The Launceston Online Access Centre (LOAC) was a community organisation formed after some initial work by a steering committee and a public meeting held on 15 April 1999. The initial aim was to make information technology more accessible to all Tasmanians and it was part of the wider Tasmanian Communities Online project (later program) facilitated by the government. The LOAC comprised a local management committee which was an incorporated body with an annual membership subscription and operated with grant money from federal and state government and other sources. It received support from the Launceston Library in terms of building and infrastructure. The initial objects and purposes of the organisation were to accelerate the uptake of new technology by the community of Launceston, to show case the Launceston community through the development of a community website and to support local businesses and organisations.;;;;A Co-ordinator was appointed in July 1999. In subsequent years the LOAC was a recognised service provider for the government in making information technology accessible to the Launceston Community.;;;;In November 2003, an 11 member Tasmanian Communities Online Advisory Board was established by the Minister of Education which reviewed all online access centres, their funding models and service delivery.;;;;The Launceston Online Access Centre Association's functions were eventually formally taken over by government and it became a government organisation and part of the Department of Education through the Launceston Library. ;;;;;;