006/05 21 February 2005
IT training and technical support program Round 2—Northern Territory
The Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, Senator Helen Coonan, today announced Round 2 of the Information Technology (IT) Training and Technical Support program.
"The aim of this funding round is to make basic computer technology training and technical support more accessible for people living in very remote areas of the Northern Territory," Senator Coonan said.
Organisations that are able to help first-time computer users to pay bills online, access online banking, communicate by email and access the information resources available through the Internet are specifically being targeted in this funding round.
Technical support will assist people to set up computer equipment, access a help desk, and virus protection.
Round 2 is providing more than $1.2 million to organisations that can provide basic IT training and technical support services to sites in the Territory north of Tennant Creek which have access to the Internet and facilities for training.
Elliot, Dagaragu/Kalkaringi, Timber Creek, Mataranka, Duck Creek, Beswick, Borroloola, Ngukurr, Alyangula, Angurugu, Maningrida, Galiwinku, Numbulwar, Daly River, Palumpa, Wadeye/Port Keats, Gapuwiyak, Ramingining, Oenpelli, Nhulunbuy, Yirrkala, Millingimbi, Warruwi, Minjilang, Milikapiti, Pirlangimbi, and Nguiu are expected to benefit.
"Very remote communities in Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia, Western Australia and the area of the Northern Territory south of Tennant Creek will benefit from projects announced in December 2004 under Round 1 of this program," Senator Coonan said.
"Round 2 of the program aims to provide the same level of support to very remote Northern Territory communities north of Tennant Creek."
IT training and technical support must be delivered by an accredited trainer, or a person with comparable and appropriate qualifications and experience.
The program is a major initiative of the Australian Government and is part of its response to the Regional Telecommunications Inquiry (RTI).
Copies of the guidelines and funding application form are available at www.dcita.gov.au, call 1800 674 058 (toll free) or email ITSupportProgram@dcita.gov.au
The closing date for applications is 31 March 2005.