Machinery and community: the Atherton Gardens community network

This paper explores the expectations associated with the establishment of a wired community initiative in a low income, multiethnic public housing estate in inner Melbourne. The project is an initiative of InfoXchange Australia, a not-for-profit enterprise, working in conjunction with government departments, private companies and other third sector agencies. The organisers hope that the network will be owned and operated by residents who will be able to use their involvement and developing skills as leverage to better their social and economic opportunities, re-enter the workforce and build a more cohesive community.