More than $40,000 of state government funds has been poured into the Rodney Electorate, with Stanhope’s District Development Committee (SDDC) one of the recipients of a much needed information technology grant.
Member for Rodney, Paul Weller announced the funding this week as part of the Coalition Government’s Community Information and Communications (ICT) Technology Skills Grants program.
Mr Weller welcomed the grant that will allow all members of the Stanhope community greater access to computers and the latest technology.
“Many people living in rural communities often experience ICT exclusion because of their economic status – not everyone can afford a computer or an internet connection,” Mr Weller said.
“These funds will allow us to help bridge the gap for members of the community with little or no access to computers or ICT training,” he said.
The Stanhope and District Development Committee (SDDC) is thrilled with its funding windfall, according to secretary, Bob Holschier.
The self-funded group has plans to replace and upgrade old computers to provide an improved level of internet access and ICT training to members of the Stanhope community.
The funds will be directly channelled to the Stanhope Business Centre (SBC) to offer an improved standard of ICT facilities.
“The SBC is very much the hub of the community and we are thrilled to be able to upgrade our computers as well as all software and modems,” Mr Holschier said.
The SBC provides services and information based facilities to all members of the Stanhope community, including senior citizens, tradespeople, tourists and backpackers, disadvantaged groups and local businesses.
The SDDC also provides the community with a free monthly newsletter and offers many courses, all of which are totally self-funded and facilitated by volunteers from within the community.
Across the electorate, an ICT grant for $25,000 was awarded to Echuca’s Neighbourhood House to upgrade and improve its out-dated computers and offer additional ICT training to its students.
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