seniors in Corangamite to maintain their independence and keep connected with family and friends.\u201d<\/p>\n
Earlier this year, Tristan was presented as a nominee in the Saward Dawson Community Service and Social Impact Award by Minister for Youth Affairs Jenny Mikakos at the 2018 Victorian Young Achiever Awards.<\/p>\n
The Technology Tearoom is held on Thursdays, participants attend on a needs basis and bring their technology issues, plus morning tea is provided.<\/p>\n
It is run from 11am and costs $3. For more information, call the centre at 45 Ash Road on 5250 1301.<\/p>\n
To find out more information about Be Connected or to join the network, head to beconnected.esafety.gov.au or phone 1300 795 897.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Leopold Community & Learning Centre can now help more seniors with all aspects of digital technology thanks to a $50,000 grant. Corangamite federal member Sarah Henderson, joined by representatives of the Leopold community, officially launched the Centre\u2019s Technology Tearoom last month. The centre received a $50,000 grant from the federal government\u2019s Be Connected initiative to […]<\/p>\n