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E-Awareness Week event in Bega: Security on the Internet

A public forum and hands-on training for seniors

Australian Seniors Computer Clubs Association (ASCCA) representatives will hold a public forum for seniors at the Sertec Centre, 163 Auckland Street, Bega, between 10 am and 12 noon on Monday 23 October to generate interest in forming a Seniors Computer Club in the district.  This will be followed by a light lunch, a presentation about Security on the Internet at 1pm and two one-hour training sessions on Internet Security, each for 12 people, at either 2.00 pm or 3.00 pm.

The morning forum is open to all seniors in the Bega Valley.  ASSCA’s Clubs Development Officer, Margaret Tucker will promote the benefits to existing seniors computer groups of joining the Association and/or setting up seniors computer clubs in the Bega Valley Shire.

Training officer, Peter Stanhope will set up ASCCA’s portable lap-top laboratory to enable registered seniors to have a hands-on experience with the Internet. Hand-outs and a CD with valuable antivirus software will be available. Bookings by Thursday, October 19 are essential.  Contact ASCCA on office@seniorcomputing.org or phone (02) 9286 3871.

Since 1998, ASCCA has assisted communities throughout Australia to set up and develop computer clubs where computer-savvy retirees share their knowledge with novice computer users in a friendly and fun filled environment. Courses range from learning to use a mouse through to digital photography, family history and transferring vinyl records to CD.

“Seniors know exactly what they want to use computers for, and they want to do it in their own way at their own pace, and moreover they want learning to be fun”, Nan Bosler, ASCCA’s President said. “Seniors are interested in using information technology to communicate with far flung friends and relatives, to bank and shop online, to research family history and other leisure interests, learn new skills and even to remain in the workforce or assist in a family business.”

Clubs range from small groups in retirement villages, Universities of the Third Age, and Community Technology Centres to larger incorporated community associations with up to 500 members.  At any one time, ASCCA clubs offer courses and presentations to over 20,000 seniors around Australia.

E-Security Awareness Week, a federal government initiative is being celebrated in the week commencing October 23.