Volunteer Profile: Ronaldo

by Program Coordinator Jo Hocking

We are incredibly lucky to have a fantastic team of volunteers at Tuart Place who love helping people with their mobile phones, tablets and computer issues. Tricia, Judy, Yoyo, Mary and Ronaldo are some of the IT volunteers who help on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings. No question is too big or too small for them, so if you need some help, pop in any time from 10.30am. We were sorry to say goodbye to William in January. He was a dedicated volunteer who came every Monday, come rain or shine, patiently helping people, often with a queue of others waiting to see him.

Unfortunately after 18 months with us, William has moved to Kalgoorlie for work. He will be greatly missed, and we wish William all the best in his new adventures in the Goldfields.

Volunteer Profile: Ronaldo Mororó

Ronaldo Mororó has been volunteering at Tuart Place since October 2018, helping people with their computer skills and solving IT problems.

We recently asked Ronaldo to tell us a bit about himself. Ronaldo writes:

“Originally from a small town with white sandy beaches on the North-Eastern coast of Brazil, I moved to Australia via Europe and landed in Sydney about 16 years ago.

Some of my personal qualities include creativity, patience and altruism. The altruism is a family legacy, from my father, and also my mother, who used to help remote indigenous communities as a university professor in the rain forests in my home country, Brazil”. Professionally, Ronaldo is a tech savvy problem-solver with a hunger for learning and engaging with people to find solutions to a diverse range of challenges.

With his friendly ‘trademark’ smile and great listening skills, Ronaldo helps participants feel at ease and overcome any barrier that modern gadgets may offer.

Thanks for your great work Ronaldo!

PHOTO: Ronaldo (on left) with Peter Bent in the newly re-furbished computer lab at Tuart Place

Computers: Get in the know with Jo and her team

Whatever your skill level (even if you’ve never turned on a computer before) you can get individual help.

Use the computer room, or bring in your iPad, mobile phone or digital camera and learn to browse the internet, send emails, scan photos and shop online. Please call in to see one of Jo’s computer volunteers on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10.30am.

The Tuart Place computer room has had a revamp, and we are delighted with the improved computer resources for participants at Tuart Place.

Our old computers provided many years of good service, but it was time to let them go…. All PCs have now been replaced with high functioning Hewlett Packard machines, and monitors with in-built webcam and speaker capabilities, making Skype and other online communication much easier.

New computer desks have also been installed (many thanks to David L, David M and Yoyo for their work on this), making it a more welcoming and functional space.

Everyone is happy with the new, faster machines and attractive furnishings.

Mary Mogridge said “the new room is amazing! It’s welcoming and it’s here for everyone who needs help with their IT. There are friendly volunteers to help you out and if you are new to IT, you can come and learn.”

Lyn McLaughlin said “the new room is cheerful and welcoming, especially with the new plants in the corner! The volunteers who help out are fantastic, they’ll be patient with you if you are learning how to use computers”.

We have a strong network of IT volunteers ably coordinated by Program Coordinator Jo Hocking, ensuring ready access to assistance for participants seeking any kind of help with computers, tablets and mobile phones. Jo said that while many people bring in their own mobile phones and tablets, others really appreciate the fact that we have computers and printing facilities on site.

IT assistance is one of Tuart Place’s key service areas, particularly in light of the increasing expectation among Government and private sector organisations (such as banks) that people are able to receive and transmit information electronically.

Tuart Place has free Wi-Fi for participants and visitors.

Can you help? St Joseph’s Orphanage

My sister Veronica and I lived at St Joseph’s Orphanage from around 1966 to about 1975.

I have always cherished the happy times I had with two dear friends who were there at the same time. One is Karen O (who had an older sister Cheryle O) and the other is Cecelia C.

I have longed to see them again, and would love to catch up and say hi. My contact details are below. Kind regards, Colleen Mckenzie (nee Miller)

St Joseph’s Facebook page

The Joey Girls have started a private Facebook page for anyone who has photos they would like to share.

Information about reunions and gatherings can be included. This is an idea from the Rolfe sisters.

If you are interested, come and see me at Tuart Place on Mondays. Ann McVeigh