Doing IT Better launch

A report released recommends the strengthening of information and communication technology (ICT) capability in the community services sector, arguing it is critical for its success in promoting social justice, equity and inclusion in 21st century Australia. The launch was at the Melbourne City Bowls Club on Wednesday 7 April 2010.

The Doing IT Better report, which collates the findings of a three-year collaborative project undertaken by Monash University's Centre for Community Networking Research(CCNR) and the Victorian Council of Social Service (VCOSS), says without robust ICT capability, the sector's ability to assist and support vulnerable and disadvantaged Victorians is compromised. The CCNR is a research group within the Centre for Organisational and Social Informatics (COSI) research centre in the Faculty of Information Technology.

Report author and Senior Research Fellow in the Faculty of Information Technology Dr Larry Stillman said the presence of ICT in all aspects of life meant that the community services sector had to incorporate ICT capability into its mission and practices.

"Many IT changes are relatively low-cost, but the sector needs assistance to make the right decisions. For example, nearly everyone has a mobile phone for example, but many welfare organisations are faced by very high phone bills for mobile calls. They need to be able to look at using other phone systems such as internet based systems which could bring down their costs substantially," Dr Stillman said.

Monash University Vice-Chancellor Professor Ed Byrne said the Doing IT Better project was an example of how the University could act as a catalyst for knowledge creation.

"It epitomises how an institution such as Monash University can also unlock and bring together knowledge distributed across the community. And it shows that the results of such a process can empower individuals and organisations beyond the campus gates," Professor Byrne said.

Professor Byrne said the work done in the Doing IT Better confirmed the findings of recent Productivity Commission data on the contribution of the non-profit sector.

"The Commission's findings pointed to the importance of effective information and knowledge systems for the sector in both social and economics terms. The community sector has never been properly supported to do this, and the report launched today shows how it can be."

At the launch of the report today, the partnership between Monash and VCOSS was formalised and strengthened with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding. Dr Stillman said that the MoU would result in further collaboration and exchange to promote ITC skills in the community sector.

VCOSS Chief Executive Officer Cath Smith said the Doing IT Better report was a landmark document that paved the way for a brighter and more sustainable future for the community services sector.

"The project also demonstrates the value of partnership between universities and the community sector. Engaging community organisations in the research process has really made a difference," Ms Smith said.