Reaching to bridge
the digital divide
A new social enterprise, Reach Technology, has been
established by Anglicare
Tasmania. Anglicare's CEO, the Rev. Dr Chris
Jones, said that Reach was designed to bridge the
digital divide between people who could afford to access
information technology and people who couldn't.
'Whether it is to type up a school assignment or a job
application, or do some research on the internet, or to
access a government service on-line, having a computer has
become essential,' he said.
'But computer technology is expensive and with nearly
two-fifths of the Tasmanian community relying on Centrelink
benefits as their main source of income, many people are
unable to afford it.
'Reach aims to bridge that digital divide.'
Reach Technology is a social enterprise, which
means that while it operates as a business, the services it
provides addresses unmet social need, and any profits are
directed back into the community, in this case through
Anglicare's services.
An important component of Reach's work will be
Anglicare's popular Computer Re-Use Program. 'Re-Use
refurbishes pre-loved computers and then sells or donates
them to low income earners,' said the Rev. Jones.
According to the program's manager John Rowland,
disadvantaged Tasmanians no longer need to miss out on the
benefits of new technology.
'Our aim is to make the computers affordable for
everyone. We have PCs that are great for internet access
from $200, and there are many payment options available. We
are often told by our customers how they are greatly
benefiting from having access to computers and the internet.
Some have even called it life-changing.'
You can drop in to Reach Technology at 200 Liverpool St
in Hobart, call them by phone 6234 6349, email
or visit their website
.
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