Website and IT Report 2012
The church website (www.bpuc.org) attracts an average of 1500 unique visitors per month in 2012, experiencing marked growth over previous years from December 2011 onwards. The five most viewed pages are the home page followed by current events, weddings, Briar Eyers, and contact details. Visitors with mobile phones and tablets is around 12%.
The implementation of the new "look" for the website has been funded by Church Council and needs a suitable quote and design work from a graphics designer. Once this is complete there will be further revision of content and addition of new content particularly for visitors by the group led by John Hughes (Alex Sims, Neryl McCallum, Karan Hudson and Derek Munneke).
The hall computers continue to age and be replaced with newer recycled computers and parts with older machines now able to be easily disposed at any of seven metropolitan locations for free through product stewardship by the computing and television manufacturers. As at 14 January 2013 the spare computers take up about 1.35 cubic meters of space in the southern tank room, up from 1.25 at the same time last year.
Other activities completed in 2012 include:
- Ran two Introduction to computers and the internet courses based on federal government Broadband for seniors (http://www.necseniors.net.au/) program to increase the confidence and skills of older members of the congregation in using computers and the internet (four participants in Jan 2012 course, three for Feb 2012).
- Refinement of electronic order of service
- Further develoment of a Facebook page for BPUC (facebook.com/bpuc.org); currently 33 likes
- Investigation of energy usage of IT (no wasteful equipment found)
- Seasonal restrictions on hall computer usage (January 2013)
Plans for 2013 include:
- Making the use of video projection easier and less intrusive in worship.
- Tracking paper order of service demands to better match production with usage.
- Better reporting of photocopier usage for billing
- Better network documentation and computer labelling (larger print!)
- Possible further training courses to build upon the Broadband for Seniors and to meet congregational needs.
- Ongoing reduction in the amount of unused equipment stored
- Further exploration of social media and mobile services to further BPUC's mission (in line with recommendations from the Communications Working Group)
- Progress towards automated rather than manual backup of all computers
- Enabling a better experience for the increased mobile phone and tablet users of the church website.
With Derek Munneke's help I have continued to help with the church’s computing needs, including providing support for the office, ministers and the Bari Cultural School.
Alex Sims
IT Co-ordinator
