About our Organisation | Computerbank Victoria (original) (raw)

C omputerbank is an independent not for profit organisation based in Melbourne. We started recycling and refurbishing computers in 1998. Our low cost computers are refurbished by skilled volunteers for Australian Concession Card holders and other eligible customers.

We install Linux on all our computers with useful software that suits most people. Not only is Linux software free, but it is a genuine alternative to the proprietary software Microsoft Windows. We may be able to assist with installing other systems, if our customers require.

What do we do?

• Refurbished Desktops and Laptops
• Our donated computers are tested and refurbished
• We install a customised version of the Linux operating system on our computers
• Computerbank is an independent not for profit organisation run by volunteers
• Our computers and laptops are offered to disadvantaged individuals and community groups
• We have distributed over 10,000 computers to individuals, families, and community groups

Long Term Savings

• One of our customers has been with us for 12 years. He has spent $250 total in buying three refurbished computers from Computerbank over that time. He has saved a few thousand dollars by not buying new computers each time.
• Using Linux keeps the costs of computing much lower, instead of paying money every few years for the latest, paid applications, not to mention the annual cost of anti virus software.
• By using a refurbished computer you are helping the environment by giving a highly manufactured piece of equipment a second life.

Donations and Recycling

Computerbank receives donated computers, laptops and tablets and refurbishes them with quality free software. Computers are donated to us by businesses, education institutions, not for profits and individuals. Our computers are offered to disadvantaged individuals and community groups.

We Recycle Responsibly

Any computer parts that are found to be broken or have reached the end of its useful life, do not end up in landfill. The metals are sent to scrap recyclers here in Melbourne or sometimes sold through our Ebay page. Computerbank will not allow our obsolete equipment to be sent to unsafe dismantling plants in third world countries.

More Information

Organisations we have helped

Some of the community groups to receive computers and networks from Computerbank include:

• Asylum Seekers Resource Center (ASRC)
• Filipino Community Council of Victoria in Footscray (our first network!)
• Virtual Moreland
• Autism Victoria (World Autism Conference)
• The Bridge Health Centre (Footscray)
• Dole Avenue Kindergarten,Goongerah Environment Centre (GECO)
• Green Net
• Linux Users of Victoria (LUV)
• The Victorian Rainforest Network
• Altona Green Neighbourhood House
• Footscray Library in Maribyrnong City
• Jabiluka Action Group (JAG)
• Central Hume Support Services in Wodonga
• Computers for Aged and Disabled Seniors (CADS)
• Langwarrin Basketball Club
• Westgate Community Initiatives Group (WCIG)
• Engineers Without Borders
• ‘Connectivity for Refugees’ program
• Refugees in Shepparton
• Friends of Sian
• Berwick Senior Citizens
• Victorian Artists Society
• Mindaribba Aboriginal Land Council in NSW
• Darebin Aged Housing Services (public access networks)
• Wombat Housing
• Mens Shed
• Pet Ambulance Victoria
• Red Cross (Asylum Seeker Assistance Scheme)
• Western Region Health (public access networks)
• Chin Community
• Geelong Lions Club
• Victorian Writers Fellowship
• Salvation Army Housing Services (Melrose St)
• RMIT Students Accounting Association Victorian Public Tenants Association (VPTA)
• Coburg Neighbourhood House
• Morwell Neighbourhood House

We have shown more than 500 unemployed open source software, hardware, and recycling via our Work for the Dole Program. In addition to Work for the Dole volunteers another 175 people have helped out at Computerbank.

We have recycled more than 30,000 broken and non-usable items through the introduction of effective e-waste recycling techniques.

Our Supporters

Computerbank thanks the following supporters:

• BP Australia for the wonderful support they gave us when we first started out
• The Commonwealth Government for funding our Work for the Dole Program
• Matchworks for being a great Community Work Coordinator
• Linux Australia for hosting our mailing lists and for hosting our web pages in the past
• The Victorian Government for sponsoring Software Freedom Day in 2007
• Impact Environmental Consulting for donating $1000 in 2007

Computerbank Victoria appreciates the generous donations of IT equipment from the following supporters:

Thanks also to the many individuals and families supporters who donate equipment to us.

If you are a supporter and think you should be on this page, please email us so we can add your listing.