What is the ASCCA

In 2008, U3A Nepean-Blue Mountains affiliated with the ASCCA-that is, the Australian Seniors' Computer Clubs Association. It's an organisation which aims at educating seniors about computers and the Internet-two recent developments which have become such an important part of everyday life.

Because our U3A is a member of ASCCA, all our members are also members of ASCCA and can attend their functions and courses (see ASCCA Notice Board shown below) and purchase their special offers shown in their monthly Newsletters. If you wish more information or to access their website and view their Newsletters, click on www.ascca.org.au

To quote from their home page:

ASCCA is the national peak body for seniors and technology. Membership is open to any organisation promoting access to information technology by older people. ASCCA is represented in every state and territory of Australia.

The Association welcomes enquiries from existing computer clubs, computer groups within seniors organisations and from communities which are considering promoting computer training for seniors.

If you are a senior looking for a local computer club to join, look for your state on the left hand side of the ASCCA Member Clubs page. Each state provides a list of clubs, with links to contact details.

ASCCA exists to support seniors enjoy information technology - to become computer literate at their own pace, in a non-threatening environment and to have fun whilst doing so.

In the 21st century, information technology includes not just computers, but also mobile phones, web-cams and many other emerging technologies.

ASCCA undertakes projects to support IT for seniors, and organises seminars, training sessions (for club volunteers), workshops and similar activities.

ASCCA's main objectives are to:

•	Assist communities establish computer clubs for seniors wherever a need exists
•	Support and assist existing clubs grow and remain viable
•	Encourage innovation and best practice amongst seniors computer groups
•	Develop resources - such as training manuals - for use by seniors computer clubs
•	Facilitate networking between clubs, other seniors organisations and the corporate sector, and
•	Liaise with all levels of government, regarding policy issues affecting information communication technology and seniors.

ASCCA NOTICE BOARD

5 February 2012 - Launch of Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ASCCA)
National Awareness Campaign about consumer guarantees and rights and obligations for consumers and businesses.

7 February - Safer Internet Day 2012 with the theme, Connecting Generations and Educating each other. Coordinated by Australian Communications & Media Authority.

NSW Seniors Week 18-25 March 2012 - “A Library in the Sky” Free EXPO
280 Pitt Street - Wednesday 21st March.

19 - 25 March - National Consumer Fraud Week with the theme Slam Scams!

4 - 8 June 2012 - National Cyber Security Awareness Week

Tuesday 13 & Wednesday 14 November - 14th ASCCA Australian Computer Conference for Seniors at Rydges World Square, 389 Pitt Street, Sydney, NSW.