History of the Mandurah Muscateers Charity Computers (Inc.)
|
Starting in 1996 from an idea on an ABC radio show, "The Grapevine", Mandurah Muscateers has grown from humble beginnings to become a major organisation within the Peel region. The Mandurah Muscateers Charity Computers inc. was formed in conjunction with Peter Hollands ABC radio program the Grapevine with requests and donations of computers coming from the listeners and businesses.
1996 Three retired people got together at Lindsay Duus's residence initially as a group to provide a service. The trio were John Yelland, Les Hill as well as Lindsay. Peter Elviston joined shortly after. There were others that became involved but only for short periods. The operation was based at Lindsay's house which also was where most of the computer & electronic equipment, that was donated, was stored. The objectives of the club revolved about the refurbishing of computers & redistributing them, at no cost, to needy people & needy organisations. John & Lindsay did most of the administration, Les & Peter provided the computer technical 'knowhow' & on site installations. John & Lindsay communicated regularly with Peter Holland, then with ABC radio and compere of the Grapevine show. This show was a community oriented radio talkback session which involved people donating gear to other needy people in dire need - unfortunately no such show exists now & it ceased about the time Peter left the ABC. The name Muscateers was derived from the Grapevine connection (muscats as in grapes). The club virtually only had two officials at this time, Lindsay Duus was president & Les Hill secretary. John Yelland dropped out of the club. Les Hill still continued with the club as a volunteer. |
|
1997 Saw the club grow steadily as others joined. The first properly appointed committee was established. Lindsay Duus was made president, Geoff Bell secretary & Phil Rance treasurer. There were about three other committeemen. Lyle Giles joined the club earlier this year & supplemented those with some 'knowhow'. The strain of storing the donated equipment at Lindsay's house & also at other volunteers' houses became a major problem & it was obvious we needed help. Brian Carpenter became a long term volunteer with the club.
1998 The Muscateers distributed computers regularly but organisation was difficult. Lack of transport, warehousing & the need for a workshop being the major obstacles. With the help of Barry Houghton, secretary of the Computer Society (WA), which led to the kind donation of the use of a Rafferty Road (Mandurah) unit by Richard Tewes in December 98, we finally got a workshop/warehouse that met our needs. Lyle Giles, supervised the workshop set up & operation, with assistance from volunteers including Tom Kerr & Max Riley. It was decided to get the club incorporated as an association during this year. Les Hill dropped out the club Les Hill and Peter Elviston, long time stalwarts dropped out at the end of this year.
1999 Saw the club in full swing in its' new premises. Bert Holmes joined the club & seemed to fill a niche in looking after our printer section. Jerry Willems became long time volunteer at the club. Terry Bucknall joined about midyear & gave Lyle good support in the workshop. We had a good number of volunteers come into the workshop. The donations of equipment was extraordinary & the distribution of refurbished computers grew steadily. We bought an old van for $500 & it was good enough to overcome our transport problems. We now were obliged to pay token rent for our premises. Terry became vice president in 1999 & acted president for most of the rest of the financial year. The president Lindsay Duus was indisposed, he remained a member but does not participate any more. Phil Rance our treasurer for the previous two years resigned & was replaced by Shelley Turk. Phil's efforts were considerable & was well appreciated, especially by the workshop.
2000 We grew at a frenetic pace during this year - we distributed about 500 computers. We were informed we had to pay full rent for our premises. We tried to get alternative premises but to no avail. The only way out was to suggest set donations for computers - that has worked well & seems fully acceptable to our recipients. Terry Bucknall was elected club president. Shelley Turk was replaced as treasurer by Roy Fieldgate. Joyce & Rex Whitaker joined this year & looked after some of our transport requirements.
2001 Just when we got to the point of finally having the workshop set up as we wanted we were asked to move to another unit at the same premises. This was done with great efficiency particularly by Terry Bucknall & Steve Clancy (welder extraordinaire). The Lotteries Commission gave us a generous grant & we acquired a very good Toyota Hiace van. Unfortunately we got burgled twice at this unit - they took our van as well as computers. The van was insured & was replaced - with a Ford Transit van. Geoff Bell resigned as secretary after a number of years - his efforts were well received & the club presented him with a suitable token of thanks. Brian Rowe replaced Geoff as secretary.
1998 The Muscateers distributed computers regularly but organisation was difficult. Lack of transport, warehousing & the need for a workshop being the major obstacles. With the help of Barry Houghton, secretary of the Computer Society (WA), which led to the kind donation of the use of a Rafferty Road (Mandurah) unit by Richard Tewes in December 98, we finally got a workshop/warehouse that met our needs. Lyle Giles, supervised the workshop set up & operation, with assistance from volunteers including Tom Kerr & Max Riley. It was decided to get the club incorporated as an association during this year. Les Hill dropped out the club Les Hill and Peter Elviston, long time stalwarts dropped out at the end of this year.
1999 Saw the club in full swing in its' new premises. Bert Holmes joined the club & seemed to fill a niche in looking after our printer section. Jerry Willems became long time volunteer at the club. Terry Bucknall joined about midyear & gave Lyle good support in the workshop. We had a good number of volunteers come into the workshop. The donations of equipment was extraordinary & the distribution of refurbished computers grew steadily. We bought an old van for $500 & it was good enough to overcome our transport problems. We now were obliged to pay token rent for our premises. Terry became vice president in 1999 & acted president for most of the rest of the financial year. The president Lindsay Duus was indisposed, he remained a member but does not participate any more. Phil Rance our treasurer for the previous two years resigned & was replaced by Shelley Turk. Phil's efforts were considerable & was well appreciated, especially by the workshop.
2000 We grew at a frenetic pace during this year - we distributed about 500 computers. We were informed we had to pay full rent for our premises. We tried to get alternative premises but to no avail. The only way out was to suggest set donations for computers - that has worked well & seems fully acceptable to our recipients. Terry Bucknall was elected club president. Shelley Turk was replaced as treasurer by Roy Fieldgate. Joyce & Rex Whitaker joined this year & looked after some of our transport requirements.
2001 Just when we got to the point of finally having the workshop set up as we wanted we were asked to move to another unit at the same premises. This was done with great efficiency particularly by Terry Bucknall & Steve Clancy (welder extraordinaire). The Lotteries Commission gave us a generous grant & we acquired a very good Toyota Hiace van. Unfortunately we got burgled twice at this unit - they took our van as well as computers. The van was insured & was replaced - with a Ford Transit van. Geoff Bell resigned as secretary after a number of years - his efforts were well received & the club presented him with a suitable token of thanks. Brian Rowe replaced Geoff as secretary.
Mr Richard Tewes of Mandurah Hyundai donated the use of a factory unit free of charge for 18 months.
In 2004 we sent 6 computers units to East Timor in conjunction with the Australian Computer Society.
We are also in co-operation with Western Mining preparing 25 units to go to Project Timor to be set up in a school they are currently building.
In 2004 we sent 6 computers units to East Timor in conjunction with the Australian Computer Society.
We are also in co-operation with Western Mining preparing 25 units to go to Project Timor to be set up in a school they are currently building.
