 Bay Connect provides a number of public access points across Hervey Bay, were people can access the Internet. People who hold Healthcare Cards receive reduced rates, and trained volunteers are available at all sites to assist users.
Bay Connect also provides training in computer and internet use geared to people who have had little or no experience with computers.
The concept behind Bay Connect began as a way of providing an information service to Hervey Bay residents and to professionals, to encourage them to refer clients appropriately. This led to consideration of a system using the internet and after initial investigation for funding was submitted to Networking the Nation, the submission was successful. The actual implementation was a financial and in-kind partnership between Council, Government and Community organisations.
The eventual service was somewhat different from the original idea, but is a unique combination of social and technical benefits to the community.
While Bay Connect is about a technical network and hardware, it has always had a social purpose, in the sense that social equity depends greatly on access to information. People on lower incomes are increasingly denied this access as it relies more heavily on expensive technology.
But there’s more! Undertaking training and becoming a volunteer in the program has built confidence and self esteem. Bay Connect has attracted kids of all ages; the oldest being 91 years young and has encouraged communication across generations.
Seniors, Endeavour clients, and young people re-entering the workforce are among those who access Bay Connect training. Local employment agencies and Work for the Dole project frequently refer to Bay Connect, which provides valuable employment skills. It also opens up a whole world through the internet. One woman was able to find her adopted daughter after many, many years! Others with learning difficulties have also learned skills to help them pursue their ambitions.
For many, Bay Connect activities provided a doorway between isolation and being an active and valued member of their community. As we go to press, Bay Connect has announced its 1,500th person trained in internet use, since the program commenced 4 years ago.
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 14 March 2007 )
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