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Council's Internet access an Australian first

A Cybernet Cafe with two Internet sites and one email site located in South Australia's City of Charles Sturt new Civic Centre is an Australian first according to the Council's Chief Executive, Geoff Whitbread.

He believes the Cybernet Cafe's access combined with three other Internet sites situated in the adjacent Civic Library provides unparalleled access to world wide information for the City's residents.

"Our set up provides free access to the Internet where people can view information from anywhere in the world in a relaxed environment," Geoff Whitbread said. "And with the Cybernet Cafe facilities, people can purchase coffee and cake while surfing the net." The decision to establish Internet access was driven by a desire to bring, what can often be, an expensive facility into the reach of every resident.

"Every member of our City now has the opportunity to see what all the buzz is about," he said. "Whether it be a student undertaking research for a school project or a parent conversing with a son or daughter living overseas - options for the Internet have no bounds."

The two Internet sites at the Cybernet Cafe and the three sites at the Library are available from 10 am - 5 pm Monday to Thursday, from 10 am - 8 pm on Fridays and from 10 am - noon on Saturday. An email service is also available at the Cybernet Cafe and residents can have their own email address for $45 a year.

Users 15 years and under must receive their parent's permission before accessing the Internet. For those unfamiliar with how to use the Internet, on line help is available and information seminars will be scheduled subject to expressions of interest.

"We are encouraging residents to use the service so they can get the most out of it," Geoff Whitbread said. "The term Internet is known by everyone, but not many people know of the intricacies of the system. We believe the Cybernet Cafe can change that and look forward to the results."

For further information please contact Mark Hofmeyer, Communications Officer on (08) 8408 1109 or 015 399 348.

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