Why are we called the Newell Network?

The Newell Network is named in memory of Rev Canon Dr Christopher Newell AM.

Christopher advocated strongly for people with disabilities.

Christopher represented the Australian Federation of Disability Organisations on many committees.  He was passionate about making telecommunications technology more accessible.  His work on the following committees reflected this passion.

• Communications Alliance Disability Council (he was chairperson)
• The Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman (he was a Council member)
• The Telstra Consumer Consultative Council (he was co-Chairperson at one stage).
• The Project Advisory Body, and later, the Consultative Expert Panel of TEDICORE (Telecommunications and Disability Consumer Representation).  He was an expert that TEDICORE felt privileged to have involved in their work.

It is fitting for Christopher's name to be remembered through the Newell Network.  The Newell Network is using technology to share information, so that people with limited or no speech can find solutions to communication on the phone.

Gerard Goggin and Christopher co-authored books together; one was "Digital Disability: The Social Construction of Disability in New Media"