Tech keeps seniors connected
SHIRLEY Kelly joined the Burdekin Library’s Seniors Embracing Technology sessions in 2020 to learn a bit more about computers and she’s never looked back.
“I had a very basic knowledge of computers, but my brother, who decided to buy a laptop, had absolutely none,” she said.
“Rather than me try to teach him the little I knew, I signed us up to the course.
“Even now I still get something out of each session.
“It’s well worth wanting to take part.”
The Burdekin Library’s popular Seniors Embracing Technology sessions have returned, offering free workshops covering all aspects of modern technology.
The sessions range from an introduction to computers through to accessing the internet, using tablets and more.
Mrs Kelly said she had only used computers for some basic office work and at home for bookwork on the farm when her husband was alive. anybody
She said doing the course had taught her about using a computer, searching the internet, emails and attachments as well as how to use tablets and ebooks.
“My brother finds it good knowing how to use the internet and how to save things and open attachments and things like that,” she said.
“He can look up things and get information off the screen for anything he wants.
“As pensioners, when this computerised mygov thing came along we’ve all had to learn to use a computer.
“We cover a lot of things and talk about covering skills on the computer.”
Burdekin Shire Council Deputy Mayor Sue Perry said the importance of understanding how to complete simple tasks electronically was highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Last year, there was a significant spike in use of technology among older generations, as the safest way to keep in touch with loved ones through lockdowns and social distancing, so ensuring that everyone in the community has that knowledge and is keeping safe online is important,” Cr Perry said.
“Seniors Embracing Technology sessions will be held once a month at both branches of the Burdekin Library and will cover all of the basics, so I urge residents who aren’t electronically literate to attend.
“While the first workshops will cover navigation of computers, tablets and the internet, later sessions will also demonstrate how to access the library’s extensive range of electronic resources including ebooks and audiobooks, which you are able to access any time from the comfort of your own home.”
Seniors Embracing Technology is at the Burdekin Library on the first Tuesday of every month, with sessions at the Ayr branch from 10ammidday and the Home Hill branch from 2-4pm.
For more information, visit the Burdekin Library website.
Bookings are essential and can be made by phoning 4783 9970.
HEALTH and physical education teacher Deni Caspanello is using her experience with leukaemia to bring people together this month.
In March last year Deni was diagnosed with Stage 4 Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Treatment would normally have involved eight 21-day cycles of chemotherapy with radiation treatment to follow at the end of that.
“My treatment plan worked out that I only had to do four 21-day cycles and there was no radiation at the
end of my treatment,” Deni said. “So the money people are donating is working and helping cancer patients like me hear the words ‘complete metabolic response’ so much quicker.
“It eliminates all the other symptoms that arise from radiation and prolonged chemo.”
It was after her treatment was complete that Deni started thinking about ways she could make a bigger contribution.
Deni and her mother Kavette were approached by Lloyd Shepard at the Home Hill Swimming Pool about doing something.
“Lloyd’s brother passed away from leukaemia so Lloyd is also impacted by the disease,” Deni said.
“My mum and I spoke about it and came up with the idea of doing a 24-hour relay swim event. After discussing between myself, Kavette and Lloyd it was then decided to do a 12-hour relay swim for leukaemia.
“The idea of this event is to celebrate the people who have survived the horrible sickness, to remember the people who have passed away from the sickness and to acknowledge the people who have supported and who have also been affected by the
horrible sickness that this is.” Anyone can get involved in the swim.
The event caters for people of all ages and athletic abilities.
“Everyone is welcomed, even if they are not swimming,” Deni said.
“There is so much happening on the day, even if they want to come and have breakfast, lunch or dinner.”
People can support the event by buying raffle tickets, participating in the swim, dash for cash, best dressed and donating online via fundraise.leukaemia.org.au/ fundraisers/denicaspanello.
They can also go to
Cathy’s Friends Tile Shop and purchase a ticket in the massive raffle or money board.
Some businesses are sponsoring teams by paying their nominations and donating money every lap a team swims to help support the event.
The 12 hour Swim aims to raise $5000 for leukaemia research and support.
The event will be held on March 27 at the Home Hill Swimming Pool.
Gates will open at 7am for an 8am start.
To find out more contact Deni Caspanello via Facebook.