About Us

ComputerPals for Seniors – Newcastle Inc. was established in 2000 to provide a facility where seniors over 55 can learn and develop new skills to adapt to changing technology. In August 2000 ComputerPals Newcastle was incorporated as a not-for-profit association and opened with 4 tutors and about 50 members. Over the past 20+ years, our club’s annual membership has fluctuated between 200 and 400 members. Since inception in 2000, roughly 3,800 members have taken advantage of our learning facilities.

Our mission is to educate seniors in the use of Computers, Phones, Tablets, and emerging technologies, as a way of understanding, gaining greater confidence using these devices, and become more self-reliant in this digital world.

All our tutors are seniors themselves, they deliver lessons with patience and understanding in a friendly relaxed environment, to ensure students learn at their own pace and have fun whilst doing so.

Classes vary from fully structured courses with printed notes, to assistance sessions for those experiencing specific problems with Laptops, Phone or Tablets. More technical classes are also available.

We are a member of Australian Seniors Computer Clubs Association (ASCCA), the recognised National Peak Body for seniors and technology. This affiliation provides access to similar clubs throughout Australia and an opportunity to share information on trending technology and approaches to training.

In 2018 we followed the Australian Seniors Computer Clubs Association (ASCCA) lead and partnered with Good Things Foundation in the Australian Government Grant initiative designed to help seniors ‘get online’ – this is the Be Connected program.

The Be Connected program is aimed at empowering all Australians to succeed in a digital world where more and more daily activities are conducted online. This program offers a broad range of topics as an online learning resource to develop digital skills and confidence.

Through our partnership with Good Things Foundation, ComputerPals for Seniors – Newcastle Inc. has made successful applications for financial grants that made it possible to conduct these Be Connected classes FREE of charge. Some of this grant funding enabled a start on upgrading/replacement of aging equipment.

For more information on the Be Connected program CLICK HERE.

To view our constitution CLICK HERE.

The club is now a registered charity. This means that the club is eligible for GST Concession and Income Tax Exemption. Unfortunately, we have not received Designated Gift Recipient Status – in other words, sadly – donations to the club are NOT tax-deductible.