Residents of Simpson will have more opportunities to strengthen ties with family and friends as well as get involved in global communities, thanks to a $5,000 Brumby Government grant to the Simpson and District Community Centre Inc.
Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney said the Public Internet Access Program (PIAP) gave grants of up to $7500 to community organisations and local government to provide between 10 and 20 hours of free internet access to the public every week for the next two years.
“The Brumby Government is taking action to ensure all Victorians have access to technology and by providing this PIAP grant to the Simpson and District Community Centre Inc. we are helping more people get connected and develop internet knowledge and skills,” Ms Tierney said.
“People use the internet for a range of different things, from banking to research, chatting to shopping, and staying in touch with friends and family.
“The PIAP grants help ensure no Victorian experiences disadvantage because of who they are or where they live, by targeting recently arrived migrants, senior Victorians, unemployed Victorians and those outside the education system and workforce and people with a disability.”
Community Development Minister Peter Batchelor said PIAP grants were part of the Brumby Government’s $9 million Connecting Communities: The Second Wave strategy, a four year commitment to help more people access the internet.
“In this most recent round of PIAP funding, 140 organisations have received a grant to help their local community get connected,” Mr Batchelor said.
“Connecting Communities: The Second Wave focuses on three key areas – access, content and skills – and this program addresses both access and skills.”
Vicnet, a department of the State Library of Victoria, provides support and assistance to organisations funded through the PIAP
Since 2005, about $2 million in PIAP grants have been given to over 300 community organisations.
For more information on PIAP grants visit www.grants.dpcd.vic.gov.au