ComputerBank New England Inc.

ABN No 99395 317 427

ComputerBank New England - Armidale

When we were offered the Armidale Computer Library facility in Armidale in July 2009. We held a Special General Meeting on 25/07/2009, and we spent some time investigating the possibility of recycling and refurbishing computers at the Armidale Recycle Center. It was decided to branch out to Armidale. Noel Wicks was elected as the Coordinator and things have moved on from there. We have now been able to take over from the Armidale Computer Library facility at the Recycling Center at Long Swamp Road (near the Splinter Group’s shed). It will be known as ComputerBank New England - Armidale

ComputerBank New England – Armidale will be open on Monday’s, Wednesday’s and Friday’s from 9 am—4 pm. Noel is looking for volunteers to help at the center. Anyone who is interested in helping to refurbish computers or with recycling e-waste, please contact Noel on 0448 725 822.

Our Workshop

ComputerBank New England is a fully incorporated volunteer-based, not for profit, organisation with its aim to assist disadvantaged groups and individuals with access to computers at low or even no cost. Based in Uralla at 19 Hill St, ComputerBank donates Computers to adults who are studying at either university or TAFE and can't afford a computer and also to school children of any age, who do not have access to a computer at home.

ComputerBank also gives computers to poorly financed community volunteer groups, and are currently supplying computers to each of the pre-schools in our area. We also are able to assist pensioners with their own computer.

Communities assisted through ComputerBank New England currently extends throughout the Uralla; Armidale Dumaresq, Guyra, Inverell, Moree, & Glen Innes council areas.

Opened in June 2002. To date over 1000 computers have been given by ComputerBank New England Inc to groups and individuals in our area as of mid June 2009.

How does it all work?

Donations of computers and peripheral associated equipment are received by ComputerBank New England from commercial and other sectors and from individuals. These items, once assessed and inventoried, are "cleaned up" removing all unauthorised proprietary operating systems and software applications and residual data. Where appropriate, key repairs and maintenance are undertaken and the items stored in readiness for rebuild and distribution to recipients. In general, Pentium 3 or equivalent computers (and similarly-aged peripherals) are preferred, however all offers of donation are considered.

After receipt of an approved application, the recipient client's assessed needs and capabilities are used to determine completion of the rebuild process. ComputerBank New England has been credited as a refurbisher for Microsoft and as result all computers have Windows 2000 Professional or Windows XP Professional installed. We are indebted to Microsoft for allowing us to become a credited and to the Armidale Dumaresq and Uralla Shire Councils for assisting us to reach our current stage of development

Delivery of the completed system to the client may be direct to the client's premises where installation is completed and basic training provided. However clients may gain extra benefits by taking delivery from ComputerBank New England operational headquarters at Uralla. Additional services and ongoing support to clients is offered through the facilities of the ComputerBank New England Office.

Requests for assistance

Requests for assistance can be made at any time. Prospective recipients are required to complete and lodge an application form. Applications are assessed by a reference panel and when approved, contact is made to discuss client needs in more detail, assess capabilities and establish appropriate supply arrangements. (Unsuccessful applicants are also contacted and the matter further discussed.) Approved recipients are required to complete a formal supply and services agreement. This agreement, among other matters, and where appropriate, includes acknowledgement of the formal transfer of ownership; indemnification of ComputerBank New England from loss or damage occasioned by the use of the computer system supplied; and agreed arrangements regarding post-supply support and servicing arrangements. By arrangement with various organisations and individuals located throughout the New England Region, requests for assistance, delivery, installation and post-supply support and services can be established indirectly with ComputerBank New England by those organisations.

Who are ComputerBank volunteers?

ComputerBank New England is run soley by volunteers who come from a range of areas, including those engaged professionally in some way with information technology, in business and in community services. Volunteers range in age from youth to the more mature. All are interested in sharing their knowledge of computers with others less fortunate than themselves. We currently have a small number of dedicated volunteers who come in up to 3 days per week for several hours each day, however we need many more to be able to handle all the work we are getting. We are likely to have more than 40 computers that we are working on at any one time. Additional volunteers throughout the New England area are always welcome. Prior knowledge of computers is NOT a prerequisite for getting involved.

Why is ComputerBank successful?

Success in furthering the objectives of ComputerBank is dependent on cooperative partnerships.

Little would be achieved without the help of:

1¨ The many donors located around the New England area.

2¨ The many and varied volunteers.

3¨ Pro bono business services support, from lawyers, accountants and other locals.

4¨ Local organisations that identify need and facilitate access to and use of computers by the disadvantaged.

5¨ Generous commercial suppliers who subsidise or otherwise provide practical and financial support.

6¨ Uralla Shire Council.

7¨ Armidale Dumaresq Council

ComputerBank New England welcomes contact with prospective donors of equipment, individuals seeking supply of computers or other assistance and any organizations who seek to facilitate access to computers by disadvantaged individuals or groups. We are happy to address community service groups about ComputerBank's purposes and activities

· Annual Report 2008

· Annual Report 2009

· E-Waste recycling with ComputerBank New England.

· Our 750th Computer.

· Richard Torbay Interview.

ComputerBank New England Application Form

How to contact ComputerBank New England

ComputerBank New England – Uralla

19 Hill St, Uralla NSW 2358

Opening Times

Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 10 am to 4 pm

Contact person: Robert Patterson – President