Telecommuting increases

The Peninsula has a large commuting workforce, but that scenario is changing.
Increasingly the grind of the daily freeway trip or the pre-dawn train journey are being replaced due to the ongoing development and use of information technology.
Facilities such as faxes, the internet and e-mail provide instant communication worldwide and have allowed growing numbers of Peninsula residents to become commuters of a different kind - telecommuters.
Local businessman Stephen Cummings is a typical example.
Stephen's work encompasses promotion of an educative network in conjunction with the NSW Department of Education and Training, yet his office is Peninsula based.
The primary benefit he cites of the telecommuting role is time saving.
"You don't have to spend three hours driving, and that time saved allows you to put in longer, more productive working hours."
Stephen also sees that the growth of IT has ensured companies are providing quicker and more efficient service and response to clients in outlying areas such as the Central Coast.
"The growing use of IT allows major companies to easily establish a regional presence, and so benefits both employer and employee," states fellow telecommuter Nick Friend.
Reduction of travel time is also a benefit for quality of life.
The stress of the F3 or packed commuter trains are replaced with an increase in personal time available and subsequent benefit to family life.
Children of previous Sydney commuters actually get to see their parents in daylight hours during the week!
The advancement of IT has positive flow on effect for the local economy.
One such example is Umina-based company Milestone Marketing.
Through the Internet, Milestone competes with companies worldwide.
Their on-going success is due to their ability to provide more reasonable prices for local printing and design than their international rivals.
According to managing director Barbara Ketley, the use of the world wide web in local business is a rapidly expanding phenomenon.
"A year ago no-one dreamed of asking for your e-mail address, now people ask all the time.
"In the last 6-12 months, the local use of the internet has really taken off.
"We do work for companies in Yamba and Bathurst and they can access it on screen immediately."
An ex-train commuter herself, Barbara shares the view that the IT revolution can only be a positive one for the Peninsula workforce.
For three years, I commuted to Sydney, leaving at 4.30 am and returning at 8pm. Now I actually enjoy coming to work".