[Computerbank] remembering all the things we should do

[Bruce McCubbery]

Hello Steve, Colin and all,

I certainly think everything we are all doing should be appearing on this
list, Steve. I won't understand much about the "future documentation
lifecycle needs of Computerbank" but I sure like seeing how much you all
are doing.

It is helping others like me know how big we are and how much out-of-sight
work is going on. It's encouraging and gives me more ammo when I'm sussing
around for others who might be interested to join us. 

What else is going on that this list hasn't heard about, guys?

Like, what's happening in NSW Colin ... and how can the rest of us help
you? What is your biggest problem? This is a NATIONAL list with us all
helping each other, across Australia.

We certainly need to be told about it all and have somewhere to check about
every little bit people are working on ... just in case we might be able to
help or know someone else who would be interested to.

Don (in Mudgee NSW) suggested several things earlier and, given the time in
his own busy schedule, could probably do them all. He's done heaps in other
volunteering areas. The thing is, he like everyone else, has his max.
commitment available. 

Not being able to follow through is, in my mind, no reason not to suggest.
It's not as valuable if the person can't for whatever reason head up the
effort suggested but ideas are valuable -- and sometimes a willing
volunteer not knowing what to do to help will be pleased to find *their
thing*, what interests them and they can do, come up.

To remind everyone, Don asked about and provided some info on:

* grant funding applications
* a Linux skills database
* organisations that help provide volunteers
* interaction with other organisations in the bush likely to be interested
in Computerbank
* a possible (outside Computerbank) Help Desk which might provide answers
for recipients of our computers

I hope we come up with a way to keep track of suggestions like these and
persist with each of them as soon as we can. One way being to dig up (one
way or another) those who could do it.

Various terms and acronyms Don used might not have been clear to everyone.
Telecentres have been established across Australia in the past few years
introducing people to the Internet and Web as part of the Networking the
Nation initiative; CTCs (Community Technology Centres?) are in a way
advanced forms of these, moving into more permanent advanced technology
areas; Rural Transaction Centres (RTCs) are the answer for towns losing
their banking and other services and they often include access to the
Internet. From all of this, many people are now keen to have their own home
access. Enter, for the disadvantaged, Computerbank.

Bruce (Melb)

>>1/ Has CB applied for any grant funding? 
>> - There is a great deal available,
>>especially for activities benefiting regional, rural, remote, and indigenous
>>communities. Some of these grants can be up to $200K for eligible projects,
>>and the fact that CB is not a finalised 'entity' (am I right?) is not a
>>prohibitor to applying for, or receiving a grant - in fact many of the
>>available grants include provision for management planning and the legal
>>aspects of organisational start-up (there is an excellent online publication
>>called 'Commonwealth Assistance for Local Projects' outlining many of the
>>available grants at: http://www.dotrs.gov.au/regional/pub/ A few of us here
>>have contacts in this area so shout-out if you need further info.
>>
>>2/ Have any volunteer coordinating bodies been approached to provide a
>>national Linux skill-base? (asked because of Summer's recent posting to
>>Aussiewide Bruce) - there are quite a number of groups who keep skilled
>>volunteers 'on tap' and are looking for specific opportunities (Teletask
>>could be another possibility).
>>
>>3/ Has any thought been given to approaching the national Telecentre
>>networks for assistance? - (WA Telecentre network, the RTC in Vic or CTC in
>>NSW). These organisations are heavily involved in getting computers out into
>>communities, and may be able to offer some techo or financial assistance -
>>One thought that comes to mind is the State CTC Help-Desk established in NSW
>>(Bathurst) by the Office of Information and Technology - This is a
>>professional technical help centre for Windows and Linux providing free
>>techo services to NSW Telecentres - i.e. a CB recipient has a problem, rings
>>the local Telecentre (if they agree to help) and the State Help Desk
>>provides the answers - I'm not saying they would do it, but it couldn't hurt
>>to ask?