History Year 3

Peel SeniorNet Association Inc.
(prepared by Mary Crane)
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Year Three - 2001-2002

At the Annual General Meeting on 22nd October 2001 the following people were elected:

President	Hilary Turner	Committee	John Schmidt
Vice Pres.	Bill Frazier	Committee	John Schmidt
Secretary	Mary Crane	Committee	Marilyn Arnup
Treasurer	John Fennell	Committee	Gwen Swaby
		Committee	June Kelly

† With Advisors: Jan Lauder, Greg Williams, Dr Hilda des Arts

In November Margot Jones took over as Editor of the “PSN Newsletter” from Mary Crane. For family reasons Lois Reiffer resigned as Public Relations Officer after performing great things to bring our Association into the public eye.

The start of construction of the Computer Room was delayed as only one tender was received and, not being a local builder, had to be fully investigated because of Council’s responsibility for public monies.

It was in November 1999 that Peel SeniorNet first introduced digital cameras to their members. Fred Swaby, one of the first in the association to purchase this latest technology, enthralled a meeting of members with this new medium. He demonstrated the ability to change and edit the appearance of photos in front of our eyes – even to the extent of making a red tractor turn blue with the press of a button. At this stage digital cameras were relatively expensive and it wasn’t until January 2002 when the cost of digital cameras came down that members expressed interest in learning more about them. The interest expanded after a demonstration of the latest Kodak digital camera (with dock) at one of our meetings and quite a few members purchased their own equipment. Hilary became very proficient using this medium of photography and was always willing to assist by demonstrating how to get the most enjoyment out of a digital camera. A photographic trip to Araluen for the tulip flowering was suggested for spring time that year to encourage our budding photographers.

Jane Hind, Hilary Turner, Bill Frazier, Jennifer Frazier, Gena and Hans Nissen, Margot Jones

Gwen Swaby Araluen 2001

PSN decided to have their own special T-Shirts with a logo on the pocket and made to individual sizes. Jean McLoughlin volunteered to co-ordinate this task and was busy getting samples and quotes for their manufacture.

On 17th February 2002 our dear friend and mentor, Dr Hilda des Arts, passed away in her home town of Ipswich Queensland and the age of 87. Pastor Mark Edwards who presided at her funeral said of her, “Hilda had a sense of social justice long before it was fashionable to do so. But first and foremost, she was a mother and a grandmother. Hilda left a legacy that encourages each and every one of us, regardless of religion, race, colour or view point, to work together and make a difference in the community.”

Member for Ipswich West, Don Livingstone, made a tribute speech in Parliament, listing the life, achievements and ambitions of Dr des Arts. “The finalisation of Hilda’s pet projects will have been left in good hands. The example that she has set will be willingly carried forward by the army of volunteers and friends that she has left behind,” he said.

In June 2002 the Computer Room at the Centre was looking nice and the new computers and other equipment were installed. This room would cope with 16 people at a time (two per computer) for workshops and computer courses. The official opening was set for 4th July and the Hon. Sheila McHale MLA (Minister for Seniors) presided and cut the ribbon. This was attended by many dignitaries and members of the Mandurah City Senior Citizens’ Centre.

Section of the audience at the opening of the Computer Room

Councillor Paddy Creavy assisting Shiela McHale to cut the ribbon

During this year iiNet advised that they would no longer sponsor the Mailing List but Committee Member, John Schmidt, was able to negotiate with SWIS (Southwest Internet Systems) who offered to take over the role of sponsor.