You can charge your device or connect to free Wi-Fi at one of three Smart Benches located in the City of Yarra.
We have partnered with Eco Renewable Energy (ERE), the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) and Belgium Avenue Neighborhood house (BANH), to provide access to these smart benches.
They are the first of their kind in inner city Melbourne and are powered by 100% renewable solar energy.
Project snapshot
Where are the Smart Bench locations?
Select the links below for a map showing the location of each smart bench:
- Atherton Gardens oval, Napier Street, Fitzroy.
- Richmond Housing Estate.
- Collingwood Housing Estate. (NOT YET INSTALLED)
How can I access the free Wi-Fi?
- Once you are within 20 meters of the bench, navigate to your device’s Wi-Fi settings.
- Select “'Yarra Smart Bench Wi-Fi”.
- Wait a few seconds and a loading page will appear.
- Select "Go Online" and after a few seconds you will be connected to the internet.
How can I charge my phone or tablet? Do I need a cord?
The bench has two wireless charging pads that you can just rest your device on. However if your device is not compatible with wireless charging you can bring along a USB cord to connect to the bench.
What data is being measured?
Built-in environmental sensors collect and share real-time data about temperature, humidity and air pressure. To access this information for each location you will need to download the free Strawberry app on Google Play or the App Store.
What atmospheric data are the benches collecting?
The Smart Bench Mini can determine the air pressure, humidity and temperature. This information will also be made available in real time on the free Strawberry app on Google Play.
What is the carbon footprint of the benches?
As the Benches uses Solar Panels for power there is no carbon footprint associated with the power provided to users, the weather sensors or the free Wi-Fi.
What user data is being collected and how will it be used?
The only data being collected is the type of device connected, how long a device spent charging, and connections to the Wi-Fi. This information will be used to gauge the success of the program. Your personal information is not collected.
- See Yarra’s privacy policy.
- Contact ERE to request their privacy policy.
What maintenance is required?
The Smart Bench Minis are built to withstand all weather conditions and require no technical maintenance. If the benches are damaged, they will be repaired in line with the Essential Maintenance agreement Yarra holds with ERE.
Where can I find out more?
- Visit Eco Renewable Energy’s website for more information on the Smart Bench Minis.
- Contact Megan Turnley on 03 9205 5555 or at [email protected]