Technology Tearoom clicks onto $50,000 funding

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’s Technology Tearoom last month.

The centre received a $50,000 grant from the federal government’s Be Connected initiative to further develop its Technology Tearoom.

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.

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.

“Tristan, you sound like you are pretty hot property,” Ms Henderson joked.

“A very wanted man, but how wonderful you have been funded to provide this very critical service.”

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.

“We all know smartphones can do everything but sometimes it can be a nightmare.

“Even though 65 is the new 45, I will say that it is important to have that support.”

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.

Ms Tomkins said Tristan also visited seniors to help them with their technology issues, including the local men’s shed, Vietnam veterans, and retirement and nursing homes.

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.

“The 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,” she said.

“By joining the Be Connected Network, organisations help seniors in Corangamite to maintain their independence and keep connected with family and friends.”

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.

The Technology Tearoom is held on Thursdays, participants attend on a needs basis and bring their technology issues, plus morning tea is provided.

It is run from 11am and costs $3.

For more information, call the centre at 45 Ash Road on 5250 1301.

To find out more information about Be Connected or to join the network, head to beconnected.esafety.gov.au or phone 1300 795 897.