Thursday, June 26, 2025

Getting through to a post-COVID world together

When the COVID-19 restrictions tightened, the Knox Community Chess Enthusiasts (KCCE) at Westfield Knox and Rowville Library were forced to pause play along with the rest of Victorians.

The stimulating social outlet for many retirees and shopping husbands was shut down indefinitely.

Missing his buddies, Eddie Atacador, KCCE founder and volunteer coordinator,  called upon Sally Dusting-Laird of Coonara Community House (CCH) to help him reinvigorate the game that had brought such connectedness and solace for the members. 

Sally provided a teaching program for all KCCE members to learn how to use the online platform Zoom for continued communication and interaction among the members. She sourced the expertise of Karen George, CCH Program Coordinator and RTO and IT Administrator to facilitate weekly training lessons on “How to Host Zoom”. Eddie, along with fellow KCCE volunteers, Ken Fletcher and Arvin del Rosario, trained on how to use video conferencing and online chess applications.

The first KCCE Chess Talk and Demonstration was held on 2nd September 2020. Attendees were treated to a display of fierce competitive play over an interactive video conference to learn the new skill of online chess gaming. 

Knox Community Chess Enthusiasts meet for their first online chess program. Photo by KCCE.
Knox Community Chess Enthusiasts meet for their first online chess program. Photo by KCCE.

The virtual Zoom and Chess.com technology may not be a complete substitute for the personal camaraderie previously enjoyed by the KCCE devotees, but the virtual interaction has been a welcome break from life in lockdown.

KCCE appreciates the generous sponsorship of the Knox Council Community Development Fund, the Knox Council Minor Grants program and auspiced by Coonara Community House.

For more information about KCCE, email eddie.atacador@hotmail.com.

Hot this week

5W30 Engine Oil: The Unseen Star of Eco-Friendly Driving

In the world of automobiles, there exists a silent...

Cosplay Tips from Riolette: How She Creates, Transforms, and Chooses the Right Coloured Contact Lenses

Riolette's cosplay journey began with a single transformative moment...

How to Find the Right Male Performers for Private Events

We're all aware that having the right entertainer can...

A Birthday Delivery Trick That’s Better Than Flowers

Cupcake deliveries create stronger emotional reactions than typical gift...

Make Smartraveller your trusted travel companion

Are you planning a long-awaited trip to visit family...

Topics

5W30 Engine Oil: The Unseen Star of Eco-Friendly Driving

In the world of automobiles, there exists a silent...

Cosplay Tips from Riolette: How She Creates, Transforms, and Chooses the Right Coloured Contact Lenses

Riolette's cosplay journey began with a single transformative moment...

How to Find the Right Male Performers for Private Events

We're all aware that having the right entertainer can...

A Birthday Delivery Trick That’s Better Than Flowers

Cupcake deliveries create stronger emotional reactions than typical gift...

Make Smartraveller your trusted travel companion

Are you planning a long-awaited trip to visit family...

Filipino-Australian artist duo wins Legacy Award at Asia Pacific Arts Awards

Filipino-Australian artists Isabel and Alfred Aquilizan have received the...

5 Chic Gifts for the Special Woman in Your Life

Birthdays and Christmas are both times of the year...

Essential Equipment & Supplies for Camping in Australia

Australia’s diverse landscape (ranging from coastal havens and lush...

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_img