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Peel SeniorNet Association Inc.
(prepared by Mary Crane)
Click on the year to view history details....
The Beginning
The first SeniorNet Association Inc. was established in 1995 as an initiative of the Ipswich City Council, Queensland, and co-sponsored by the Department of Social Security. Its purpose was to provide a base from which seniors, aged 55 years and over, may obtain information and training in basic computer operation, and using the services of the Internet.
Our Mentor – Dr Hilda des Arts
Dr Hilda des Arts – the only name with which to start the historical facts of Peel SeniorNet. Dr Hilda was by no means a computer “Whiz” – she could send and receive e-mails and locate web sites on the Internet but not much else. She was, however, a very astute person who saw the need for senior citizens to “keep up with the times” and share in the wonderful technology available, especially communicating with the aid of computers.
The Peel SeniorNet Association in Mandurah started as a result of an initiative by Dr.Hilda des Arts of Ipswich, Queensland, now known as `Cyber Granny' throughout Australia, when she was asked by her local Council to find a way to get senior citizens involved in the new information technology. Hilda came to Mandurah in August 1998 and everyone she came into contact with was inspired by her enthusiasm. As a result of her visit, the West Australian Government chose the Peel Region as a pilot project for the whole of Western Australia and Peel SeniorNet came into being. An interim steering committee was formed and meetings held. A Constitution was drafted, approved and the Association was incorporated on 1st July,1999.
The Inaugural General Meeting was held on Monday, 4th October,1999, in the Craft Room at the Mandurah City Senior Citizens’ Centre (now Ac-cent Mandurah), attended by 44 people.
Those present were:
It was Greg Williams, an Officer from the Peel Regional Development Commission, who gave the introduction at this Inaugural General Meeting and stated that the Commission was aware of the need to form an association such as this.
Jan Lauder, Co-ordinator of the Mandurah City Senior Citizens’ Centre, (now Ac-cent Mandurah) who gave an outline on the development of the formation of the Regional On-Line Senior Internet User Group in March of that year and the subsequent incorporation of the group into the Peel SeniorNet Association Inc.
The following Office Bearers were elected unanimously to form the first Committee:
Title |
Name |
Nominated By |
Seconded |
President |
Maurice Weston |
Jan Lauder |
Cliff Hamblin |
Vice President |
Mary Crane |
Pim Reid |
Lois Reiffer |
Secretary |
Jan Lauder |
Mary Crane |
Maurice Weston |
Treasurer |
Cliff Hamblin |
Jan Lauder |
Marilyn Arnup |
Committee |
Lois Reiffer |
Jan Lauder |
Mary Crane |
Graham Hobbs |
Mary Crane |
Lois Reiffer |
|
Hilary Turner |
Mary Crane |
Pim Reid |
|
Sybil Smith |
Mary Crane |
Joyce Cole |
|
Marilyn Arnup |
Lois Reiffer |
Mary Crane |
The Steering Committee recommended that the annual membership fees be $5.00 – carried.
Mr Peter Harris was appointed auditor for Peel SeniorNet Association Inc.