Northnet Community Computers

PC Refurbishment & Charitable Redistribution

Northnet Community Computers joined the Microsoft Authorised Refurbisher (MAR) program in 2006 when it set up the first MAR Refurbishment Room for the Hunter Region.  It has since continued to the subsequent Microsoft Registered Refurbisher (MRR) program.

The Community Computer project specifically aims to assist the economically disadvantaged - children, mothers returning to the workforce, marginalised youth, and long term unemployed adults who cannot afford the purchase price of a decent computer.

The initiative looks to bridge the “digital divide”. It aims to provide critical access to computer hardware and software and is integrated with Northnet's free digital literacy training, so that recipients can become computer literate.

About MRR

The program was created by Microsoft to increase the number of usable PCs available to low-income families/children, non-profits, and schools across the globe by reducing the cost of software to refurbishers. The MRR program also benefits the environment keeping perfectly good computers out of landfill. The program authorises Northnet to install certain Microsoft software applications on refurbished computers for eligible recipients at a very reasonable cost.

Refurbishment Specification

  • The Northnet MRR program supplies only safe, reliable, and functional PCs to beneficiaries.
  • Hardware: P4 processor; 512MB DDR RAM, 40GB HDD; Ethernet, AGP or PCI video 8MB; USB; Audio; Flat screen monitor; keyboard; mouse ; cabling.
  • Software: Microsoft Windows XP SP3; Open Office; Microsoft Security essentials; Paintshop; Windows Media Player 11; various essential Utilities.

Eligible Recipients Contact: Kylie Orr on 02 4990 6366

Click here to download a printable flyer with specification and recipient eligibility information.

Donation of Hardware

Corporate and small business partners can benefit the community through donation of superseded PC hardware to The Northnet MRR Refurbishment program.

Donors negate the cost burden of disposal through donation to Northnet. Businesses can optimise their IT refresh and upgrade cycle focused on integrating new hardware and be assured the recycling process of hardware is securely and professionally managed.

Interested Donors please email sysadmin@northnet.org.au or call Rob on 02 49906366.

Northnet Community computers provide an excellent way to assist students and the disadvantaged to get a computer while at the same time assisting the environment.