Electronic Networks - Building Community, 2002

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Electronic Networks in Gippsland Communities, a community perspective

Fairlie Kermode

The three conference themes will be considered in several projects in which the community group, Maffra Area International Inc, has been involved since 1995. Discussion will include the original concept of Village of the Future and subsequent projects arising from it:

Women in Technology in Maffra 1997.
Uniting our Rural Communities Inc. 1998 2000 in the Shires of East Gippsland, Wellington and South Gippsland.
Communityhall.net at Maffra
Agr'E'Business Project in the Macalister Irrigation District.
Sale/Maffra Food & Wine Business Network.

The background, development of the concept, methodology and outcomes of each project to the present time will be detailed. The alliances and partnerships formed and challenges encountered in each project together with issues relating to sustainability of electronic networks for local communities particularly in relation to young people, women, the disadvantaged and the farming community will be reviewed. The outcomes of the Maffra Technology Expo held in November 2001, which targeted issues of the knowledge economy/community and the new digital divides in rural areas ( particularly Gippsland), will complete the presentation.