July 2002

Tenants turn on, tune in to technology

Tenants from Fitzroy’s Atherton Gardens high-rise estate have become part of an Australia-first project that will provide them with personal computers and internet access.

Reach for the Clouds: e-ACE (electronic-Atherton Community Enterprise) is a groundbreaking partnership between the Victorian Government, community organisations and the private sector that will provide recycled computers to nearly 800 households in four high-rise buildings in Fitzroy.

Each household will get a free computer, email and a community intranet—including newspapers in multiple languages—as well as cheap access to the internet.

‘Already, more than 200 computers have been installed in units on the Atherton Gardens estate,’ Community Services and Housing Minister Bronwyn Pike said.

‘Reach for the Clouds is an exciting project that will give residents a chance to learn new skills, adapt to new technology and get better access to health and employment services.

‘This fantastic project is about empowering people and giving them access to powerful learning tools—and an enormous range of services, including the internet.

A volunteer-run training centre has been established and about 300 residents have already received training.

Computers have been donated through the Government’s Green PC program, developed by the Community Jobs Program in partnership with the non-profit agency InfoXchange Australia.

The Government is also a major contributor through a Community Support Fund grant of $820,000 for staff and support and $300,000 from the Office of Housing to install electronic cabling to the four high-rise towers.

InfoXchange will also provide computers and technical support and help train residents.

‘Reach for the Clouds is a fully-fledged Community Building partnership that includes residents, State and local government, the private sector and community organisations,’ Ms Pike said.

Other major contributors to the project include Microsoft, Hewlett Packard, Swinburne University of Technology, Multimedia Victoria, the City of Yarra, the Brotherhood of St Laurence, Jesuit Social Services, Outreach Victoria and local businesses in the Fitzroy area.