A wide range of technology including computers, satellite linkage which is mainly used for educational purposes, video linkage which is used for many things, one of the most important being for job interviews across different States, educational resources for TAFE, adult education, university courses, general interest programs, computer courses, exam supervision, Internet facilities, the Wonga-Balli Boomer local newspaper, publishing the local telephone and business directory, photocopying, faxing and laminating, it is also a Centrelink Call Centre (unemployment resources), library, provides equipment and venue hire for solicitors, masseurs etc. Our Telecentre also houses our local webpage www.wonganballidu.com which relays information on our area.

As you can see the Telecentre is a most valuable asset for a small rural town and enables resources to be made available that would be commonplace in major cities. Telecentres are linked to all government agencies through local government and regional development. Kathie Meldrum is our local Manager and she was a huge help to me when I first arrived. She explained a lot of what goes on in the town and provided me with a Welcome Pack which included all maps, telephone numbers and general information on our town and surrounding areas. Being a member of a Telecentre provides you with 24/7 access to their facilities and you are given a keycard and password to gain entry into the centre after hours.

The Wonga-Balli Boomer is our local newspaper and is produced solely by volunteers from our town. The first edition was printed on 1st May 1996 for 40c and was printed every fortnight. About three years ago it went weekly and now costs 60c and the money raised from sales goes back into costs involved and into funding the Telecentre. It is a wonderful way to get our local people to gain up-to-the minute computer skills as well as providing our community with all the local news and events.

There are 46 volunteers who are placed on a roster on different weeks consisting of typists, proof readers, collators, printers and helpers with Janice Wilding being our dedicated Editor. During term time (there is no Boomer during school holidays) every Monday the paper is typed up and printed, on Tuesday they are collated and sold at our local newsagent. Inside you will find our local news and events, recipes from our Country Women’s Association, up and coming birthdays, agricultural articles, job adverts, puzzles, church times, local business adverts, an article from our local Member of Legislative Assembly – Bill McNee (UK equivalent of local MP), community calendar, classified adverts and important contact names and telephone numbers.