IT Bands Together To Bridge Digital Divide
Announcement posted by Tech Pacific 10 Jun 2001
The official opening of Sydney's Street Level Internet Caf on June 13 will mark an important step in bridging the Digital Divide, thanks largely to support from local IT companies.
"The Internet caf, which provides both meals and Internet access for the disadvantaged and homeless, is a clear demonstration of the positive impact technology can have on people's lives," commented David Higgins, Networking Category Manager of leading Australian IT distributor Tech Pacific.
Tech Pacific not only donated seven Compaq computers worth some $10,000 to the project, but was also instrumental in getting industry support. Hewlett-Packard supplied the printers, while NETGEAR was responsible for the networking.
"The Digital Divide," said Mr Higgins, "is not just about global issues. It's evident right here on our own doorstep. And, the Street Level Internet Caf is breaking new ground in bridging this divide."
The Internet caf is the brainchild of Salvation Army Oasis Youth Support Network Director, Captain Paul Moulds, and of the Rotary Club of Sydney Cove. It is already attracting the attention of street kids, who arrive in increasing numbers each week.
"Recent research has highlighted the growing divide between those in the community who have access to IT and those who don't," commented Captain Moulds. "While poor, uneducated and unemployed youth residing in regional areas have limited access to IT, however, many have a keen interest.
"This is just a small step to addressing this situation, and learning more about what is possible and what will work," he said.
Captain Moulds thanked the companies involved for their interest and support. "This was a significant donation, involving not only equipment, but much time and expertise to get it all up and running," he said.
David Cullen, Managing Director of Tech Pacific, which also supports a range of other community initiatives including the Starlight Foundation, said the company was especially pleased that it was able to support this project.
"It's wonderful to be involved in such a groundbreaking initiative, which is providing street kids with a way to lift themselves by giving them not only a place to go, but also a taste of the IT world via access to computers and the Internet," said Mr Cullen.
Other IT companies supporting the Internet caf, which can be found on the first floor of 339 Crown Street, Darlinghurst, include Microsoft, Telstra and reseller Fulton Networks.
About Tech Pacific:
Tech Pacific Australia Pty Ltd (Tech Pacific) had its beginnings in 1981 as a broad-based distributor of information technology products. When it comes to distributing technology products and services, the Tech Pacific Group stands alone as the largest and most successful organisation of its kind in the Asia Pacific region. The company has a turnover in Australia exceeding A$1 billion and has achieved outstanding growth through capable management, clear strategies for expansion and specialised distribution systems that are second to none. Over the years, Tech Pacific has carefully refined its strategies and systems, creating a unique business formula that has set it apart from its competitors and made it the distributor of choice for the world's leading suppliers of IT&T products.
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"The Internet caf, which provides both meals and Internet access for the disadvantaged and homeless, is a clear demonstration of the positive impact technology can have on people's lives," commented David Higgins, Networking Category Manager of leading Australian IT distributor Tech Pacific.
Tech Pacific not only donated seven Compaq computers worth some $10,000 to the project, but was also instrumental in getting industry support. Hewlett-Packard supplied the printers, while NETGEAR was responsible for the networking.
"The Digital Divide," said Mr Higgins, "is not just about global issues. It's evident right here on our own doorstep. And, the Street Level Internet Caf is breaking new ground in bridging this divide."
The Internet caf is the brainchild of Salvation Army Oasis Youth Support Network Director, Captain Paul Moulds, and of the Rotary Club of Sydney Cove. It is already attracting the attention of street kids, who arrive in increasing numbers each week.
"Recent research has highlighted the growing divide between those in the community who have access to IT and those who don't," commented Captain Moulds. "While poor, uneducated and unemployed youth residing in regional areas have limited access to IT, however, many have a keen interest.
"This is just a small step to addressing this situation, and learning more about what is possible and what will work," he said.
Captain Moulds thanked the companies involved for their interest and support. "This was a significant donation, involving not only equipment, but much time and expertise to get it all up and running," he said.
David Cullen, Managing Director of Tech Pacific, which also supports a range of other community initiatives including the Starlight Foundation, said the company was especially pleased that it was able to support this project.
"It's wonderful to be involved in such a groundbreaking initiative, which is providing street kids with a way to lift themselves by giving them not only a place to go, but also a taste of the IT world via access to computers and the Internet," said Mr Cullen.
Other IT companies supporting the Internet caf, which can be found on the first floor of 339 Crown Street, Darlinghurst, include Microsoft, Telstra and reseller Fulton Networks.
About Tech Pacific:
Tech Pacific Australia Pty Ltd (Tech Pacific) had its beginnings in 1981 as a broad-based distributor of information technology products. When it comes to distributing technology products and services, the Tech Pacific Group stands alone as the largest and most successful organisation of its kind in the Asia Pacific region. The company has a turnover in Australia exceeding A$1 billion and has achieved outstanding growth through capable management, clear strategies for expansion and specialised distribution systems that are second to none. Over the years, Tech Pacific has carefully refined its strategies and systems, creating a unique business formula that has set it apart from its competitors and made it the distributor of choice for the world's leading suppliers of IT&T products.
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