Bowen Community Technology Centre celebrate

Director Paula Townsend said the hundreds of adults and children who drop in to use the internet, print documents and get advice are testimony to the centre’s good work.

“Not everyone can afford technology, and if they can but something happens to it they can’t afford to get it fixed,” she said.

More than 27,000 children and more than 4000 adults have used the centre since record taking began seven years ago.

Having been at the technology centre from the start, Ms Townsend said it’s been a pleasure to watch her young visitors grow up.

“Probably my greatest joy is to see children leave school, get a job and then come back to say g’day,” she said.

Ms Townsend said she was touched to have a resident drop in this week to thank her for giving her the skills to use her home computer.

She said with the help of supporters Cadia Valley Operations and Orange City Council the plan was to stay open and continue to grow.