ASCCA

2026

Joseph Vijay is wearing a grey suit, with a pale pink tie. He has short dark hair and is smiling at the camera

President’s Report October 2026

Welcome to the October edition of our newsletter. 

The year has flown by, and recent talk of the Melbourne Cup has made the approaching end of 2026 feel all too real. 

OUR NEW ASCCA WEBSITE IS LIVE 

I am delighted to announce the launch of our new ASCCA website, an important step towards making ASCCA more accessible, useful and connected. 

My sincere thanks go to Suresh Rao, David Schanzer and Deborah Martin, whose hard work turned our concept into reality, and to Anu Gulmohar, founder of Lifespice.design, for the artwork and design templates. 

The website will continue to evolve, with member resources, informative blogs and a growing partner ecosystem. A key feature is “Find a Club Near You,” which we hope will develop into a national directory of places where seniors can learn about technology and find trusted local support. 

Please visit the site and send your feedback and ideas to office@ascca.org.au. 

DID YOU KNOW? 

  • The world’s first website was created by Sir Tim Berners Lee at CERN and went online in 1991. An early champion of open and universally accessible technology, Berners Lee helped ensure the Web was made freely available in 1993, enabling it to flourish around the world. Its original address was info.cern.ch. 
  • Today, there are more than 1.5 billion website hostnames worldwide. 
  • The development of HealthCare.gov and its supporting data hub reached approximately US$294 million in contracted obligations by February 2014, making it one of the costliest publicly reported website projects. 

STRENGTHENING ASCCA’S GOVERNANCE 

We have launched our campaign to appoint ASCCA’s next Treasurer and Company Secretary, and applications have begun arriving. If you would like to help shape ASCCA’s next chapter, or know someone with the right skills and experience, I encourage you to apply using this link: https://app.aqyr.ai/jobs.html?job_id=1299 . 

I would also like to acknowledge our current Treasurer, Ross Howard, who has helped the Board and me deliver a much stronger financial position than originally forecast. We will formally recognise Ross’s contribution in due course. 

Planning is underway for our Annual General Meeting in late November, when we will appoint ASCCA’s Board for the term ahead and ask members to ratify and adopt our new constitution. 

Our legal advisers, Baker McKenzie, have delivered an excellent result that provides clearer governance, greater transparency for members and a better separation of responsibilities between the Board and Executive. Formal information will be sent to all current ASCCA members ahead of the AGM. 

EXPANDING OUR COMMUNITY REACH 

We continue working to extend technology support to seniors across Australia, including people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities and from a broad range of socioeconomic backgrounds. 

We are exploring collaboration with the Western Sydney Community Forum, Fair Foundations and the Centre for Western Sydney, with the potential to support a region that is home to nearly 250,000 seniors. We are also reconnecting with former ASCCA members and inviting them to partner with us again. 

GIVING SENIORS A VOICE IN THE AI CONVERSATION 

I was recently invited to represent ASCCA at the annual University of Sydney Computer Engineering Alumni Dinner, where I spoke about the opportunities and societal impacts of technology and artificial intelligence. Most importantly, I highlighted the unique role community groups, including our clubs, play in ensuring seniors can access affordable, local support. 

As these technologies evolve, seniors must be informed, included and heard in discussions about their responsible use. 

A CHALLENGE FOR GET ONLINE WEEK 

This October, I invite each of us to help one person take a small step forward with technology, whether that means making a video call, searching for a grocery item using the Coles or Woolworths app, or finding a computer club through our new website. 

A little encouragement can build confidence, strengthen connections and open the door to new possibilities. 

Warm regards, 

Joseph Vijay 

Interim President and Board Chair 

President’s Report October 2026 Read More »

Clubs Forum announcement - Topic: Cloud storage, 14 October 2026 2PM AEDT

ASCCA Clubs Forum – October 2026

Our next free Clubs Forum is on Wednesday, 14th October 2026 at 2 pm AEDT.  Please note that daylight saving starts on 4 October in NSW, so times will be different in other time zones. 

The topic, by popular demand, is Cloud Storage.  This forum will cover: 

  • What is the ‘Cloud’ 
  • Why is it useful 
  • Terminology:  Upload, download, synchronise, share, store, back up 
  • The benefits and risks of synchronising 
  • What storage costs for Microsoft, Google and Apple cloud storage 
  • Other apps that use cloud storage 
  • How to keep your files safe. 

ASCCA Clubs Forum – October 2026 Read More »

Seniors looking at the screen of a laptop computer and smiling.

Volunteer ASCCA Board appointment:  Treasurer and Company Secretary 

ASCCA is looking for a volunteer Treasurer and Company Secretary to replace Ross Howard, when Ross retires at the next AGM.  Your role is to bring financial stewardship and sound governance to a mission that helps older Australians participate confidently in a digital world. 

Role type:  Volunteer 

Term: Two years 

Commitment: 4 – 5 days per month 

Location: Working from home 

A purpose-led board opportunity 

For more than 25 years, ASCCA has helped older Australians build digital confidence through trusted communities, practical learning and peer support. We are now evolving from computer skills to digital autonomy – ensuring every senior has the confidence, capability and support to remain connected, independent and included. Through stronger communities, senior-centred standards, advocacy and partnerships, ASCCA is working towards a future where every older Australian can participate safely, confidently and meaningfully in a digital society. 

The opportunity 

ASCCA is seeking an experienced financial and governance leader who can pair rigorous stewardship with practical, service-oriented leadership. 

Why this role matters 

The Treasurer and Company Secretary is an Executive Board Member responsible for ensuring compliance with legal, regulatory and constitutional obligations while maintaining disciplined oversight of ASCCA’s financial health. 

 As a core member of the Executive Board, the role connects robust governance with strategic financial planning, helping ASCCA remain sustainable, transparent and legally sound as it advances digital inclusion. 

The scope at a glance 

Accountability:  Reports to the Chair and is accountable to the Board. 

Appointment:  Executive member of the Board, appointed in accordance with the Constitution 

Remuneration:  Volunteer role.  Approved expenses incurred in perfomring duties are reimbursed. 

Board contribution:  Audit, finance, risk, governance, ACNC reporting and DGR compliance expertise. 

Time commitment 

  • Approximately 1 – 1.5 days per week. 
  • Provide strategic financial leadership and strengthen systems and processes. 
  • Attend monthly Board meetings and guide fiscal governance. 
  • Present clear financial insights to support informed Board decisions. 

The contribution you will make 

The role is focused across three connected areas: governance and secretariat, financial management and oversight, and Executive Board leadership. 

 01 Corporate governance & secretariat 

  • Compliance & reporting: Act as the point of contact for regulators and ensure statutory returns and notifications are lodged accurately and on time with the ACNC and ASIC. 
  • Governance framework: Maintain mandatory registers, including the Register of Members and Directors’ Interests, and advise the Board on constitutional requirements and governance practice. 
  • Policy & risk management: Oversee regular review of organisational policies and risk registers so the Board operates within legal, ethical and regulatory boundaries. 

 02 Financial management & oversight 

  •  Financial governance: Lead workstreams or subcommittees for Audit & Risk, Oversee financial administration, including internal accounting controls, banking procedures and financial policies. 
  •  Budgeting & forecasting: Lead development of the annual budget with the Executive team and present it to the Board for approval. 
  •  Financial reporting: Prepare clear monthly financial reports, profit and loss statements and balance sheets, translating financial information into strategic insight. 
  •  Audit & year-end: Manage the annual financial review or audit and present audited financial statements to members at the Annual General Meeting. 
  •  Funding & sustainability: Advise on cash flow, grant acquittal compliance and the financial viability of new projects and digital programs. 

03 Executive Board leadership 

  •  Strategic contribution: Participate actively in Board discussion, strategic planning and decision-making beyond the financial and administrative remit. 
  •  Servant leadership: Champion integrity, accountability and a genuine commitment to empowering seniors in the digital age. 

 What You Will Gain 

Make a meaningful contribution to seniors’ digital inclusion while applying your expertise at the board level. You will help shape ASCCA’s next chapter, strengthen its financial sustainability and build valuable relationships across the community, government and technology sectors. 

The experience you will bring 

Candidates may come from nonprofit, foundation, government or industry settings. Strong candidates will demonstrate: 

  • A commitment to ASCCA’s purpose and a practical understanding of not-for-profit. 
  • Previous Board service or executive experience with sufficient time and experience to perform the duties with due skill and care. 
  • Working knowledge of Board governance, compliance and reporting obligations. 
  • Knowledge of meeting procedures and constitutional requirements. 
  • The writing proficiency and digital capability required to fulfil the responsibilities of the position. 

How we work 

 ASCCA will provide a Microsoft 365 user licence. The appointee will provide a computer, mobile device, home-office equipment and related services. 

 Diversity, inclusion & equity 

 ASCCA welcomes applications from people with diverse professional backgrounds and lived experience. Relevant experience may include technology, marketing, legal, finance, government relations, community engagement, education and aged care. 

How to apply 

For immediate consideration, send your resume and a cover letter outlining your interest in the role and how your skills and experience align with ASCCA’s mission and strategic goals. 

 EMAIL:  office@ascca.org.au 

 SUBJECT:  ASCCA TREASURER & COMPANY SECRETARY SEARCH 

 PROCESS: Applications, nominations and expressions of interest will be reviewed immediately and confidentially until an appointment is made. 

 ASCCA is an equal opportunity organisation and encourages diversity, inclusion and equity across every facet of its work. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to protected attributes under applicable law. 

Volunteer ASCCA Board appointment:  Treasurer and Company Secretary  Read More »

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