DORA scoops Internet Access Award in Australia

DORA scoops Internet Access Award in Australia

DORA, the 2020 Communications Trust’s mobile digital learning centre, scooped the top award in the Internet Access & Digital Skills category at the 2012 Australia and New Zealand Internet Awards (ANZIAs), held in Australia this week. The Award was presented at a gala dinner held at the Old Parliament House in Canberra on Wednesday 10 October. Sue Davidson, the Computers in Homes Coordinator for Christchurch, and project manager for DORA, was present to receive the award.

“We have worked hard to turn DORA from a good idea into a reality,” said Sue. “We started with a 26-year old school bus and now have a high-tech internet-connected solar-powered mobile learning centre. It’s been like renovating an old house and has taken just as long! It would not have been possible without the generous support of our partners, including InternetNZ, Microsoft, Meridian and Farmside as well as the many people who have directly contributed to her fit-out.”

Sue was ‘blown away’ to receive the award, especially when the judges announced that DORA and the work of the 2020 Communications Trust stood so far ahead of other entrants that they did not give a ‘highly commended’ award to another entrant, as they did in other categories.

The judges commented that DORA stood out from the other entries because of the Trust’s ongoing active engagement in New Zealand communities. They acknowledged the Trust’s track record of achieving digital inclusion through innovative programmes and initiatives, and the response to the earthquake in Christchurch with a mobile digital learning centre was of particular interest.

The ANZIAs recognise excellence in businesses, organisations and individuals in the development and use of the Internet in Australia and New Zealand; they are co-sponsored by .au Domain Administration (auDA) and InternetNZ, and are judged by an independent panel of experts from both countries.

The 2020 Communications Trust is a not-for-profit trust that was established 16 years ago to enable New Zealanders to participate in a digital world.

ANZIA Awards: www.internetawards.org.au/index.php
2020 Communications Trust: www.2020.org.nz

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