History of ASCCA

Background

Seniors Computer Clubs are a popular and expanding activity both in Australia and overseas. Computer organisations open to all age groups have a long history in Australia but clubs specifically for seniors began in earnest in the 1990s.

The Australian Seniors Computer Clubs Association is now the national peak body for seniors and technology and links computer clubs for seniors so they can use ICT to achieve individual and community goals. When ASCCA began it linked together some six clubs with a total membership of about 500 older Australians; these clubs had begun teaching the basics of Windows and Works and other software programs which met the interests of their members.

Seniors Computer Clubs have developed considerably as clubs and ASCCA evolved.

All clubs have played an important role in the overall growth of computer technology and the older person. For instance, Northern Beaches Computer Pals for Seniors had two development plans. The first was a guide for starting a new club and the second was an outreach programme to be used to help clubs establish sub groups within Retirement Villages. Both were written by the club's president, Nan Bosler and she has greatly expanded and developed these two guides into the ASCCA Development Kits. Both of these kits have been widely and successfully used in Australia and overseas. It had been recognised that there were barriers stopping many older people living in retirement villages from participating in activities outside their villages. These barriers included lack of mobility or lack of transport. The first of these groups was established in the R.S.L. Veterans Retirement Villages at Collaroy Plateau and the second in the Willandra Village at Beacon Hill. Members of these groups were members of the parent club, Northern Beaches, and had full use of any of the club's facilities should they want to access them but they also had access to their own meeting place in the Village and fellow members who acted as tutors, (when necessary tuition was given in the members own unit and on their own computer!)

A third outreach group had been established by the Manly club. This club dedicated Thursday afternoons to the Multiple Sclerosis Society. People with Multiple Sclerosis (PwMS) often have their hands affected with this insidious disease to such an extent that they find it impossible to write. The advent of the computer has been a godsend as they can now write just by pressing keys and correct mistakes by simply pressing other keys. One of the problems experienced by many PwMS was that they had no experience with computers. Those of middle age or later were, in fact, a little frightened by this new fangled technology. MS Society needed to have an opportunity for them to try out a computer, in a wheelchair accessible location to see if they could benefit from its capabilities. The use of Manly Clubs facilities was very successful and two PwMS act as trainers for the 3 or 4 PwMS who came along on every occasion.

Seniors Computer Clubs (Endeavour, Forest, Greenwich/Lane Cove, Northern Beaches) had a stand at the Seniors' Card Computer and Technology Show which was held in Sydney in November 1997. At that show, 450 people added their names to the growing list of those who wanted to know how to start, or join, a club near their homes. As a result several more clubs were established at Castle Hill, (The Hills); St. George (Hurstville); and Central Coast (Central Coast).

1st Computing for Seniors Seminar 1998

The 1st Australian Computer Seminar for Seniors was held in March 1998. Computer Pals for Seniors Northern Beaches formed a committee representing several of the clubs to run this extremely successful Seminar. Part of the Convenor's report follows.
When we first considered the possibility of holding this seminar, the most obvious question was "How could we finance such a venture?" We tried various avenues without much success, then we heard about the Healthy Ageing Grants, available through the Ageing and Disability Department. We applied for a grant and were thrilled to receive the financial assistance which allowed us to organise the Seminar. Without this invaluable support we would have had to charge double the fee. The venue we chose was the All Seasons Premier Menzies Hotel, Carrington Street, Sydney. We sought to advertise the seminar as widely as we could and we are most grateful for the promotion provided particularly by existing clubs, local papers and local radio stations. We were lucky enough to obtain promotion through a number of websites also by the construction of the SNUG website.

While we hoped that this seminar would be a very successful venture in itself, we also hoped that it would encourage the formation of new Computer Clubs for Seniors, strengthen existing clubs and eventually lead perhaps to the formation of a supporting umbrella organisation. I have to admit that we did find some big corporations who deal exclusively with computer hardware and software, who didn't think it worthwhile becoming involved in a venture directed at seniors. "It wasn't a big enough market!" Perhaps we need a combined voice to set the record straight. We are an important market.

The day was certainly exciting. There were a total of 152 participants - 133 attendees, including 12 committee members and helpers and 19 speakers or trade presenters. The venue at the Menzies proved to be outstanding and just so accessible by public transport. The catering, was, to quote one of our participants "unbelievable!" Our speakers were very well received, but it was disappointing to the organising committee that the speakers for 3 of our 16 sessions let us down at the last minute. Wal Anderson is to be thanked and congratulated, for stepping in and saving the day. James Dibble of ABC fame was the very popular and skilled MC for the day.<

Ipex, Hot Line Books, Webster Publishing and Negus Books organised displays and there was a Computer Clubs information stand - thanks to Pat and Kevin Negus for staffing our stand. Prizes and welcome bags of freebies added to the day. The very best part of the day was the friendly environment and the obvious pleasure that so many seniors had, when mixing and sharing information with other seniors who had a like interest in the advantages and satisfaction of using computers.

Our last session featured 94 year old Marjorie Nix-James. The audience was quite astounded to hear Marjorie explain that a little over a year ago she decided that she should write her memoirs and to do that she would learn how to use a computer! Holding a copy of her published memories, this incredible lady had the participants spellbound.

The Seminar fully met all objectives set for the project. In the evaluation conducted after the seminar 98% of participants considered the event very successful and well worthy of repeating in 1999. (The remaining 2% felt we deserved a break of 2 years before conducting another one.)

Members of the Organising Committee were: Nan Bosler (convenor), Ruth Anderson, Wal Anderson, Estelle Howell, Roger Jones, Dick Manuell, Dale Negus, Beth Schurr. Additional helpers on the day were Margaret Chaseling, Kevin Negus, Pat Negus and Jenny Scott.

Beginning of ASCCA 1998

Nan Bosler (Convenor), Northern Beaches; Wal Anderson, Manly; Betty Benjamin, Moocooboola; Joan Burge, Greenwich/Lane Cove; Brian Griffin, The Hills; Bettie Hart, Hurstville; George Kimpton, The Hills; Dick Manuell, Forest; Denis McDonald, Hurstville; Bill van der Meyden, Sutherland; Ken Missingham, Sutherland; Bernice Shannon, Greenwich; Marie and George Thompson, Hurstville; Gil Wahlquist, Moocooboola and Colin Ward, Forest.

Several people had envisaged an overall organisation (Wal Anderson, Nan Bosler and Colin Ward) and George Kimpton was writing in the Australian Seniors Newspaper about seniors using computers but this meeting was the first concrete step taken to actually establish such as organisation by taking dreams and turning them into objectives that could be reached - albeit with a lot of hard work and dedication.

At this meeting it was resolved that:

an umbrella organisation be established
a steering committee be formed
a seminar be held during 1999, and that
the website, to be developed and maintained

The steering committee was elected to draw up a constitution, investigate insurance, propose a fee structure, and prepare the fledgling organisation for incorporation.

The committee completed its assigned tasks quickly and a general meeting of interested clubs and organisations was held on 7 August 1998 in the Boardroom of the Council on the Ageing, Sydney.

The meeting resolved that the association be known as The Australian Seniors Computer Clubs Association Inc. (ASCCA)

The foundation office bearers for the Association were :
President Nan Bosler
Vice President Colin Ward
Vice President George Kimpton
Secretary Keith Hinchcliffe
Treasurer Bill van der Meyden
Committee Members John Notary, Bernice Shannon, George Thompson, Gil Wahlquist

The Public Officer, Keith Hinchcliffe, was requested to lodge an application for incorporation under the Associations Incorporation Act, 1984. (The Association became an Incorporated Association on 14 August 1998.)
Membership of the Association was to be open to all Computer Clubs for Seniors; Organisations with a membership of seniors; and Organisations that recognised the value of computer technology for seniors. Cost of Membership was set at $100 per year.
"The Association will advise and support; liaise with the three spheres of Government and other organisation on behalf of the membership; organise seminars and like activities; and seek out 'advantages' for members. It does not have the power to interfere with the running of any club."

Already ASCCA had been able to negotiate discounts on some software; extremely competitive insurance cover; a discounted fee for the Australian Computer Seminars for Seniors.
The website had been formed to bring together the individual Computer Clubs for Seniors, to provide information and links of interest and benefit to seniors and to promote the seminar..
The objectives for Seniors Computer Clubs were
* to ENCOURAGE seniors and people with disabilities to explore the advantages and satisfaction of using computer technology
* to EMPOWER seniors and people with disabilities by providing learning opportunities
* to EXPAND communications opportunities
* to ENCOURAGE options to enable seniors and people with disabilities to enhance their lifestyle
* to ASSIST seniors and people with disabilities in the development of skills to enhance participation in community activities
" to BRIDGE THE GAP between the generations through the use of computer technology
" to INCREASE self esteem and independence

Each Club, of course, to modify or build upon these objectives to suit their membership.

2nd Computing for Seniors Seminar 1999

The 2nd Australian Computer Seminar for Seniors Creative Computing was held on 5 May 1999 at the All Seasons Premier Menzies Hotel, Carrington Street, Sydney. It was ASCCA's major contribution to the International Year of Older Persons. Nan Bosler, President of ASCCA welcomed the participants and then handed them over to the MC for the day, Michael Darby, Performance Poet and Humorist. Michael quickly established his style and had the audience hanging on his every word as he enthralled them as he recounted the story of clancy of the Overflow. Of course, we all realised that Clancy would never have had to resort to a thumbnail dipped in tar if he had been connected to the Internet!

The Hon. Bronwyn Bishop, Minister for Aged Care (Minister for Older People as she described herself) opened the seminar. She was a most popular choice and the audience was very impressed as she covered a wide range of issues relevant to older Australians. One person commented on her evaluation form; "Mrs. Bishop was the best speaker of the day, and I actually met her!"

After morning tea the concurrent sessions began. Participants were each able to select three of the nine sessions to attend. The selection of topics proved successful with a range covering levels of ability and/or interest.

The buffet lunch was of an extremely high standard to the pleasure of those attending. A small trade display, an information stand and computers to actually try were available alll day but the peak usage was at lunch time.

The final speaker, eighty-four year old Mrs. Betty Marshall was well chosen. Her final comment is one that is likely to be oft repeated!
"You know, when I visit my friends in hostels and even nursing homes, instead of glumly contemplating my future entry, I look around to see where my computer will fit, and think happily of all the time I'll have available to work on it."

Promotion prior to the seminar was reasonable in the print media, very good on our website but outstanding on the radio. Convenor, Nan Bosler, had the opportunity to do seven radio interviews with interviewers such as Alan Jones, Mike Carlton and James Valentine. The phones rang hot and for every person who attended the seminar because of the interviews there were three immediately linked to a club.

One hundred and sixty seniors attended the seminar. From evaluation forms it has been ascertained that the seminar was successful and fully met it objectives. Participants enjoyed a seminar directed particularly at them; the range of sessions and the information available; the chance to talk with other seniors with a like interest; loved all the prizes and the welcome bag of freebies and wanted to know the date of the next one.

In the three months since the seminar five new clubs have been opened and there are another five groups preparing to hold their first public meeting to establish a steering committee.

A fabulous seminar well worth the work but only possible because of the funding from our major sponsor, Online Australia.

First AGM 1999

At the first AGM of ASCCA held on 5 November 1999 at the Bowlers Club, 95 York Street, Sydney.

After the presentation of ASCCA's reports, there were three guest speakers:

Jenelle Millyan, (NOIE), spoke of seniors using and enjoying the Internet. She complimented us on our involvement with Online Seniors Day and Women Online Week.
Neil Tucker, (COTA) spoke of some of COTA's services and the common aims of COTA and ASCCA in addressing the challenges of computer literacy for older people
David Mason (Human Rights and Equal Opportunities Commission) urged ASCCA to lodge a submission to the HREOC enquiry into access to ecommerce and new technologies for older people and people with disabilities.

All offices were declared vacant and the following were elected to the Executive:

Nan Bosler - President
Colin Ward - Vice President
Keith Hinchcliffe - Secretary
Bernice Shannon - Treasurer
Committee Members: Wal Anderson, Betty Benjamin, Frank Grosz, John Notary and George Thompson

3rd Computing for Seniors Seminar 2000

The 3rd Australian Computer Seminar for Seniors was held at the All Seasons Premier Menzies Hotel, Carrington Street, Sydney on Tuesday 23 May 2000. The seminar was convened by Bernice Shannon and planned by seniors for seniors. It provided a day of learning, interaction and encouragement and was set in an environment of excitement and fun. Information was available about existing Computer clubs. When an interested senior couldn't be linked to a club their details were added to the ASCCA database of seniors wishing to join a club.

The May 23rd Seminar at the Menzies Hotel provided a day of access to the Internet, an awareness of future trends - valuable to the beginner and the more advanced. Topics covered an introduction to the Internet for absolute beginners, buying and selling shares on the Internet, Kidz.net, which filters the net for the young, Easy Tutor and Video and the Computer. There were also sessions detailing the hardware needed to connect to the Internet, choosing an ISP- plus information about free ISPs. Assistive technology for those with a hearing impairment was also covered.

ASCCA presented the seminar at a low cost output for money careful seniors. The day cost visitors $75 and $65 for members of clubs affiliated with ASCCA. Welcome bags were provided for each visitor, the bags contained a range of products of relevance to seniors and computer technology. There were lots of lucky prizes and giveaways.

An interesting trade display enabled participants to see and talk about various products and services.

Second AGM 2000

The 2nd AGM was held on 16 November 2000 at the Bowlers Club, 95 York Street, Sydney.

The Secretary, Keith Hinchcliffe stated that the year been one of achievement. From slow, modest beginnings in 1998 ASCCA has grown to the point where we have 35 affiliated clubs representing some 11,000 seniors in NSW, Queensland and Tasmania. Our voice is recognised by 3 tiers of Government - Federal, State and Local, and we are gradually seeing councils accepting their responsibility to seniors and making facilities available for computer clubs.

Councils have for many years provided Senior Citizens Centres and other facilities. But recent audits are disclosing that many facilities are and have for years been underused; that sharing of facilities is both possible and desirable; that reappraisal of existing facilities is merited. As a consequence more councils are making provision for other users, including computer clubs for seniors.

A case in point is Hornsby Shire. Early this year a council facility at Dence Park, Epping became almost empty. The controlling body persuaded Council to repair the floor. The Epping Model Railways Group undertook to refurbish the building, using voluntary labour. Computer Pals for Seniors Epping was formed. It provided some of the voluntary labour and by early August the Club was ready to function in its new premises. Epping Club has 177 members and a waiting list of 50. The club is providing lessons for an average of 130 seniors per week.

Hornsby Shire has recently made premises available for another new club at Hornsby. An inaugural meeting was held last week. That too, will be an immediate success.

During the year Nan Bosler, our President, became ill. Nan has been much more than just our President. She has been a relentless, driving force for ASCCA, responsible for most of the initiatives undertaken by ASCCA. At the same time she won the love and respect of the Committee.

Co-operating with New England University she laid the foundation for indigenous communities to establish computer clubs. She was responsible for our becoming associated with COTA and a variety of other organisations each tackling facets of the needs and welfare of aged persons groups. Nan is an experienced negotiator with Ministers of the Crown, State and Federal. She has an intimate understanding of the interstices of Local Government. She is invaluable to ASCCA.

One would imagine that while recovering from surgery, Nan would be taking it easy. NOT SO. Even though desperately unwell at times, she still knows what is happening with ASCCA and issues a stream of directives. All this notwithstanding that we have for months had her telephone diverted and her family is said to have searched her bed for a mobile.

John Notary and Betty Benjamin undertook the task of researching and preparing the basis for a new constitution. Our present constitution needs revision, having regard to the manner in which ASCCA has evolved.

Revision of the Constitution must be addressed by the incoming committee.

In May we held our third Seminar at the Menzies Hotel, Sydney. Financially it was successful. Its success was largely due to the burden carried by Bernice Shannon organising it. Grateful thanks are due to Bernice.

A recent article published in AGE Pension News was well received throughout Australia. Wal Anderson (our Development Officer) and I were unindated with enquiries. I would have been grateful to the editorial; staff had I been asked "Do you mind if we publish your name and contact particulars?"

Wal and I can testify to the readership of AGE Pension News. Wal was in the throes of family celebrations for his Golden Wedding. I had just moved into a retirement village and had a short stay in hospital when on 26 September, all hell broke loose. I do not know how many calls Wal had. I do know that I took in excess of 270 phone calls and received a similar number of emails. It is plain that the new committee of ASCCA is in for a busy time. There is no place on the committee for status seekers or slackers. Committee work for ASCCA is no sinecure.

At the Committee's October meeting we resolved to avail ourselves of the professional services of a well established secretariat for a trial period of one year at a cost of about $3,500. To offset that cost a donation of $5000 was negotiated by Nan and Bernice.

George Thompson indicated to the last AGM his preparedness to act as a Committee member until a replacement could be found. We were pleased to welcome Maxine Gray as his replacement and co-opted Frank Grosz to our committee, along with Wal Anderson as our Club Development Officer.

Keith Hinchcliffe
Secretary
16 November 2000

After the reports had been received all positions on the committee were declared vacant and the following the elected to the new committee:

President - Nan Bosler
Vice President - Colin Ward
Secretary - vacant
Treasurer - Colin Ward
Committee Members: Wal Anderson, Betty Benjamin, Bernice Shannon

Recognition of ASCCA as a peak body

During 2001 ASCCA was recognised as a Public Benevolent Institution and the National Peak Body for Seniors and Technology. Donations over $2 to ASCCA are tax deductible.

The last meeting of the Australian Seniors Computer Clubs Association Inc. was held on 7 September 2001. The voluntary winding up of the Australian Seniors Computer Clubs Association Inc. had been completed on 20 August 2001.

Certificate of Registration of a Body Corporate as a Company was registered on 21st August 2001. Australian Seniors Computer Clubs Association is a public company limited by guarantee. ACN is 097 847 642

International Year of Volunteers celebrations 2001

The first Members Meeting of ASCCA - held on September 13, 2001 - as a company was attended by nearly 100 seniors from more than 30 clubs. It was an exciting and memorable occasion. There were four guest speakers: Mark McCormick and Philippa Redwin from Dept Ageing Disability and Home Care, spoke on the Seniors Online Strategy. David Braunstein gave a progress report on the COTA/ASCCA grant projects and Dawn Howe, from Westlakes Seniors Computer Club, encouraged us all to consider social activities as a part of a computer club programme.

Wendy Field, Section Manager, Family and Youth Section NSW State Office presented 38 IYV Awards to volunteers from Computer Clubs for Seniors. A booklet containing their citation was also given to each awardee. All clubs greatly value all of their volunteers so it was a very hard task for them to select one, or a small team, of members for these awards. However, after reading all the citations it was obvious that they had been well chosen.

Hank Jongen, National Manager, Communications & Marketing, Centrelink was the judge of the Best Club Newsletter for 2001 competition and we were delighted that he was able to present the awards. Eleven newsletters were submitted.The winners were:

First Place Computer Pals for Seniors Northern Beaches Inc. Editors Winifred Nielsen & Henri Osieck The Northern Beaches newsletter reflects an understanding of the target audience and presents an entertaining and informative publication in a very reader friendly fashion.
Second Place The Westlakes Monitor Editor Alan Joy The Westlakes Monitor effectively balances community events with computer hints and tips in a comical and entertaining style.
Third Place - Bits and Bytes: The ARV Computer Club Newsletter Editor David Hewetson Assistant Editor June Foxall Bits and Bytes succeeds in creating an eye pleasing newsletter containing useful, practical, and amusing subjects.
SAGE (Seniors Accessing Greater Education) Editor Warren Risbey SAGE presents a professional and informative newsletter exemplifying excellent graphic skills and useful technological insights.

The newsletters were graded against a common criteria. The criteria covered both the presentation and the content of the newsletters. It included the practical aspects of a computer and a community publication Hank has agreed to judge the competition again next year. A copy of his selection criteria will be sent to all clubs to help them with their entries in the Best Club Newsletter for 2002 competition.

The Celebratory Luncheon which followed the members meeting was funded by a Commonwealth Government's International Year of Volunteers 2001 Small Grant. The meeting and luncheon provided an excellent opportunity for club representatives to exchange ideas and email addresses.

President's report 2002

This is the first Annual General Meeting of the Australian Seniors Computer Clubs Association, covering the period 20 August 2001 – 30 June 2002. The voluntary winding up of ASCCA Inc. occurred on 20 August 2001 and the assets and liabilities were taken over by ASCCA. The first meeting of ASCCA as a not for profit company limited by guarantee took place on 7 September 2001. The first directors of the company were Wal Anderson, Betty Benjamin, Nan Bosler, John Notary and Colin Ward. Nan Bosler was appointed as President, Colin Ward, Vice President/Treasurer and John Notary as Company Secretary. A code of conduct for members of the board was developed and signed by all Board members.

There have been changes to the Board since that date: Paul Brenac, Ron Clark, Mark Joffe, George Kimpton and Peter King have been appointed as Board Members and resignations have been received from Wal Anderson and George Kimpton. Ron Clark is no longer eligible to be a director and will complete his term on 14 November 2002.

Negotiations were continuing with Microsoft re the grant we were to receive to employ a Club Development Officer. The purpose of the grant was to open at least 6 new clubs in rural/ outback areas, help support existing clubs and set up an office in the Sydney CBD. Space was rented from COTA (NSW) on the 4th floor, 280 Pitt Street, Sydney. A computer for the office was donated by IBM – a pre loved computer previously used at the Sydney Olympic Games, other office equipment was purchased with funding obtained from an International Year of Volunteers small equipment grant and additional equipment, furniture and stationery was purchased from the Microsoft Grant. Because of the generosity of the Microsoft eMpower Australia grant we were able to employ Malcolm Moore on 14 January 2002.

We were also pleased to welcome The Commonwealth Bank of Australia as a Sponsor.

Seniors Computer Clubs at Alloura Waters, Davistown; Broadwater, Kincumber; Carlyle Gardens, Bargara Q; Carlyle Gardens Townsville, Q; Carrington Computer Club for Seniors, Camden; COTA (NSW); Darwin, N.T., Hannaford Computer Club, Rozelle; Launceston, Tas., The Legacy Computer Club, Dee Why, Port Macquarie Seniors Computer Club, and Strathfield Association & School for Seniors joined ASCCA in the period up to the end of June. Under our constitution we can accept associate members and under that provision we were also joined by our first Corporate Member, The Mature Australian Newspaper.

A members’ meeting and celebration luncheon to mark the International Year of Volunteers was held on 13 September 2001. An IYV grant funded the event. ASCCA applauded its volunteers by presenting IYV Awards to 36 seniors nominated by their clubs. The citations for these awards have become a part of our permanent history and were published as a booklet. The winners of our first Best Club Newsletter competition were announced by Hank Jongen, National Manager, Communication and Marketing, Centrelink. Ten newsletters were submitted for judging and Computer Pals for Seniors Northern Beaches Inc. were acclaimed for the Best Newsletter for 2001. Mr. Jongen has agreed to judge the competition for 2002.

A loosely structured network with the State Library, DADHC, and ASCCA was established. Initial discussion was about library participation in Seniors Week 2002 particularly relating to use of the Internet by Seniors. Excellent information was obtained about the services available at Libraries for disabled persons.

The Members Meeting in March had a Seniors Share IT theme. It was one of ASCCA’s contributions to NSW Seniors Week. We received a small grant of $185 from DADHC. Many clubs were involved in Seniors Week, some even missed out on the members meeting because of clashing events. The following week ASCCA provided a stand at Expo 50 + for the clubs and once again the clubs provided the volunteers to help seniors learn a little about the Internet at TechnoSeniors. Newcastle club participated in the Newcastle Expo, while Campbelltown Cyber Seekers and Hurstville Club were also totally involved in local Seniors week events.

ASCCA decided to include information from the clubs about their training styles in the programs for the first two members meetings of 2002. To help identify training methods and resources being used by the clubs, representatives from six of our clubs gave short presentations in March 2002:

Maureen McDonald - Computer Pals for Seniors Epping Inc.
Carmen Stillone - Computer Pals for Seniors Concord Inc.
Gordon West - Computer Pals for Seniors West Ryde Inc.
Rick Tonkin - Carrington Computer Club for Seniors
Heather Sushames - Alloura Waters Community Club
Don McDonald - Computer Pals for Seniors Botany Inc.

Three more clubs gave presentations at the June 2002 meeting:

Barbara Joffe - Computer Pals for Seniors Eastern Suburbs Inc.
Dawn Howe - Westlakes Seniors Computer Club Inc.
Darrell Hatch – Forest Computer Pals for Seniors Inc.

It is obvious that training methods vary according to the skills of the trainers, the availability of accommodation and many other factors. Each club chooses the style that suits their members best. All speakers presented a clear picture of the training process used in their clubs. They were extremely valuable sessions and led to interested and informative discussion.

ASCCA is keen to help new clubs identify best practice when it comes to training their members.

Ron Clarke was invited by Telstra to chair one of the sessions at the Telstra Annual Forum Elecronic Communities - Problems & Potential on 14 November. Nan Bosler and Ray Lewis were speakers. As the Forum was held in Sydney it provided an excellent opportunity for Ron to attend a board meeting – previously his attention was via teleconference. The date of the next board meeting was changed to make this possible.

ASCCA also had the opportunity of presenting papers at Volunteering NSW, ”Igniting Community Spirit” IYV Seminar; the COTA National Congress, Canberra and the COMnet@nsw 2001 Conference and Expo at Homebush.

We also attended a meeting called by Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu for Microsoft, to consider the software problems associated with refurbished computers.

December saw quite a few invitations to attend Club Christmas parties. One Christmas celebration with a difference was held at Wyong TAFE, where I had the opportunity of presenting some of the certificates to graduates of an Outreach programme held to teach Seniors how to use technology. This programme had been funded as part of the Seniors IT strategy. For some members from Abermain Club it served as an excellent Train the Trainer course for their Trainers.

We were quite excited to receive an email from Davis Town, South Africa telling us that a group of seniors had downloaded our Development Kit and used it to set up a Computer Group in their retirement village. We had been aware of the use of our kit in Canada and the United States but this was a first for South Africa.

ASCCA is participating in the roundtable meetings on Computer refurbishing, hosted by the Office of Information Technology. This project is establishing a protocol for the refurbishing and distribution of computers from Government departments. We are also working with Susan Locke from OIT on the establishment of Seniors Computer Clubs in Community Technology Centres.

All ASCCA clubs have been able to acquire free copies of the Vet Anti Virus program for club computers but we were pleased to announce that ASCCA could now make this valuable software available to club members at a discounted price. We have been able to distribute Microsoft software to clubs again this year. We are most grateful to Microsoft for its generosity.

It was with great delight that we were advised that two of our clubs, Tamworth & District Seniors Computer Club Inc and Carrington Computer Club for Seniors (Camden), were successful applicants for funding from the second round of the Seniors IT Strategy. Armidale Computer Club, was also successful. Although not a member, this club was started by ASCCA and it is a pleasure to see it progressing so well. Well done to the three clubs. Strathfield Community College was also successful with their submission which had been supported by ASCCA.

ASCCA’s submissions did not receive funding, although one of the projects will be resubmitted for the next round. We are seeking alternative funding for a second, and a third one will be going ahead with different funding.

The ‘third one’ is a project being organised by the Office of Information Technology, Department for Women and ASCCA. This project will seek to establish Seniors Computer Clubs in Community Technology Centres across NSW. ASCCA is to be the project manager. This project has not yet officially started but preliminary work has been done with some of the CTCs.

ASCCA has continued to be involved in a wide range of meetings, conferences and issues relevant to seniors and technology. We participate in the Computer Refurbishing Roundtable and have been asked to join the Roundtable on IT and Mature Age People. We have attended the Melbourne and Sydney meetings of the National Telstra Consumer Consultative Council and contributed to the discussions relating to costs for seniors on limited fixed incomes. We have also joined in with the audio links organised by Telstra to address the issues surrounding broadband. Yet another paper was presented by ASCCA, this time as part of the NGOs, Government and Industry Conference. A little different this time, an overview of the excellent working relationship between ASCCA, as a NGO, DADHC representing Government and Microsoft as Industry.

Our website, www.seniorcomputing.org is growing rapidly. An FAQ (frequently asked questions) page has been added to the website. This page was developed through our partnership with Michael Collins, Edith Cowan University, Perth. WA. We have also greatly expanded our links page which now has links divided into 20 categories. It was with some pride that we were able to display our first award on our home page! Adult Learning Australia selected our website for their May, 2002, Adult Learning Website of the Month. Colin Ward is our Webmaster, congratulations Col.

Never prepared to sit back and think well that is enough involvement we have now submitted a nomination on behalf of Peter King for a position on the ACIF Consumer Advisory Council. As we neared the end of the financial year many clubs were dismayed to learn that there was every likelihood that their insurance policies would not be renewed. Insurance! Many of our clubs were insured through AON and it wasn’t until the very end of June 2002 that they were advised that their policies would be renewed but for an unknown premium! Betty Benjamin negotiated with AON on our behalf to ensure that clubs were covered for an additional month while AON worked out the cost of the premiums.

Planning for the 4th Computer Seminar for Seniors was shaping up very well by the end of June. For the first time it will be held over two days – 11th & 12th September, 9.30am – 4.30pm daily. A theme was selected for each day, Creative Computing for Day 1 and Technology Alternatives for Day 2. Cost was set at $60 for one day, $90 for two days. With a discount price for members of member clubs: $40 for one day, $60 for two. A one third discount!

It has been an exciting year. ASCCA is the National Peak Body for Seniors and Technology. We are a not for profit Company limited by Guarantee, we are a Public Benevolent Institution with tax deductibility. You have heard the wide range of opportunities we have had to participate in the development of strategies and processes to enhance the involvement of seniors with technology in Australia. We have also had the chance to inform and educate Government, Industry and the community about the needs of Seniors. It has been well worth the effort.

Ladies and Gentlemen, it has been with pride that we have represented our member clubs who are the very life-force of ASCCA. It is through your contributions that so many Seniors have become computer literate and can now enjoy the benefits and satisfaction of using computer technology.

It has been my pleasure to work with the dedicated management committees and members of the Seniors Computer Clubs and with the Directors of ASCCA. Please let me acknowledge the present members of the ASCCA Board; Colin Ward who is Vice President and Webmaster; John Notary our Company Secretary and Public Officer; Paul Brenac, Treasurer; Betty Benjamin, who looks after Insurance matters; Mark Joffe, displays and expos; Peter King, our rep. on the ACIF Consumer Advisory Council. The roles I have mentioned are, of course, only part of what they undertake. Sadly, for various reasons, several board members have retired or resigned during this first year. Their contributions are valued and acknowledged: Thank you Wal Anderson, Ron Clarke and George Kimpton. During the last 6 months we have been in the unique position of have a part time employee. It was with great relief that we began the year knowing that at last we had some assistance as we endeavoured to implement our Workplan for Growth. We welcomed Malcolm Moore with relief and expectation. He is now called the Development Manager and is know and appreciated by the clubs. Thank you very much for your contribution Malcolm.

Thank you all for your personal contributions to ASCCA and your clubs. I value your friendship and your ongoing support as we strive to assist seniors keep up with modern technology. Together we will make the work of ASCCA and the clubs even more beneficial and enjoyable for seniors in this great nation of ours.

Thank you

Nan Bosler
President, ASCCA
14 November 2002

President's report 2003

It is with great pleasure that I bring to you the annual report of the Australian Seniors Computer Clubs Association covering the period 1 July 2002 to 30 June 2003.

We began our year with news that Moocooboola Computer Club for Seniors, Hunters Hill, had been the victim of vandals who set fire to the Community Centre in which the club hold its sessions but in less than six months after that major fire Moocooboola, or should we rename the club “Phoenix”, had risen from the ashes.

Hannaford’s Seniors Computer Club was launched in July 2002. A diverse range of skills are necessary to successfully get a club, up and running. The working group that helped this club used the skills, expertise and efforts of Rotary Club members, Leichhardt Council Workers and UTS students from the Faculty of Information Technology. Ury Szewcow, Senior Lecturer, Department of Computer Systems, UTS and his students gave invaluable help to the Hannaford Seniors Computer Club (Rozelle).

ASCCA managed the Seniors Card Stand at the 5th Sydney Retirement & Lifestyle Expo at Rosehill Gardens Racecourse in August. Mark Joffe and Malcolm Moore were responsible for the stand which was staffed by club volunteers enticed by Mark.

ASCCA participated in the CTC@NSW Biannual training workshop August 7-9 at Nyngan and gave a half day workshop on Working with Seniors.

Adult Learners Week started off at the Roseville RSL Club, Sydney with a roar of motorbikes, the earthy tones of the Australian Rugby Choir, a Welsh coal miner who teaches embroidery and ASCCA showing other seniors how to use a computer. Nan Bosler, Colin Ward and Malcolm Moore represented ASCCA, Marie Bailey, Darrell Hatch and Dick Manuell were from Forest Computer Pals for Seniors while Roy Sim and Brenda Stevenson were from Computer Pals for Seniors Turramurra.

The Minister for Education, Science and Training, the Hon. Brendan Nelson MP arrived on a motorbike with the Ulysses Club to officially launch the week, which was held from 1 to 8 September.

Margaret Tucker from Moxon, Green and Associates Pty. Ltd. was commissioned to undertake the first stage of the Barrier Free Access to Computers for Seniors with Disabilities project which has been funded by a generous donation from Roche Products Pty Limited.

ASCCA proposed to develop a range of resources in both printed form and web-based, to encourage older people with disabilities to enjoy the benefits and satisfaction of using computer technology.

The 4th Australian Computer Seminar for Seniors was successfully held in Sydney on 11th & 12th September. Some 170 people attended over the two days - including representatives from 27 Seniors Computer Clubs. Computer Pals for Seniors Holroyd should take a bow! 12 members attended day 1 and 6 attended day 2!!

We had two excellent keynote speakers; The Hon. Kevin Andrews, MP, Federal Minister for Ageing on Day 1, and Dr. Dawn Linklater, Chairman of the NSW Committee on Ageing on Day 2. Each day had a theme, Day 1 was Creative Computing while Day 2 was Technology Alternatives. The speakers were all of an exceptionally high standard.

One of the speaker commented: "For my part I enjoyed the opportunity to participate immensely. I don't have many audiences so appreciative and hungry for knowledge.”

A partnership between Telstra BigPond and the Australian Seniors Computer Clubs Association (ASCCA) was announced at the Seminar by Robert Morsillo, Consumer & Business Relations Manager, Telstra. The agreement has enabled ASCCA clubs to benefit when their members sign up for Telstra BigPond Internet. This support gives Seniors Computer Clubs an opportunity to further enhance club resources for their members because Clubs now receive a contribution for every person who joins Telstra BigPond, and uses the correct dealer code when signing up. Each club has been issued with their own code number.

Seniors Computer Clubs featured well in the COTA (NSW) “Senior Clubs, Centres and Councils 2002 Awards for Good Practice”. The Awards were presented at a ceremony in October.

The winner in the Seniors Club or Group section was Westlakes Seniors Computer Club. Their citation read “Outstanding commitment in fostering computer training for older people and those with disabilities in the community.” Don Brodie accepted the award on behalf of the club.

Computer Pals for Seniors, Turramurra received a Highly Commended Award for “Best practice in the establishment of a new seniors computer club”. Dr. Ken Doyle accepted the award.

Colin Ward accepted the Recognition Award presented to Forest Computer Pals for Seniors Inc. for “Showing initiative in providing computer training to housebound people” while Barry Cody accepted Long Jetty Senior Citizens Activity Group’s Recognition Award for “Best practice in promotion of their computer group to members of the community.”

To round off the Clubs’ involvement in the awards, George Thompson, Hurstville Seniors Computer Club, accepted a Highly Commended award for the Hurstville Seniors Citizens and Community Centre, “Best practice in providing a diverse range of centre based activities for all older people.” in the Centre or Council section.

Congratulations to all the seniors computer clubs who demonstrated the quality of their contribution to seniors and technology. Our First Annual General Meeting was held on 14 November 2002 and the results of the Newsletter competition were announced. ASCCA holds an annual Best Club Newsletter competition to encourage best practice amongst its Seniors Computer Clubs across Australia. Hank Jongen, National Manager, Communication and Marketing, Centrelink and Editor of Age Pension News for Seniors, has been the judge for both years of this competition. When announcing the results of the 2002 competition, Mr. Jongen commented, “Judging the ASCCA Newsletter competition again this year I was pleased to see the progress that has been made both in regards to the number and the quality of the entries. Due to this, selecting the best newsletter was even more challenging. The winner for 2002 was Computer Pals for Seniors Epping Inc. John Addison, the Club’s Newsletter Editor, accepted the award. We were delighted to hear that Les Langston, President of Carrington Computer Club for Seniors (Camden), had been awarded a Premier’s Seniors Achievement Award in the Education/Life-Long Learning Category. His nomination began “Mr. Les Langston has been instrumental in setting up a community based club to improve and foster information technology (computer) learning for the seniors in the Camden community…” Perth, WA was the venue for the International Federation on Ageing 6th Global Conference - Maturity Matters “an interactive program that will challenge the myths around ageing” which was held 27 – 30 October 2002. The conference was attended by 1300 delegates from 27 countries. The Hon Kevin Andrews MP, Federal Minister for Ageing, in the foreword of a special edition of the Australasian Journal on Ageing considers that “…Ageing is a journey, not a destination. It is a whole of life experience that affects us all. The ageing of the population presents opportunities and challenges for every sector of society, including governments, business, local communities and individuals… June Hazzlewood, from Launceston OPEN Computer Club, Tasmania and Nan Bosler, ASCCA President both presented papers; But there was still time for meeting friends! February 2003 was an extremely busy month; it began with a trip to Mudgee where the inaugural meeting of the Mudgee U3A Computer Club was held (accompanied by some wonderful country hospitality). The following clubs have become members of ASCCA during the period of time covered by this report: Hannaford Computer Club (Rozelle); Strathfield Association & School for Seniors; The Legacy Computer Club (Dee Why); Central Coast Seniors Computer Network Inc.; Neutral Bay Seniors Computer Activity Group; Blue Mountains Seniors Computer Club; Coolah District Development Group; Computer Pals for Seniors Hornsby Inc.; U3A, Armidale Inc. Seniors Computer Club; Penrith Valley Seniors Computing Club Inc.; Rooty Hill & Districts Senior Computing Club; Mudgee U3A Computer Club; Byron Shire Seniors Computer Club; Illawarra PC Users Group (T/A Illawarra Computer Enthusiasts ICE); Springwood Neighbourhood Centre Co-op Ltd. and our first club from Western Australia - Darnell Avenue Computer Club (Mt. Pleasant WA). During February Nan Bosler presented papers at both the Australian Association of Gerontology (NSW Division) Coffs Harbour Rural Conference, “The Future of Ageing When the ‘Baby Boomers’ retire” and Telstra Consumer Consultative Council’s Annual Forum, “Broadband – Blue Skies – The Vision from Users” in Brisbane Seniors Week 2003 was a busy and eventful time for ASCCA and the Clubs. Some 20 Club events ringed the greater Sydney area and spread out into regional areas ASCCA worked with DADHC to develop major events in Springwood, Liverpool, Dee Why & Truscott Street Primary School. The Truscott Intergenerational Computer Group was opened at Truscott Street Primary School. The Hon John Watkin MP Minister for Eduction was at the launch ASCCA also participated in the Storytelling project with the RSL Veterans Retirement Village and Wheeler Heights Primary School Congratulations to these individual members and Clubs whose achievements were recognised and acknowledged with a NSW Premier’s Award. Individual Awards have been presented to : Betty Benjamin, Secretary, Moocooboola Computer Club for Seniors Inc. and ASCCA Director, “for outstanding service to the community and to NSW”, and Helen Sterland, Treasurer, Computer Pals for Seniors Epping Inc., “In recognition of her work at North Ryde Community Aid.” The following Clubs have each received a 2003 Premier’s Award. Computer Pals for Seniors Bankstown Inc., Computer Pals for Seniors - Turramurra Inc., Kogarah Seniors Computer Club Inc. and Computer Pals for Seniors Newcastle Inc. Newcastle club has also received an award from Newcastle City Council for services to seniors.

The Centenary Medal has been awarded to the following members of ASCCA clubs:

Betty Benjamin, Moocooboola Computer Club for Seniors Inc. & ASCCA Director
Maureen Foggo, Kogarah Seniors Computer Club Inc.
June Hazzlewood, co-ordinator of Launceston OPEN Computer Club
Jo Moonan, Computer Pals for Seniors Newcastle Inc.
Alby Thomas, Kogarah Seniors Computer Club Inc.
Norma Thorburn, Kogarah Seniors Computer Club Inc.
Bill van der Meyden, Endeavour Seniors Computer Club Inc.
Gil Walquist, Moocooboola Computer Club for Seniors Inc.

During the last financial year we were able to employ a Clubs Development Officer, Malcolm Moore, thanks to funding provided by Microsoft, DADHC & the Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation.

ASCCA is most grateful to the Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation for funding which will allow us to employ our part time Development Manager, Malcolm Moore, for a further twelve months. ASCCA is a public benevolent institution with a limited funding base so this generosity will greatly enhance the service that can be provided to help with the establishment of new Seniors Computer Clubs and the support of existing clubs. The Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation provides distributions to not-for-profit organisations in Australia, principally in New South Wales for public charitable purposes.

I have given you a brief overview of the events and activities that have been undertaken by ASCCA, and a little about the achievements of the individual clubs and their members. During the 12 months covered by this report together we have continued to enthuse, encourage, empower and assist seniors to explore the satisfaction and advantages of using computer technology.

This has been possible because of the invaluable contributions that have been made to their communities by the clubs and by the role accepted by the ASCCA Directors. It has been a pleasure to work with the clubs; we have been pleased to accept invitations to visit some of you and have sought to keep in touch with you all through our newsletter and web site. Do I hear you murmur and your many emails!

Strong bonds of friendship have developed between the members of the Board as we have worked together to help start new clubs, support existing clubs when the need has arisen, seek out discounts for clubs and their members, liaise with the three spheres of government, other organisations and the corporate world, and to organise seminars and expos.

We are extremely grateful for the encouragement and financial support given to us by Microsoft, Commonwealth Bank, Telstra, Roche Products Pty Limited, Office of Information Technology, the Department of Ageing Disability and Home Care, The Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation and our corporate members. Together, ladies and gentlemen, ASCCA and the Clubs have grown and developed, enhancing the lives of many seniors, and in the coming year we look forward to bringing to fruition several important projects and continuing to enthuse, encourage, empower and assist seniors to become computer literate.

Thank you.

Nan Bosler
President, Australian Seniors Computer Clubs Association
6 November 2003

President's report 2004

It is with great pleasure that I present the annual report of the Australian Seniors Computer Clubs Association covering the period 1 July 2003 to 30 June 2004.

We held our first Adaptive Technology Seminar/Expo on 22 August 2003. There was an excellent range of speakers and exhibitors covering different software and hardware that is available to assist seniors to keep using their computers. One of our speakers was John Blades, described as a satisfied Adaptive Technology user.

John was an outstanding speaker and gained our utmost respect and awe at the way he managed his computer. ASCCA 'launched' two new brochures at the Seminar/Expo, one focusing on computer usage by those who have difficulties with hand movements and the second for those with vision impairment. A general 4 page information fact sheet was made available, on that day, on our website www.seniorcomputing.org and through the Seniors Information Service.

This event was the culmination of our Barrier Free Access to Computers for Seniors with a Disability project. ASCCA is aware that a significant proportion of older people have a disability, such as difficulty with vision, or lack of fine motor skills. Many such people remain physically or socially isolated, particularly those who live alone and are isolated from family. Such people could benefit greatly from computer usage. Many can be helped by using Adaptive Technology.

This project was funded by Roche Products Pty Limited and the research was undertaken by Margaret Tucker one of Moxon Green and Associates’ consultants. It is with great pleasure that I acknowledge that Margaret has now become a member of ASCCA’s board.

Because of the funding provided by Roche we were able to hold the seminar, and included an excellent lunch, for the low amount of $20.

All participants also received a bonus discount of $10 off the cost of the 5th Australian Computer Seminar for Seniors which was held at Hornsby. We chose a site away from the CBD and on a train line to make it easy for more members to attend, and at $45 for two days ($35 if you also came to the Adaptive Technology Seminar) the value was outstanding. We had stacks of lucky door prizes including copies of Windows XP Office Professional! It is interesting to think that our first seminar cost $65 for one day! It isn’t often that prices go down, but we managed to do it. The $1000 from Seniors Card and $1000 from the Australian Seniors Newspaper helped us keep the costs down.

The theme for the Seminar was the Internet. Our keynote speaker for day one was The Hon. Carmel Tebbutt MLC Minister for Ageing and all the speakers over the next two days opened a variety of doorways onto the Internet to help participants explore different ways to use, enjoy and benefit from the Internet. We also welcomed three International guests from the USA and Wales.

Cr. John Muirhead, Mayor of Hornsby was our keynote speaker on day two. Terry Asla who is the Founder and Director, of the Resource Learning Centre at Larksfield Place, Kansas USA inspired us with stories about his centre. The centre provides computer training for residents and staff, manages the English as Second Language program for foreign born employees, and has served as a State technology training site for older workers.

He is also the Founder and Director of the I, Witness to History, the Online Library of Our Lives. Since 1996, the project has preserved the life stories of nearly 100 older persons on the Web and published 27 as large print books (1996 to present).

Terry’s enthusiasm has encouraged us to expand the Life Stories page on the ASCCA website and club members are encouraged to share their stories.

ASCCA was involved in a wonderful storytelling project run as a part of the NSW Seniors Week 2003 program. Five of the stories preserved in the Pass it on booklet can be viewed on our website.

The second exciting development from the seminar was the announcement that the IBM Web Adaptation Technology Software is now available, without cost to any member of an ASCCA Seniors Computer Club.

This software will enable members with poor eyesight to access the Internet and enjoy looking at websites. They will be able to change the size of the print, the font, the colours and stop those annoying flashing graphics thereby customising their computer to suit their own particular needs. Some 30 clubs have been encouraging members to make use of this most useful software.

ASCCA had the opportunity to submit comments on electronic Banking and financial services. In April 2002 the Australian Bankers’ Association (ABA) released a series of voluntary industry standards covering accessible ATMs, EFTPOS, Telephone and internet banking. Subsequently a number of ABA members have committed to adopting the standards, in part or in full.

These standards were developed by the ABA in consultation with the disability sector, major Banks, Credit Unions, Building Societies, the retail sector and the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission; they are aimed at ensuring best practice in the provision of accessible financial services.

The ABA completed its review of the technical aspects of the standards and found that the standards were still appropriate. The Commission also had in-depth discussions with a number of banks about their approach to, and timeframe for, the implementation of the voluntary standards. The Commission believed that it was an appropriate time to gauge the initial impact and awareness of the standards.

The commission sought information about recent experiences consumers may have had with electronic financial services since the standards were released. Margaret Tucker prepared our response. It was an excellent piece of work, thanks Margaret, and can be viewed on our website.

Malcolm Moore became our first Development Officer in January 2002, and his employment was funded for the first 12 months from a Microsoft eMpower grant. We managed to string together a few small grants to keep him employed after that grant came to an end, but imagine our delight when we received a distribution in 2003 from the Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation which enabled us to continue employing him! The financial support from the Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation was vitally important to us. It enabled us to continue to grow and develop ASCCA and maintain the expanded focus we have been able to adopt with the assistance of a part time employee.

When Malcolm felt it was time to move on, we selected Elly Fleming to become our one part time employee. We received a grant from IBM to support the introduction of the IBM Web Adaptation Technology software in November 2003 and that enabled us to increase Elly’s employment to 4 days a week.

I had several meetings with WorkVentures. Neighbourhood Technical Centres are being set up in Housing Estates and we discussed ways to work with them, specifically with seniors who use these centres.

I also attended a meeting with Julie Inman, Beth Worrell and Barbara Bridges re new opportunity to extend Microsoft sponsorship through the Microsoft Unlimited Potential programme. As a result of that meeting a submission was made and I’m pleased to be able to report that we received a grant which has enabled us to maintain Elly’s employment for a further 12 months.

Again we were successful in obtaining a partnership grant with DADHC. The three TechnoSeniors Expo/Seminars at Burwood, Dee Why and Penrith, which were the main purpose of our partnership, reached or exceeded their anticipated attendance. A large number of Chinese seniors attended the event at Burwood and we hoped to gain a number of them as members of the new Seniors Computer Club that was to be formed at Burwood. The enthusiasm engendered by the TechnoSeniors event helped lead to the actual establishment of that club. We were able to purchase recycled computers from WorkVenture to use at the Burwood Expo. These computers were then handed on to the emerging Burwood Seniors Computer Club.

An interpreter came with the Chinese participants and we were able to organise with the Commonwealth Bank stand that a Chinese member of the Burwood branch attend the Expo to help them understand how to use an ATM. All three events were supported by local Seniors Computer Clubs and the local Council.

The most time consuming part of our program turned out to be the Ring around Sydney! We ended up with 29 Seniors Computer Club activities ringing Sydney and spreading out into the regions listed on the ASCCA website.

There was also concern expressed by some clubs about the description of their event on the Seniors Week website. They would have liked to have seen events carefully described so that seniors didn’t get the idea that they could come along to a half day event and be taught how to use a computer!

All participating clubs are to be congratulated for the excellent ways in which they celebrated Seniors Week and promoted the value of technology for seniors.

A lot of time was spent preparing tenders for the Seniors IT Grants program and the Volunteers Small Equipment grants 2004.

ASCCA was involved in 4 submissions. Two with Work Ventures, one with Electric Paper and a fourth one seeking funding to employ a Clubs Development Officer for the Hunter Region. We were also involved with several other submissions as a referee.

We were disappointed to miss out on round one of the Volunteers small equipment grant but pleased when a round two was announced and this time we were successful and received funding to purchase a data projector. We waited for the results of the Seniors IT Grants, not quite daring to hope that we would be successful. Then the news.

ASCCA had successfully tendered for a Seniors IT Grant from the Department of Ageing Disability and Home Care to provide training for trainers of the Rooty Hill, Liverpool and Emu plains Seniors Computer Clubs. Eighteen trainers were to be trained in the use of the Electric Paper program Everyday Computing. Getting started on the Internet. These trainers would then go back to their home clubs and train members in this introductory program.

It is estimated that between 300 and 500 members will be able to undertake this program which will help them to understand the Computer Desktop; use a mouse; learn how to access the Internet and the World Wide Web and send emails.

28 June 2004 was an exciting day. The Hon. John Howard, MP, Prime Minister of Australia and Mr. Bill Gates, Microsoft Chairman and Chief Software Architect, launched Unlimited Potential (UP), a Microsoft community initiative to ’help people across Australia overcome the ‘digital divide’ regardless of their circumstances.’

Launching the Unlimited Potential program, the Hon. John Howard, MP, Prime Minister of Australia said,

Partnerships between the business sector, the community and Government are the best ways to develop solutions to improve people's daily lives.

Microsoft’s Unlimited Potential community program is a powerful example of how organisations working together can not only broaden and enrich the experience and outcomes for each of the groups involved, but I believe will help thousands of Australians realise a greater degree of technological literacy to help them participate more actively in our community’s future.

David Bennett has John Howard and Bill Gates waving to members of the COTA Computing Club via webcam at the launch of the Microsoft Unlimited Potential Programme.

Microsoft will provide more than AU$40 million over 5 years to build a network of community technology learning centres (CTLCs) across the country. Centres being linked by this network will include ASCCA Seniors Computer Clubs, Inspire Foundation Beanbag Net Centres, WorkVentures Connect, Yanteen Centres and The Smith Family.

The Foundation Partners with Microsoft in the exciting Unlimited Potential program are The Smith Family, Australian Seniors Computer Clubs Association (ASCCA), WorkVentures, Inspire Foundation and Yanteen Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Corporation.

Mr. Gates said at the launch event:

Microsoft, through partnering with these highly respected community groups, is able to provide much needed technological resources, skills training and support to people who need help in overcoming the digital divide. We believe Unlimited Potential can help make a positive difference to the lives of many who feel isolated through their lack of technology skills.”

Mr. Steve Vamos, Managing Director, Microsoft Australia said that Microsoft’s long history with each of the partners demonstrates the company's long term commitment to Unlimited Potential.

Microsoft Australia has been working with WorkVentures, The Smith Family, Inspire Foundation, ASCCA and Yanteen for many years. Our long term commitment to Unlimited Potential is backed by substance, support and passion for helping Australian Communities.

So far 55 ASCCA Senior Computer Clubs have registered for the Unlimited Potential programme. The clubs eagerly anticipating the arrival of the training program that has been developed for the UP programme. ASCCA has been working with the other foundation partners to ensure that Seniors Computer Clubs will be greatly advantaged by the Unlimited Potential programme.

ASCCA’s credibility and public profile have increased considerably since the publicity created by the launch. Which far outweighs the problems caused by the general belief within the community that ASCCA had actually received ‘at least $8 million in cash’!!! Some people took a lot of persuading that the great benefits of the programme were mostly ‘in-kind’.

The Digital Photography Happening at Mittagong – Highland Imagery – was held during the first week of July which is just outside the scope of this report but I have decided to include it and will quote a report received from Bert and June Hazzlewood, Launceston, Older Electronic Network Seniors Computer Club:

Finding that the ASCCA Digital Photography Workshop coincided with our annual trip to the North Island, we were very pleased that we were able to make the detour. This is our very sincere thankyou for a wonderfully stimulating couple of days in July.

In the evaluation we were asked to describe the workshop in one word – I think I said Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious. Bert was more down to earth with his Incomparable, but the general idea is that we both thoroughly enjoyed the experience which could also have been described as friendly, interesting, informative, exciting, encouraging, entertaining, inspiring, well-organised and so on.

The venue, the Mittagong RSL Club with its attached Motel was an ideal setting for the workshop, which was so competently conducted by ASCCA staff, members and invited presenters who were experts in their own fields. The thought provoking Workshop topics included: Enjoying Your Digital Photograph or “Do neat things with your stuff”, All about Printers and Paper (with a sample bag per courtesy of Canon), Archiving Images, Hardware and Software, How to achieve special effects with clever digital image enhancements. such as adding clouds to a cloudless sky and much much more.

There was opportunity for hands-on practice in the computer room which was set up by ASCCA members and, at the end of each day, to join in pleasant social activities. A highlight of the Workshop Dinner was the after-dinner speaker, who gave a most interesting address entitled “Bridging the Murray”, illustrated by poster-sized photographs. Bert was happy to decant his keyboard and we were treated to an old-fashioned sing-along by some of the more vocal members.

ASCCA greatly appreciated the support of the Southern Highlands Computer User Group in the staging of the Highland Imagery Workshop.

The Consumers’ Telecommunications Network Conference was held in March and I had the opportunity to present a paper about ASCCA. I was co-opted to the Consumer Telecommunications Network Council as an individual member but have since been elected to the council as ASCCA’s representative. I also represent ASCCA on the Telstra Consumer Consultative Council and the Australian Communications Industry Forum Consumer Advisory Council.

Kathy Caddick from the Berri Senior Citizens Club Inc. represents ASCCA on the Consumer Telecommunications Network and Telecommunications Consumer Group SA. ASCCA is always willing to endeavour to direct any problems you may have regarding Telecommunications to the right person to get a meaningful answer.

There were three competitions organised for members and clubs this year; The Best Club Newsletter; The Best Club Website; and a Digital Photography Competition. Very shortly the winners of these competitions will be announced.

My report covers the major activities of the financial year 2003/2004, the financial report will fill you in on the money side of things. The past 18 months have been action packed! New events, additional opportunities, additional funding from sponsors, even a new Training Officer.

ASCCA has taken its place very firmly as the National Peak Body for Seniors and Technology and this has been possible because we have been able to work as a team as we develop and grow ASCCA to meet the needs of seniors as they realise the great advantages to be gained by becoming computer literate.

This great team comprises the clubs, our staff, our sponsors and the Board. Our team starts with the individual clubs and their volunteer trainers and management committee members who provide a non threatening environment where seniors can brush aside their fear of computers and learn how to master that ‘new fangled machine’ that previously had them bluffed.

We are lucky to be able to add two part time staff to the team! Our Clubs Development Officer and our new Training Officer who are always ready to provide the support, encouragement and friendly interaction you need whenever you contact them.

ASCCA needs the support of our sponsors – they keep us going! We have no core funding and have a guaranteed income of less that $10,000 a year, but as you will see from our financial report, we spend a great deal more than that! Our sponsors are very important to us and we are most grateful for their trust in us.

The team is completed by a board made up of nine dedicated seniors all committed to the philosophy and work of ASCCA, the clubs and their members. May I thank you all personally. I greatly value your support, encouragement and friendship. Together we make a difference.

Thank you.

Nan Bosler
President
Australian Seniors Computer Clubs Association
11 November 2004

President's report 2005

You can download the president's report for the period covering July 1 2004 to June 30, 2005 at Annual report 2004-05 in PDF format (331 KB) or Annual report 2004-05 in Word format (2.5 MB).

President's report 2006

You can download the president's report for the period covering July 1 2005 to June 30, 2006 at Annual report 2005-06 in PDF format (340 KB).

The first two pages are blank, so view and/or print from page 3.

President's report 2007

You can download the president's report for the period covering July 1 2006 to June 30, 2007 at Annual report 2006-07 in PDF format (323 KB).