The Greater Shepparton Lighthouse Project is thrilled to announce the continued success of its Laptops with Love Program. Since its establishment in 2021, this collaborative initiative has delivered over 300 laptops. Generously donated, refurbished, and gifted back to the community, these laptops break down educational barriers and empower children and adults to engage and achieve their educational and career aspirations.
Laptops with Love is delivered in partnership with Goulburn Murray Water, Goulburn Valley Water, Greater Shepparton City Council and Goulburn Valley Grammar School, who donate, in bulk, retired laptops that are still in excellent working order. Advance Computing and Data Parts, then refurbish the computers, ensuring the devices are ready for a second life.
Recipients of the program include students from primary, secondary, and tertiary education settings, as well as individuals participating in community programs that focus on developing English language and computer skills. Lighthouse staff and program coordinator Kathy Fuller works with local schools and organisations to connect with recipients. “A key part of the program is identifying who will benefit the most from receiving a laptop and if it will enable them to continue their studies and increase their employment and career opportunities”.
Kathy mentioned, “Several recipients have shared that before receiving their laptop, they were limited to using their mobile phones for their studies. Providing a laptop in such situations can be a positive game-changer in their educational experience.'
Amy Robinson, Executive Officer of Lighthouse, expressed her enthusiasm for the program, reflecting Lighthouse's whole-of-community approach. "Lighthouse is a connector in our community; the Laptops with Love initiative is a perfect example of a community working together to solve local challenges and provide equitable access to opportunities," said Amy. "We sincerely thank the generosity of the partner organisations who have contributed to assisting our community and removing barriers for children and adults to engage and achieve their educational aspirations."
For more information, to contribute to the initiative, or to access a laptop, please contact Laptops with Love Coordinator Kathy Fuller at kfuller@gslp.com.au.
Testimonials
“Goulburn Valley Water aims to support healthy and prosperous communities. The Laptop with Love program is in complete alignment with that aim and its fantastic to be able to support our community in this way”
Ryan McGowan | Acting General Managing Technology and Transformation | Goulburn Valley Water
“Having been involved in the Laptops with Love program from the start, we had high hopes for what it could achieve but, if anything, it has surpassed our expectations”.
Peter Holland | Information Technology Manager | Goulburn Murray Water
“The Laptops with Love Program is not only for young children in school, but community projects and adult learning programs. It opens up a world of possibilities for further education and enhanced digital skills that might not have been available to them previously”.
Samantha Hempenstall | Manager Technology & Business Transformation | Greater Shepparton City Council
“Advance Computing is thrilled to be involved to not only give these laptops a second life but also empowers students and those in need”.
Chris Motton | Managing Director | Advance Computing
“GVGS is delighted to be able to support the Laptops with Love project. To be able to partner with Lighthouse Project in repurposing laptops to children and families in our community has been a pleasure. We look forward to our continued involvement in this project”.
Nicole Bensch | Director of IT | Goulburn Valley Grammar School
“It has been a pleasure to be involved in such a worthy local project that helps our community on a social and environmental level”.
Sebastian Mangiameli | Data Parts Shepparton
“Thank you, I couldn’t have done it without the support”.
2022 Laptop recipient and final year tertiary student
“Now I don't have to do my assignments on my phone”.
2023 Laptop recipient
"Based on the value of purchasing 300 new laptops, it is estimated that the Laptops with Love program equates to approximately $300K being contributed to our community".
Data collected since launching the program in December 2021 to February 2024