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1,000 laptops to the rescue! – The Echo

Diego Trago (from Hello Again), Donna Lorenz (from I Love A Dog), Jason Bently (Byron Chamber Of Commerce President), with Mullum High students and Principal, Greg Armstrong. Photo by Jeff ‘Top Lapdog’ Dawson.

A co-ordinated effort by the Byron Bay Business Chamber, Business NSW and NAB has seen the delivery of 1,000 laptops throughout the region.

NAB donated the refurbished laptops, which have also been sent as far as Lismore, Wardell and Grafton to organizations affected by recent floods.

Some local recipients include Mullum High School, the Mullum Neighborhood Centre, the SHIFT project, the Fletcher Street Cottage, Byron Bay Pre-School, St Josephs Primary School (Murwillumbah) and Human Nature Adventure Therapy (NFP).

NAB Branch Manager, Andrew Scott, said, ‘Special thanks to Angela Davies, Regional Manager Northern NSW/Small Business Regional & Agri, whom I contacted, and she assisted the chamber to connect with the Byron Bay branch to be a distribution hub, for laptop recipients in the Byron Bay area to collect their devices from’.

Byron Chamber President, Jason Bentley, told The Echo, ‘Our gratitude to NAB from the people of the Northern Rivers. One thousand laptops donated is one thousand locals, students, businesses and community associations that can use these tools to control their own destinies and empower recovery. A special thanks to the BBCC Board who volunteered their time to make this ambitious project a reality. The work continues!’

Mullum High School principal, Greg Armstrong, said, ‘There are at least 30 kids in serious need, and these laptops will make a huge difference. This gesture will go a long way in restoring some students’ faith in humanity.

Local businesses keen to learn more about how they can be part of, and benefit from, the broader Byron business community, head to www.byronbaychamber.com.