The Broome Community Resource Centre (CRC) has been supporting the local community since 1991. As part of their mission, they aim to provide high quality, modern and up-to-date technology for use by all members of the community, with friendly staff on hand to help with anything people are unsure of how to do themselves.

However, the CRC’s technology and equipment was becoming dated and obsolete, and would soon be no longer fit-for-purpose. The CRC set in place an asset replacement plan to phase out the old computers and replace them with new technology to meet the community’s needs and expectations.

They received a $10,000 Telstra Connected Communities grant from FRRR that went towards purchasing ten new PCs. Funding from other sources enabled the CRC to also upgrade their video-conferencing equipment and peripherals for use with the new Windows 11 machines.

Franky O’Connor, who coordinated the grant on behalf of the Broome CRC said that it seemed like the replacement of the old PCs was just in time!

“In the lead up to the project, we were starting to find them lacking in speed and performance and even receive negative comments about them. The new PCs are much more fit for purpose and will serve our needs for several years to come. We have had a very positive response from our customers, and the new equipment makes our work much easier.

“We were thrilled to receive this grant from FRRR with Telstra’s Connected Communities. Our project was essential to our ongoing services, and with the grant funding from FRRR, as well as the other programs involved, we were able to complete the full project and upgrade our Centre without compromising on equipment specifications in any way. That is so gratifying and ensures our technology platform will serve us and the community well for quite some years.”

Locals can now access the new technology for social, educational and economic purposes, and the computer training courses and workshops that the CRC runs for community members are now using the latest and current operating systems and software.

Clarence Landcare is located in regional NSW. Their mission is to promote sustainable land, agriculture, water, vegetation and biodiversity management practices and principles to their local community.

The largely volunteer-run organisation has been taking care of the land in the region for more than two decades. They regularly running community projects and initiatives focused on sustainable land care. The team also hosts workshops at their head office to educate and engage the wider community.

Located in the main street of Grafton, the Clarence Landcare office is in the 100-year-old Dougherty House. After the building was recently repainted giving the exterior of the building new life, it became clear that the interior was in desperate need of an upgrade.

Not only had the furniture been in use for more than 20 years, the team was also lacking basic essentials to help their meetings and workshops run smoothly. There was mismatching furniture and outdated technology made it very difficult for members to join meetings remotely.

The team applied to the FRRR Small Grants for Rural Communities program, and received a $5,000 grant to help them upgrade their workspace. The funding, made possible thanks to The Yulgilbar Foundation, provided improvements such as new blinds, couches, coffee tables, rugs and faux plants, giving new life to the old office.

In addition to the furniture, the funding was also used to purchase some much-needed technology, including a new iPad, Smart TV with a TV stand on wheels, web cam and microphone. This technology has enabled the team to dial into meetings remotely, making it easier for Clarence Landcare staff to stay connected digitally.

“I feel we are heading in a great direction now thanks to this FRRR grant, we don’t need to look like a poverty stricken not-for-profit organisation anymore. We now have the vision and committee support to keep improving our public face of Clarence Landcare. This will really help us gain confidence and attract clientele for future projects. The function of every new piece of equipment has far outweighed the predicted benefits,” said Landcare Officer Debbie Repschlager.