In February 2003, the NSW Government introduced the ReConnect.nsw Computer Program to enable the donation of redundant Government agency computers to not-for profit organisations and disadvantaged individuals.

The ReConnect.nsw Computer Program has been developed and endorsed by the Government as an alternative, socially and environmentally responsible, disposal option for redundant computers. The Program is currently operating as a 12-month pilot.

The need to have a reliable supply stream of redundant computers is seen as a critical issue for the success of the ReConnect.nsw Computer Program. To support this initiative, all Ministers, Chief Executive Officers, and Chairpersons of SOCs are requested to consider the ReConnect.nsw Computer Program as the preferred option in the disposal of agency-owned redundant computers.

The ReConnect.nsw Computer Program has the potential to make a significant investment with a substantial return, through positive community benefits and a possible reduction in calls on government for grant funding to purchase computer equipment.

Guidelines for participating in the ReConnect.nsw Computer Program have been sent to all IT Managers and Chief Information Officers and are available through the Agency Resource Centre of the OIT web site. In addition, to further support those agencies that are donating computers to the Program, a standard response to inquiries for redundant computers from individuals and organisations has been prepared and is attached.

The standard response has been drafted because historically, individuals and organisations wishing to obtain a redundant computer would write to agencies and to their local Member of Parliament, who then forwarded the request on to Ministers. The standard response enables agencies to demonstrate their support of the Government's ReConnect.nsw Computer Program and allows a coordinated whole-of-government response to inquiries.

Electronic copies of the standard response and the Program guidelines are available on the OICT website or by contacting at [email protected]

Bob Carr
Premier

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Standard Response to Inquiries for Computers from Individuals/ Organisations for
agencies participating in the ReConnect.nsw Computer Program

Dear < insert name >

Thank you for your inquiry regarding the availability of obsolete government computers.

Recently, the NSW Government established the ReConnect.nsw Computer Program - a computer reuse program whereby obsolete government computers are refurbished and made available to socio-economically disadvantaged people, organisations and educational institutions that meet specific criteria.

The ReConnect.nsw Computer Program was developed in consultation with key government agencies, the ICT Industry and the community with the key aims of providing access to technology to support the development of computer skills for people with specific needs.

The NSW Government is collaborating with six not-for-profit organisations to pilot the delivery of the program during 2003.

The <insert name of agency> is participating in this Program and as such all our redundant computers are donated to the ReConnect.nsw Computer Program.

If you would like to make an application for a computer through this program, I recommend you contact one of the organisations listed on the attached sheet that best suits your location and need.

Further information and details on the ReConnect.nsw Computer Program can be obtained by calling 1300 881 110 or from www.oict.nsw.gov.au/

Yours sincerely

< insert your details >

_____________________________________________________________

ReConnect.nsw Computer Program

Collaborative Organisations

Refurbishment and Distribution Participants
Charity Computers
Mark Dunnett, Project Manager
46 Lhotsky Street
CHARNWOOD ACT 2615
Email: [email protected]
Servicing the regional areas of Yass and Goulburn 

Newtrain Incorporated
Bob Forrester, CEO
154 Marius Street
TAMWORTH NSW 2340
6761 2780 phone
6761 2784 fax
Email: [email protected]
Servicing the regional areas of Tamworth, Gunnedah, Narrabri, Moree, Inverell and Glen Innes

Technical Aid to the Disabled
Alan McGregor, Manager
227 Morrison Road
RYDE NSW 2112
9808 2022 phone (switch)
9808-2012 phone (direct)
9809 7670 fax
Email: [email protected]
Servicing specific individuals/groups with disabilities in metropolitan and regional NSW

Wesley Uniting Employment
Barry Lance, Manager
Chase Commercial Tower
Level1, 25 Smart Street
FAIRFIELD NSW 2165
9755 0011 phone
9724 2946 fax
Email: [email protected]
Servicing metropolitan NSW 

WorkVentures Ltd.
Steve Lawrence, Manager
Level 10, 418A Elizabeth Street
SURRY HILLS NSW 2010
9282 6995 phone
9211 6923 fax
Email: [email protected]
Servicing metropolitan and regional NSW

Distribution only
NSW CTC Program
Susan Locke, Manager
Level 3, 1 Prince Albert Road
Queens Square
SYDNEY NSW 2000
9236 7743 phone
9236 7733 fax
Email: [email protected]
Servicing the regional areas of Central Coast, Central West, Hunter, Illawarra, Shoalhaven, Southern Highlands, Southern Tablelands, Mid North Coast, North West/New England, Northern Rivers, Orana, Riverina/Far West and South East NSW