Avalon Computer Pals - Avpals

28/05/2026

Interacting with Government Services, My Aged Care
Tuesday 2nd June, 1:30-3:00pm

This is an important notice if you need to consider any sort of Aged Care service!
If you or a loved one are beginning to look into Aged Care services, this is a vital update regarding how you navigate the system. In recent years, the Australian Federal and State Governments have undergone a significant digital transformation.

Today, accessing essential support is almost entirely an online process.

While traditional paper forms were once the norm, the shift toward "digital first" means that we seniors and our families are now required to use online portals to secure the help they need.
This change means that platforms like myGov and Service NSW are no longer optional; they are the primary gateways for interacting with the
Government.

Whether you need to register for the Support at Home program, update your Medicare details, or manage Centrelink payments, these tools are central to your independence.

Our upcoming session is designed specifically to help you feel confident in this digital landscape. We will walk you through how to link your services, including the ATO, My Health Record, and My Aged Care. We’ll also cover practical state-based tasks like renewing your driver’s license or car registration via Service NSW. Join us to ensure you stay connected, informed, and in control of your care journey.

Cost is $10. Book HERE: https://www.avpals.com/

We looking forward to seeing you from 1:15pm at the Newport Community Centre, 11-13 The Boulevarde, Newport (Hall entrance is opposite the Tennis Courts)
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30/04/2026

Google Drive, iCloud, One Drive
Tuesday 5th May, 1:30-3:00pm

What can Cloud Services do for you?
There are lots of cloud storage services. But which ones give you more for free? How useful is it for you to have all your "stuff" in one place, but accessible by all your devices?

The "Big Three", Google Drive, Apple iCloud and Microsoft OneDrive is where most of us store our photos and documents, but most of us want to know - how SAFE are they? Another question is SHOULD you use them? What are the advantages and disadvantages?

In this session we will show you how to save and store your data online, and how to use the free tools that Google and Microsoft provide that you can use to create new documents, spreadsheets and presentations. There will be a Limit 8 people for this course, so please book early if this is of interest to you.

The cost is $15. Please Book HERE: https://www.avpals.com/product/google-drive-icloud-onedrive-1-30pm-5-may/?mc_cid=dd914b5503&mc_eid=eaa3f749dc

Looking forward to seeing you at 1:15pm at the Newport Community Centre, 11-13 The Boulevarde, Newport (Hall entrance is opposite the Tennis Courts)
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27/04/2026

AI SCAMS ARE ON THE RISE
Tuesday 28th April, 1:30-3:00pm

Headline News: SCAMMERS ARE LOSING THEIR JOBS! That's good right? Actually, no, it's not. Because the humans are being replaced by AI bots. No need for pay, time to sleep or any human activity. Just ripping real people like you and me off, 24/7 for the benefit of a few.

AI is NOT able to discern good from bad. So the bad people are programming the AI bots to go after us all. Please, don't just take our word for it.

This talk is about the latest (mostly AI driven) scams, the signs to look out for, and how to best protect yourself and your loved ones from getting caught out.

Please come along and bring your friends to this free session to learn how you, personally can make a dent in this ever growing issue.

Ignorance is NOT bliss!

We will provide free afternoon tea, and we will also tell you about the upcoming talks and courses that we will run this term.

Looking forward to seeing you at 1:30pm at the Newport Community Centre, 11-13 The Boulevarde, Newport (Hall entrance is opposite the Tennis Courts)

19/04/2026

15/04/2026

We’re looking forward to another great term at Avalon Computer Pals. Our program is designed to help over‑55s build confidence with technology in a relaxed, supportive environment. Whether you’re brushing up on the basics or exploring something new, there’s a session for you.

15/04/2026

AVALON ONE-TO-ONE TRAINING

Instead of having to get out of bed early, drive to Avalon, find a parking space (always a challenge these days) and come in to register for our one-to-one training, we've just made it easier for you this term. Just click here: https://www.avpals.com/avalon/?mc_cid=1fd217ef7c&mc_eid=eaa3f749dcat at your leisure (even in your PJ's if you like). But don't wait too long as term starts on 20th April and spaces tend to fill up fast.

If you want to learn about your smartphone, your laptop, iPad, or in fact, any other technical device you have, let us know and we will team you up with someone appropriate.

Our trainers will do their very best help you with all your important and not so important issues during your weekly one-to-one training sessions.

We can answer your burning questions about subjects like two factor authentication, password managers, what to do if you can't remember your password, how to sort out your computer filing system and many other subjects.

So if now is your time to learn more about technology, it might be a good idea to fill in our form HERE https://www.avpals.com/avalon/?mc_cid=1fd217ef7c&mc_eid=eaa3f749dcnow.

It costs just $50 per school term (that works out to be about $5 a lesson!) All you need to do is show up and bring your device(s)

Our learning hub is at:
The Maria Regina Catholic Church Hall
(Access from Church carpark)
7 Central Road, Avalon
Free, unlimited parking

07/02/2026

Does using AI still feel a bit… unnerving?
Join Av Pals on Tuesday 10 February, 1:30–3:00 pm for our next course.

Artificial Intelligence is here, like it or not. If the mere thought gives you the shivers, then NOW may be the time to find out how you can tame AI for yourself.

I hope you know that you are already using AI every time you do a Google search these days? Simply learning the ins and outs of the technology you are using to read this email shows your competence, so is it perhaps time for you to take the next step and learn a little about AI?

The sorts of things we will be doing are:
* Using AI to create pictures using with nothing but a few words and your imagination
(like I did creating the picture above).
* Writing formal letter with just a few basic instructions.
* Making sense of medical jargon.
* Turning lots of text into a few words.
* Getting AI to plan an itinerary for your next holiday.

If you're ready to try AI, and how to made it work for you, then now is the time to take action.

The date is Tuesday 3rd February. There will be a Limit 8 people. Cost is $15. Book HERE

We look forward to seeing you at 1:30pm at the Newport Community Centre, 11-13 The Boulevarde, Newport (Hall entrance is opposite the Tennis Courts)

03/02/2026

Forty people through the door this afternoon. Not a bad way to kick off the term and we are looking forward to an engaging First Term.

02/02/2026

We’re excited to share our new Term 1 programme for Avalon Computer Pals - fresh sessions, friendly faces and plenty of learning ahead. It's packed with new classes, hands‑on learning and opportunities for everyone to build confidence with technology.

01/02/2026

SCAMMERS BE GONE!!
Tuesday 3rd February, 1:30-3:00pm

Don't you wish you could just get rid of scammers by scaring THEM off instead of the other way around?

Well, maybe you can't hit them over the head like our cartoon granny, but you can definitely see them off your property (smartphone, computer or iPad that is) with a great big "AND DON'T COME BACK!!"

Our first session for this term and this year, is, as always completely free and will focus on how to protect yourself and your communications equipment from being hijacked by those digitally savvy rascals we call scammers, phishers, hackers (and ruder words).

We will talk about how they work, what are the latest signs to look out for, and how to best protect yourself and your loved ones from getting caught out.

So come along and bring your friends to this free session to learn how you personally can make a dent in this ever growing issue.
Ignorance is NOT bliss!

Oh, and did I mention that there will be free afternoon tea? Now I have. Even though this is a free lecture, having numbers helps with the catering, so please register HERE

We look forward to seeing you at 1:30pm at the Newport Community Centre, 11-13 The Boulevarde, Newport (Hall entrance is opposite the Tennis Courts)