Supporting remote South Australian community’s technology needs

DXC Technology is delighted to have donated 30 reconditioned laptops to the Umoona Community Council, a First Nations not-for profit organisation located in Coober Pedy, South Australia. This laptop donation was initiated through DXC’s First Nations Program, as part of the commitments set out in its Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across the country.

This donation is the fourth of its kind since 2020, as part of DXC’s ongoing Community Technology Enablement Program (CTEP), following other donations at Yass High School, the Brisbane Indigenous Media Association and Victorian Aboriginal Health Service. DXC’s CTEP is based on bringing together like-minded organisations to facilitate the donation, data sanitisation, refurbishment and delivery of laptops or other technology equipment, along with accessories and training, to support communities’ self-determined outcomes.

DXC worked with AMY Nominees ¹ and Dell Technologies to facilitate this laptop donation, which will support technology literacy, tutoring for children and education and development activities in the men’s and women’s sheds at Umoona Community Council. DXC acknowledges the support of Bill Ryan, General Manager, AMY Nominees, who came on board to deliver the laptops to the Council.

Lyn Gordon from the Umoona Community Council said, “Umoona would like to take this opportunity to thank DXC for its support and the kind donation of 30 laptop computers and for giving Umoona Community Council the opportunity to support our community in a fantastic way.”

Stuart Meadley, DXC First Nations Program Lead, said, “Our program is all about enabling and supporting self-determination for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Our RAP’s approach includes encouraging our employees across Australia to engage with their local communities. DXC has been engaging with First Nations community groups in South Australia for some time.”

DXC’s SA-based Nick Maerschel, DXC Account Executive for SA Government, helped establish relationships and identify some of the state’s local community needs, and Luke Stephenson, Education Lead for DXC’s First Nations Program, was responsible for arranging the donation and visit to Coober Pedy. DXC is also working with Umoona Community Council to arrange virtual basic IT skills training in the community.

To accompany the laptops, Dell Technologies has provided laptop bags which will assist to keep the laptops in working order in the dusty environment. Shant Soghomonian, Senior Director & General Manager, Channel Sales ANZ from Dell Technologies said, “This is an excellent program, which we are pleased to have been part of for the last two donations.” Dell Technologies also supported the Brisbane Indigenous Media Association donation in September 2020, along with DXC and Willyama Services, a DXC Indigenous business partner and Supply Nation-certified, 100% Aboriginal owned and run business.

As part of its Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan commitments, DXC is now planning its Community Technology Enablement Program schedule for 2022 and beyond, together with the support of its industry partners and customers.

¹A.M.Y Nominees Pty Ltd, is a wholly owned subsidiary of AMYAC. It was established for the purpose of undertaking on behalf of AMYAC and its members, sustainable business opportunities that promote Indigenous employment and training in all operations. It is managed by a board of directors consisting of seven Traditional Owners from the AM-Y Native Title Group.

DXC acknowledges Antakirinja Matu-Yankunytjatjara peoples as the Traditional Owners of the land in Coober Pedy and its surrounds, and their continuing connection to land, water and community. We pay our respects to them and their cultures, and to their Elders, past, present and emerging.