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Yarra smart benches

Learn more about our program to provide access to the smart benches.

There are three smart benches in Yarra, where you can charge your device or connect to free Wi-Fi.

We partnered with Eco Renewable Energy (ERE), the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) and Belgium Avenue Neighborhood house (BANH), to provide access to the 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 benches?

Select these links for a map showing the location of each smart bench:

How to access the free Wi-Fi

  1. Once you are within 20 meters of the bench, go to your device's Wi-Fi settings.
  2. Select “'Yarra Smart Bench Wi-Fi”.
  3. Wait a few seconds and a loading page will appear.
  4. Select "Go online" and you will be connected to the internet after a few seconds.

How to charge your phone or tablet

The bench has two wireless charging pads to rest your device on. However if your device is not compatible with wireless charging you can bring 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 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 use solar panels for power there is no carbon footprint for the power provided to users, the weather sensors or the free Wi-Fi.

What data are we collecting?

We are only collecting data on:

  • what type of device is connected
  • how long a device spends charging
  • connections to the Wi-Fi.

We use this information to gauge the success of the program. We do not collect your personal information.

What maintenance is required?

The Smart Bench Minis are built to withstand all weather conditions and need no technical maintenance. If benches are damaged, they are repaired in accordance with our Essential Maintenance agreement Yarra with ERE.

More information