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Parraconnect To Explore Digital Opportunities

Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, has praised Parramatta City Council’s approach to new technology, at the launch of ParraConnect, at the Riverside Theatres last night, an initiative which explores ways digital technologies can improve communities.

Welcomed to the event by Parramatta Lord Mayor, Cr Paul Garrard, Senator Conroy described the ParraConnect initiative, as “extraordinarily exciting” and congratulated Parramatta City Council on its commitment to the future of connective technologies.

ParraConnect evolved from a partnership between CivicTEC and Parramatta City Council, under its e-Parra strategy initiated by Cr Garrard in 2009. Last month the ParraConnect Partnership, an alliance of community leadership groups, was formed to continue to drive the program forward.

The Minister also formed part of a discussion panel with James Dellow, Chair of Headshift Australia, Allison Hornery co-founder of CivicTEC, Martin Stewart-Weeks, from Cisco, and Cr Garrard, which announced some of the early components of ParraConnect, including the Wireless CBD proposal and a digital small business education initiative.

The launch also highlighted the progressive work already happening in the city, and discussed high-level issues across the spectrum of digital society and digital economy-related topics, ranging from economic development to cultural and social matters.

Lord Mayor, Cr Garrard, said the successful launch was a great way to introduce this community-led initiative and that education and understanding of emerging digital technologies, was key to its success.

“From big business to small business, ParraConnect will work with all members of the community to build a better future,” Cr Garrard said.

“Digital technologies will continue to impact the way our future communities communicate, interact and operate and it’s important, that people of all ages, embrace the opportunities that ParraConnect can provide,” he added.

“We’ve already identified a number of initiatives, such as the introduction of free Wi-Fi hotspot zones around Parramatta, and through continued community involvement, we will continue to work towards becoming a better connected, smarter city.”

The ParraConnect launch was narrowcast live over Twitter with more than 130 tweets from the event reaching over 6,500 people directly via messages. To find out more information visit www.parraconnect.net.au

Contact: Adam Leto

Phone: 9806 5083

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