Computer Pals for Seniors - Turramurra Inc.

The Club has been functioning since April 2001, teaching computer literacy to seniors and disabled persons, with the aim of making their lives more compatible with the information technology that surrounds them today. Over twenty-five classes are held each week, two hours a week for a course of six weeks, each with six students, a tutor and assistant. Each student has the use of a computer with a 19" monitor. Lessons are held in two rooms, both rooms being equipped with a projector and daylight screen. The subjects taught are Basic Computing, Word Processing, Excel, Publisher, Internet/Email and Graphics (which includes scanning and the use of digital cameras. Courses on Web Design, Personal Finance and Share Trading are also held, and there is also a special interest group studying genealogy. In the six and a half years of operation the club has enrolled over eleven hundred students, and has a current membership of over 400. This is a tremendous increase compared with the thirty members it originated with. The success of the club is due mainly to the time and expertise of over 40 volunteer tutors and assistants.

The goals of the Club are to teach computer literacy to seniors and disabled persons from Sydney's upper north shore and surrounding areas in a friendly environment, and at the same time provide social interaction suitable for the older person. The Club holds a general meeting on the fourth Thursday of each month where an update on the progress of the organisation is given, also demonstrations of items of equipment, and a question and answer session. Three or four times a year a guest speaker is invited to talk on related topics. These meetings are followed by refreshments and have proved very popular.

To indicate the success of the Club, the following awards have been received:

• 2002: Award for Good Practice, from COTA
• 2002: Certificate of Recognition from National Australia Bank for Community Link Volunteer Awards
• 2003: Premier's Community Award