4. 2nd Australian Computer Seminar for Seniors

The 2nd Australian Computer Seminar for Seniors Creative Computing was held on 5 May 1999 at the All Seasons Premier Menzies Hotel, Carrington Street, Sydney. It was ASCCA's major contribution to the International Year of Older Persons. Nan Bosler, President of ASCCA welcomed the participants and then handed them over to the MC for the day, Michael Darby, Performance Poet and Humorist. Michael quickly established his style and had the audience hanging on his every word as he enthralled them as he recounted the story of clancy of the Overflow. Of course, we all realised that Clancy would never have had to resort to a thumbnail dipped in tar if he had been connected to the Internet!

The Hon. Bronwyn Bishop, Minister for Aged Care (Minister for Older People as she described herself) opened the seminar. She was a most popular choice and the audience was very impressed as she covered a wide range of issues relevant to older Australians. One person commented on her evaluation form; "Mrs. Bishop was the best speaker of the day, and I actually met her!"

After morning tea the concurrent sessions began. Participants were each able to select three of the nine sessions to attend. The selection of topics proved successful with a range covering levels of ability and/or interest.

The buffet lunch was of an extremely high standard to the pleasure of those attending. A small trade display, an information stand and computers to actually try were available alll day but the peak usage was at lunch time.

The final speaker, eighty-four year old Mrs. Betty Marshall was well chosen. Her final comment is one that is likely to be oft repeated!
"You know, when I visit my friends in hostels and even nursing homes, instead of glumly contemplating my future entry, I look around to see where my computer will fit, and think happily of all the time I'll have available to work on it."

Promotion prior to the seminar was reasonable in the print media, very good on our website but outstanding on the radio. Convenor, Nan Bosler, had the opportunity to do seven radio interviews with interviewers such as Alan Jones, Mike Carlton and James Valentine. The phones rang hot and for every person who attended the seminar because of the interviews there were three immediately linked to a club.

One hundred and sixty seniors attended the seminar. From evaluation forms it has been ascertained that the seminar was successful and fully met it objectives. Participants enjoyed a seminar directed particularly at them; the range of sessions and the information available; the chance to talk with other seniors with a like interest; loved all the prizes and the welcome bag of freebies and wanted to know the date of the next one.

In the three months since the seminar five new clubs have been opened and there are another five groups preparing to hold their first public meeting to establish a steering committee.

A fabulous seminar well worth the work but only possible because of the funding from our major sponsor, Online Australia.