World First Community Initiative launches in Koonwarra
24 Oct 06
Thomas Burge - Manager of the Koonwarra Sustainable Communities Centre at the National Launch with Host, Adam Spencer of www.koonwarra.vic.au
In a world first, Australian not-for-profit organisation .au Community Domains has launched a community initiative that will see the registration of a potential 22,000 domain names to Australian geographic localities for use as community website portals.
According to Leonie Parkinson, the General Manager of .au Community Domains, the Community Geographic Domain Name initiative provides an avenue for community groups to "develop a portal website which is a true representation of community interests, creating an opportunity for community involvement and the development of a local identity online".
"Along with being a one stop resource for local areas, these geographic domain name websites will have the potential to facilitate social, cultural and economic benefits to local Australian communities," she added.
The pre-release response of communities to the initiative has been strong, with over 100 communities from across the country pre-registering their interest in the initiative. A pilot study was undertaken in three Australian communities, Wollongong, Ballarat and Bathurst, to test the practicality of the initiative and its implications on the local community. The review of the pilot program indicated broad community acceptance and enthusiasm. KOONWARRA and Wyndam in WA were chosen as pilot towns for the 'site in a box' project. This project allows small communities with little access to funds or skills to build their website using a manageable template.
Community groups will be able to apply for a Geographic Community Domain Name through www.aucd.org.au In order to qualify, each group must demonstrate that they are a non-for-profit organisation that is a true representation of the geographic area.
THE KOONWARRA SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES CENTRE INC is the administrator of this Koonwarra website, and is proud to have been chosen as the small town pilot. We will be pleased to include any news, upcoming events and reports and items of interest from community members and groups on the website.
The local launch of the web site was held on 23 October 2006 at the Centre in conjunction with the opening of the Community Kitchen Garden, the launch of the Plastic Bag Free initiative and the Graduation of the Green Corps team that had worked to establish the Kitchen Garden.
.au Community Domains General Manager,
Leonie Parkinson,
launching the web site
Contact Details for the Centre
Email: ksccinc@bigpond.com
Phone: 5664 2461