OPTUS GRANT HELPS WARWICK SENIORS IMPROVE THEIR COMPUTER SKILLS

Warwick’s U3A will celebrate the continued success of its inaugural seniors computer course this Friday 8 March, with $2,000 in funding from the ‘yes’ Optus Community Grants program. The Optus funding will help 30 senior citizens master everyday computer skills.

U3A Warwick Inc. is a Queensland-based not-for-profit organisation focused on promoting healthy ageing in older Australians. U3A is using its Optus grant to purchase computer equipment and run computer literacy courses for Warwick’s senior citizens.

The President of U3A Warwick, Arthur Maynard, said, “The ‘yes’ Optus Community Grants program is helping us meet the aspirations of the next generation of retirees, enabling them to engage with each other on a social level, while developing skills and interests linked to current technology.

“Interest in the course far exceeded our expectations. To satisfy demand for our training program, U3A is currently conducting three courses and has a waiting list for the next series which will commence in July. We are planning to run more advanced classes using popular computer programs later this year.”

Helen Maisano, Optus Associate Director, Corporate Social Responsibility said, “Computer skills are becoming more and more important to our everyday lives and while this is something many of us take for granted, U3A Warwick’s computer course addresses a growing need by those who are not so computer savvy to understand and incorporate technology into their daily lives.

“Optus sees a real community benefit by investing in this course which helps our senior generation gain confidence using computers and connect in ways they haven’t been able to before.”

The annual ‘yes’ Optus Connecting Communities Grants program awards funding of up to $10,000 to not-for-profit organisations that help to build social inclusion in communities. Since 2008, Optus has awarded $880,000 in grants to 165 community organisations across Australia.

Arthur Maynard, U3A Warwick president and members of the U3A computer course will be at U3A this Friday to showcase aspects of the course and the factors that have led to its success.

MEDIA EVENT:
WHEN: Friday 8 March 11 – 11:45am
WHERE: U3A Warwick (corner of Wood and Tooth Street)
WHY: Run through of Warwick’s inaugural senior computer course
ATTENDING: Arthur Maynard, U3A Warwick president, members of the U3A computer course and Lynnelle Reimer, ‘yes’ Optus Warwick Franchisee
About Optus in the Community: For more information on the ‘yes’ Optus Community Grants program please visit https://www.optus.com.au/shop/aboutoptus/communitygrants

Media contact:
Julia Clarke
Fuel Communications
(02) 8217 6505