Kylie Davies — Founder of Computerbank Dies

Kylie Davies, founder of Computerbank, passed away from a heart attack on 2 November 2019, at age 48. Her death came just days after the organisation’s 20th-anniversary celebration.

The vision

In the late 1990s, Kylie recognised that discarded computers from businesses were heading to landfills while many people lacked access to technology. She envisioned using free, open-source software — particularly Linux — to refurbish these machines and distribute them affordably to low-income families.

The approach had clear advantages: Linux was free, making refurbished computers cheaper, and it ran faster on older hardware than Microsoft Windows alternatives.

Getting started

A pivotal moment came when The Age newspaper published an article titled “The People’s Revolution” on 6 October 1998, featuring Kylie’s ideas. Public interest surged, and Computerbank Victoria officially incorporated on 1 November 1999.

Impact over 20 years

By 2019, Computerbank had refurbished and distributed 10,000 computers to pension cardholders, asylum seekers, and disadvantaged individuals. The organisation remained volunteer-run and self-funded through operations rather than government grants.

Personal legacy

Despite battling the autoimmune disease Lupus since her twenties, Kylie remained committed to bridging the digital divide. Her work provided technology access and computer training to thousands, including refugees and newly arrived migrants.