Avalon Computer Pals
Avalon Pals Tutors
Some of our tutors
Mike O'Flynn
Started working with computers in 1988 and played desk jockey with one until I retired in 2002. I like to use them to keep track of my personal life, finances, family tree and photos.
I have been training with Avpals for the last 5 years, it’s a lot of fun and very rewarding to see how quickly seniors progress when they are given a few simple pointers. My favourite success story is two of my students went back to work after two terms of training, they had both been out of the work force for over 10 years. They quickly had much younger employees asking them how to do things on their computers as our ex-students’ skills were way ahead of their much younger co-workers.
Gerd Hollander
Gerd joined Avalon Computer Pals as a trainer in 2005. He started his working life as a computer programmer, way before the advent of PCs, but spent most of his career as an economic analyst working for the Commonwealth Government in Canberra . He's had a home computer since 1982.
Gerd's favourite student success story is David, aged in his late 70s, who had only a very basic knowledge of computers but after a couple of terms with us has learned advanced word processing and the basics of scanning photographs, resulting in a lengthy family history, beautifully formatted and complete with photos and a family tree diagram. It's being launched on his 80th birthday in 2008.
Alison Holland
I used computers as a Medical Receptionist for many years but on retiring I realised that as I had been using a fixed programme, I knew little about all the other aspects of computer use.
I trained at Computer Pals with Marlene Kleemeyer for some time and later became a Trainer at the beginning of 2003.
My interests, other than computers, are painting, golf, drama, reading and writing.
I have lived on Bilgola Plateau since 1952, arriving here with my late husband and a young son when it was mostly bush.
Jenny McLaughlan
I had been working in IT since 1984. My beginnings started as a Xerox Word Processor Coordinator.
I have worked in various areas of IT including Administration, PC Support and Help Desk. I spent 6 years as a Service Desk Manager setting up and establishing a Help Desk System.
I hung up my keyboard and mouse in 2005 to pursue other interests in life.
I enjoy swimming, dragon boat paddling, theatre, food and wine.
Ron Baxter
Ron joined Avalon Computer Pals in February 2003 after retiring from Macquarie University . Ron worked at the University in the Office of Facilities Management for twenty seven years. He joined as an electrician in 1975. He undertook more study and rose up through the ranks to finish as Electrical Services Coordinator. In 1991 a computer was placed on his desk and he was told to learn how to use it, ‘from now on you do all your own typing and record keeping’. The University were very supportive and held computer courses for staff during working hours.
He was an assistant scout leader with 1 st Avalon Scouts for thirteen years and involved in bush regeneration at Bilgola Plateau for five years.
Ron gets enjoyment from helping seniors to learn computing and to become confident in the use of the computer to access the internet, send emails and in the general use of the computer
Paul Purvis
Paul spent ten years of his life as a professional computer trainer, working for CSIRO, the Community College network, TAFE NSW and independently. He won the NSW Premier’s award for adult training in 1999 and continues to enjoy sharing his knowledge with his fellow seniors at Avalon Computer Pals.
Tricia Kalf
I was a computer trainer for over 20 years in a government department, TAFE (Illawarra, Brookvale and North Sydney) and privately. But I knew nothing when I begun. I was told that being a good communicator would make a good computer trainer. I am also active in our environmental consulting business which my husband and I began in 1992.
Interests:
Apart from computing I enjoy share trading, antique china, gardening, swimming, and yoga.
Derrick Davey
Two years as a trainer with a data processing company then briefly a computer programmer followed by systems analyst and designer. Marketing manger at ICL responsible for product releases, seminars, presentations, exhibitions and conferences. Ran own staff recruiting company, committee member and Editor of Australian Computer Society monthly magazine. Edited two computer books for Prentice Hall.
Managed government Computer Industry Training Program responsible for selecting and training unemployed youths. A founder member and Fellow of the ACS.
Major interest music. Writes record reviews and has conducted a weekly program on Sydney radio since 1980.
Marita Macrae
More or less retired, primary teacher in 1980s, then horticulturist and bush regenerator. Three married daughters and 6.5 grandchildren living on the northern beaches. Avalon resident since 1980.
I started as a trainer first term 2009. I enjoy sharing what I know with other people, particularly in getting them to feel confident to “have-a-go” and enjoy the internet and digital photography as much as I do. My computer experience has all been at home, where I make great use of it in my mostly voluntary activities. The value of the internet as a source of information and the use of emails are wonderful things for older people to appreciate and use.
Our natural world, its flora, fauna and landscapes is a passion of mine. Other interests: reading history, a capella singing, travel.
Peter Marshall
I have been in Avalon for just over three years and an instructor for 2 years. My interest in computers spans over 20 years and am an enthusiastic amateur, having received no formal training in the subject. I enjoy sharing my knowledge, albeit limited, with others and get a buzz out of seeing them achieve their goals.
My special interests are photography, the internet and choral music, being a member of the Sydney Male Choir.
Greg Ross
Greg is a retired Veterinarian having been in practice in Nth Turramurra for 32 years.He computerised his practice in 1986. Greg is married with 2 children and 5 grandchildren. He has lived in Newport for the past 20 years.His main interests are around Avalon where he group exercises in the park next to the community centre 3 times a week and tutors at Avpals on Friday afternoons or enjoying Pittwater.