WorkVentures has celebrated the delivery of its 20,000th low cost computer, providing low-income Australian households with access to quality, internet-ready PCs at an affordable price.
At a presentation on 29 July 2009, CEO Arsenio Alegre said the WorkVentures’ Connect IT computer reuse program has a three-way benefit for Australians. “The program provides companies with a cost-efficient way of giving a new lease of life to their used computers, while giving a helping hand to the communities they serve,” Mr Alegre said.
“WorkVentures then refurbishes those PCs and provides thousands of financially disadvantaged families, individuals, schools and not-for-profit organisations with affordable computers. By far the most important benefit comes from being able to increase access to technology, but the program also benefits the environment, as the life of the equipment is extended and waste is kept out of landfill.”
Mr Alegre said that the Connect IT program was a living example of the social benefits that partnership between the community, government and private sectors could deliver. Through the program, organisations such as Westpac provide the PCs while Microsoft provides the software through its On My Way community program.
“Centrelink and Housing NSW are major supporters of WorkVentures’ Connect IT program, helping year-round to promote to their clients the availability of low cost PCs,” Mr Alegre said. “Information on the program has been available from Centrelink and Housing NSW offices and call centres.”
Federal Minister for Human Services, Chris Bowen MP, presented Sydney resident Mrs Jennifer Arnold with a special gift to celebrate the delivery of the 20,000th low-cost PC. The Minister presented Mrs Arnold with a free PC that has been upgraded with the latest Microsoft software, Office 2007, extra RAM and a DVD burner.
Also present were NSW Minister for Housing The Hon David Borger MP and Director-General of Housing NSW Mr Mike Allen, John Galligan Director of Corporate Affairs at Microsoft, and Randy Fennel, General Manager, Engineering & Sustainability for The Westpac Group.
Mr Borger said access to a computer can play a part in improving both the quality of life and life chances for people experiencing disadvantage and social exclusion.
Mr Alegre thanked Connect IT's foundation partners Westpac and Microsoft. Westpac helped to establish the program in 2002, recognising the business, social and environmental benefits to be gained, and has since donated more than 14,000 computers to the program.
“Westpac is proud to be involved with this innovative program and we look forward to continuing to identify new opportunities to expand the reach of the program,” said Randy Fennel from The Westpac Group.
Computers donated to the Connect IT program are refurbished by WorkVentures and loaded with software donated by Microsoft.
“In this digital age, income and social disadvantage can no longer be tolerated as barriers to having access to IT tools and skills. Australia’s future requires that we do all we can to help the vulnerable and those who come from disadvantaged backgrounds to gain modern, relevant and meaningful skills to participate in a digitally connected world,” said John Galligan, Director of Corporate Affairs at Microsoft Australia.
Find out more about WorkVentures’ Connect IT computer reuse program, or call 1800 11 22 05.
