We have developed training courses specifically for our Senior Citizens so that they can learn about computers without feeling under pressure to keep up with the "youngsters". Membership is open to Novocastrian residents over the age of 55 years, as well as residents of nearby Local Council areas.
Teaching is provided by a band of volunteers,prepared to share their knowledge and give their time, so that we can provide training at minimum cost.
Being a member of ASCCA (Australian Seniors Computer Clubs Association), we have access to ASCCA's resources and links to other Seniors' Computing Clubs throughout Australia.
As well as our computing sessions and meetings,we arrange outings for our members, so on our web site you'll find details of upcoming events and also a record of recently completed activities.
The three CDs used as integral parts of the courses will be available for purchase at an individual cost of $20. The CDs have been revised and contain all our courses. Presentations can be viewed in either HTML or PPT format, while notes are in DOC and PDF format.
Necessary viewers are included for those people who do not have the Microsoft programs on their computers.
GrantsWe have received four major grants of software from Microsoft under the Microsoft Software Donation Program and because of these grants, we have been able to save considerable amounts which have been spent ensuring that our computers are at current industry standards.
Another grant was for $500 from Newcastle City Council. This money was used to pay the expenses involved with our first seminar on Adaptive Technology.
A grant of $4,000 was received from the Area Assistance Scheme and allowed us to purchase additional computers and web-cams so that we can offer the very best of equipment and software to our members.
Our most recent grant of $2,600 was for the Telstra Connected Seniors program in which members learnt how to take advantage of their mobile phones' facilities