Microsoft Australia has partnered with The Smith Family for many years and The Smith Family is the lead agency for Microsoft's Unlimited Potential programme in Australia. Through Unlimited Potential, The Smith Family is helping local communities and providing life-long learning opportunities for disadvantaged Australians. Microsoft also continues to help The Smith Family develop its technology resources in other ways. Some recent initiatives include: Support through software / product donation and expert advice. Volunteer opportunities for Microsoft Australia staff around the country. Christmas Volunteer Programme. Read these case studies for more information on Microsoft and The Smith Family and how technology access and training can help to change people's lives.

Connecting Communities Through CTLCs - Research Paper

Simply providing access to computers and IT training programs is not enough to overcome the 'digital divide' between the haves and the have-nots according to a report released by The Smith Family. To be truly effective, access and training must be embedded in community learning centres that foster the development of social networks and provide a supportive, inclusive environment.

The findings of the report are reflected in the experience of more than 570 people who have benefited from The Smith Family's Community Technology Learning Centre in Collingwood, which was declared Australia's official demonstration site for the Microsoft Unlimited Potential (UP) Program on 28 October 2004. While the Collingwood Centre will continue to deliver existing Smith Family training programs directly to disadvantaged Australians, the Centre will also provide the Unlimited Potential program with an active 'best practice' centre that will serve as a working model for existing and new UP Centres.
Read the report here.

For more information about the Collingwood Centre, please contact email: unlimitedpotential@smithfamily.com.au