ONLINE access centres at New Norfolk, Glenora, Ouse and beyond will receive $10,000 grants for equipment upgrades if the Labor Party wins government at the State Election on May 1. The Derwent Valley Online Access Centre, co-located with the New Norfolk Library, was the venue for this morning’s campaign announcement by Lyons Labor MHA Jen Butler.
“Online Access Centres (OACs) provide a unique and invaluable contribution to their communities,” Ms Butler said. “Largely located in smaller rural communities, the OAC network meets the deficiency in services tailored to their individual community need,” she said.
Ms Butler said there were 18 Online Access Centres across the state, reaching more than 300,000 Tasmanians each year. “OACs are more than a centre to access assistance with information technology and internet access. Currently, they provide TAFE training, MyGov assistance, passport processing and community support.
“Online Access Centres also create and publish quality community publications ranging from the Derwent Valley Business and Services Directory to the Highland Digest and Meander Valley Gazette. Online Access Centres are strongly supported by volunteer contribution from local communities,” Ms Butler said.
“Labor has always supported the OAC network, launching the ‘Love your Local OAC’ campaign in 2018 and fighting to save the network from closure by the Liberal Government. It is time for Online Access Centres to be recognised for the brilliant contribution they make to our communities. A Labor Government will continue to bolster and support the OAC network.”
Pictured: Jen Butler MHA with Derwent Valley Online Access Centre volunteers Sean Coad and Kyle Williams.
