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Yinnar benefits from public Internet project

A project to provide public Internet access in rural communities was recently launched in Latrobe City

By Latrobe City Council - 26th March 2002 - Back to News

A project to provide public Internet access in rural communities was recently launched in Latrobe City by the Mayor, Councillor Brendan Jenkins, at the Yinnar Community Hotel.

Cr Jenkins said ‘Yinnar e-gaps’ was part of a wider State Government project called ‘Connecting Victoria’ designed to deliver the benefits of technology to all Victorians; and the Yinnar community was the first beneficiary in the municipality.

"Rural residents are often disadvantaged by sheer distance from public Internet facilities, usually located in public libraries in larger towns. Connecting Victoria attempts to overcome those difficulties by providing public Internet access within a rural community, in this case, the community of Yinnar," Cr Jenkins said.

"The Yinnar e-gaps project site hosts two Internet ready computers as well as a laser printer. Volunteers will play an integral part of this project, as they will be supporting users of the facility. All volunteers will be trained in the use of the Internet so they can assist members of the general public that access the facility.

"Operating from the Yinnar General Store in Main Street, the project is supported by the Yinnar and District Community Association and funded to operate for a two year period by the Victorian Government in partnership with Latrobe City Council. After the two years, it is intended that the project will become self-sustaining," Cr Jenkins explained.

The Minister for Information and Communication Technology, Marsha Thomson, congratulated the Council on the innovative use of the funding.

Ms Thomson said the funding was part of the State Government's $1.3 million e-gaps program, which aimed to address the gaps in Victoria's public Internet access network.

"This e-gaps funding will make it easier for local residents to access the Internet and the enormous benefits it brings. E-gaps is another commitment by the State Government, as part of its Connecting Victoria policy, to deliver the benefits of technology to all Victorians," Ms Thomson concluded.

For further information on e-gaps, contact Teresa Pugliese, Latrobe Community Service Centres Coordinator on telephone 1300 367 700.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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