ICT Industry announces support program for communities in crisis

The Australian Information and Communications Technology (ICT) industry is working to deliver a range of free hardware, software and services to both the communities affected by the Victorian bushfires and the organisations supporting them.

Victorian Premier John Brumby announced the ICT industry initiative during a visit to Healesville today, personally thanking the generosity of the many suppliers contributing to the relief effort.

Coordinated by the Australian Information Industry Association (AIIA) with the support of Computers Off Australia and the Australian Computer Society, the industry-wide response will include the provision of free, fully operational computers to families and small businesses in need.

It will also deliver assistance to support services that have been pushed to the limit by the scale of the crisis.

“Technology is critical to accessing essential services and redeveloping the productivity in these communities,” said Russell Yardley Chair of the AIIA Fire Response Steering Committee. “Through this initiative, companies from across the Australian ICT industry will also provide the expertise required to ensure the best outcomes are achieved as quickly as possible.”

“Our aim is to provide affected people and businesses with the tools and infrastructure required to reconnect their communities,” said AIIA CEO Ian Birks. “This is a long-term commitment and the ICT industry has signaled it will stand by these communities as basic services are restored.”

AIIA has partnered with the national not-for-profit Infoxchange Australia to create a website facility that will match the needs of people and businesses with the service and support offered by Australian ICT companies. For more information, visit www.aiia.com.au and follow the links to bushfire information.

“The Victorian ICT industry has already volunteered support through more than 30 different companies, ranging from multinational corporations to small local enterprises,” Mr Yardley said. “We expect to see more companies participating once the website facility is established.”