Free Internet access & computer courses
We have 5 desktop computers in our community computer suite all connected up to the internet and ready for you to use! If it's your first time at Smart Newtown you'll need to Register online here or at the office. We aim to be a welcoming and safe place for all community members so we will ask you to agree to our house rules. We also offer a help-desk service for one on one support and offer short, one-day workshops on a variety of introductory computer and smartphone topics.
​
​
OUR NEXT BLOCK OF COURSES START:
​
March 24th 2025
​
We teach one-off, 2-hour classes every Monday and Wednesday, provided by Stepping Up. Occasionally we teach two-part courses that build on the experience of previous ones. You can register for them here.
​
Take part in our online survey to help select the topics and times.
​
Click here to read our 'house rules'
Google Drive
Ever tried to share word document or a collection of photos, but emailing back and forth was too cumbersome? Google Drive can be a solution. This course provides an overview of what Google Drive is, how to upload, create, and share files, and some of the basics of using Google Docs for writing. It also covers file folders for organizing your work, and how to move files between them.
Google Docs
Need to write a word document but don’t have Microsoft Word at home? Want to access the same document on multiple computers and collaborate it with others? Google Docs makes it easy. This course gets you familiar with the interface, setting up pages, and working with text and images. If you’re familiar with Microsoft Word, some of that knowledge will transfer.
Google Photos
If you have a smart phone or lots of photos, Google Photos can be a useful tool. We’ll explain and practice the differences between using it on a computer vs an Android or iPhone. After that we’ll work with uploading, organizing, editing, and sharing your photos, as well as the backup search functions.
Intro to Digital Banking
With closures and reduced hours, banks have cut down on the option for face-to-face business. Online options promise convenience but can be scary. The class will give you skill to bank online with confidence. We’ll cover the benefits and terms, scams and how to dodge them, website and password security, transactions and managing payees, and free places to practice online.
Password Managers
We all seem to have a million passwords these days, and it’s a mission to remember them all. Password managers offer a simple solution: a secret online vault that holds your valuable credentials and keeps them safe from thieves. This class covers both a simple and easy-to-use manager provided by Google, as well as a more complex and robust option for organizations in the form of Bitwarden.
Help Desk
During opening hours, best between 12:30 PM and 2:30 PM
Got computer or Internet issues? Perhaps you’re having trouble transferring files from a USB stick? Can’t figure out how to log into Facebook!? Want to make sure your computer has no viruses?
​
We offer one-to-one free short training sessions through our help desk service. Just pop in during office hours or contact our friendly staff to book in a time.
​
Other Services we offer
SPECIALISED COURSES & WORKSHOPS
From time to time we offer unique courses or one-off workshops. Previous topics have included:
-
How to adjust smartphone and desktop PC settings
-
Microsoft Word & Excel
-
RealMe & MyMSD
-
Zoom, Trade Me, and other in-demand apps
​
​
The best way to find out about these upcoming courses is to sign up to the Newtown Community Centre's fortnightly e-newsletter or follow us on Facebook.
Is there something you'd like to learn? Please get in touch!
​
BLACK & WHITE PRINTING
20 Cents per page - single sided
30 Cents per page - double sided
​
COLOUR PRINTING
$1.00 per page - single sided
$1.50 per page - double sided
​
LAMINATING
A4 $1.00 per sheet
A3 $1.50 per sheet
​
SCANNING
Free
​
.png)