Tea Gardens Community Technology Centre closes at end of February Myall Coast Myall Coast - popup ad Myall Coast News by News Of The Area - Modern Media - February 29, 2024 The Community Technology Centre’s last three volunteers: Karen Neeves, Ros Reynolds and Sue Matheson. THE COMMUNITY Technology Centre (CTC) in Tea Gardens will close its doors for the final time on Thursday, 29 February, ending 21 years of service to the people of Tea Gardens, Hawks Nest and surrounds. Established 2003, the CTC was a popular spot for all technological services, especially back before commonplace internet connections, and long before smartphones. Advertise with News of The Area today. It’s worth it for your business. Message us. Phone us – (02) 4981 8882. Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au “CTC was a self-funded, not-for-profit charity, run wholly by volunteers, and has been committed to its original mission of ‘providing technology and business services to the community’,” CTC President Ros Reynolds said. “Over the years, the CTC has done so much more, such as being a Medicare access outlet, providing tax help, organising Seniors Week Activities, conducting tuition and classes on many technology advances including computers, mobiles, laptops, tablets, internet and emailing. “When we started, computers were new and no-one knew anything, we used to have lessons with 30-40 people, usually seniors,” Ros added. The CTC also produced the ‘Messenger’ newsletter, Tea Gardens/Hawks Nest tourist brochures and maps, and managed the Visitor Information Centre for many years. “There are three reasons for our difficult decision to close: steady declines in business income, volunteer numbers, and in the overall need for our services,” Ros explained. “This decision is not a reflection of the dedication and hard work over many years by present and past volunteers and supporters, it is solely a result of current challenging circumstances, going from seven days per week to only three mornings, and we cannot see this situation changing.” A brief resurgence as many locals sought the CTC volunteers’ advice on smartphones and tablets was only to be temporary, however. “We would like to express our deepest gratitude to the Tea Gardens Masonic Lodge, without their assistance in the early years we could not have been so successful and to everyone who has supported us, whether it be as a customer supporting our services or volunteer hours freely given. “We have been overwhelmed by the wonderful messages we have received since our announcement, and thank each and every one of you for your kind words,” Ros added. The CTC volunteers can, nonetheless, proudly claim that they have achieved their primary goal of providing access to technology in regional areas. By Thomas O’KEEFE Karen Neeves and Ros Reynolds finishing up some community work at the Community Technology Centre (CTC).
