HISTORY

We began in August 2000 with just over 50 people. Since then our group's annual active membership remains in excess of 400 people and over 1600 people have passed through the club, with some of our original members still with us, either as "learners" or "tutors".

Initially we had no home - no computers - no idea of where we were going - BUT - we did have a lot of enthusiasm and a team of people prepared to work to make the club a success. Our first "home" was at Merewether Public School for about nine months. Then we moved to the Newcastle City Council Computer Training Room for 2001 and although the facility was excellent, we still wanted some place to call our own.

2002 saw us with a permanent home at Islington Public School in a heritage building with rooms for our computers as well as meetings.

We started with only 4 men as tutors but now have over 40 volunteer tutors who are the backbone of the club. Needless to say, the more tutors we have, the better the services we can provide - so more tutors are always welcome.

Our original training methods have improved considerably since our beginnings with printed training manuals, a training CD and the use of a software program which allows the lead tutor to display one screen on all computers.

During October 2003, we conducted our first public seminar to which community groups were invited to participate. The topics were all related to the uses of Adaptive Technology aimed at assisting people with visual, hearing and fine motor control difficulties.

At the end of 2004 and the first quarter of 2005 we saw the arrival of new desks, designed specifically for our use. Now the room looks professional and we've received numerous compliments on the practicality and the appearance of the design. ( see picture on right)