North Coast Internet

About

40 Years experience providing regional ICT support.

Glen Schaefer has been working in the Australian IT industry for nearly 40 years. He started his career in 1987 with the NSW Department of Community Services, and since then he has been employed in roles such as a regional computer officer for NSW Department of Community Services, a systems trainer for Technology Solutions Pty Ltd, the CEO of Northern Rivers IT Pty Ltd and as an independent contractor working for Byron Shire Council, NSW Corrective Services and Optus Communications.

Glen Schaefer, owner of North Coast Internet

Nearly four decades in regional IT.

Glen Schaefer has been working in the Australian IT industry for nearly 40 years. He started his career in 1987 with the NSW Department of Community Services, and since then he has been employed in roles such as a regional computer officer for NSW Department of Community Services, a systems trainer for Technology Solutions Pty Ltd, the CEO of Northern Rivers IT Pty Ltd and as an independent contractor working for Byron Shire Council, NSW Corrective Services and Optus Communications.

That mix of government, business and community work shapes how I build websites: practical, secure and easy for you to manage.

Over the years I've built and hosted more than 100 websites, for clients ranging from a law firm founded in 1936 to holiday stays in Byron Bay, community markets, festivals and family support services. Whatever the size of the job, you get the same attention to detail.

Today I design and host websites for businesses, community groups and not-for-profits across the region, and manage IT systems and Microsoft 365 Tenants for local organisations.

Career highlights

500+Staff supported across New England and the Hunter
$6MIn relief funding managed by the database built after the 1989 Newcastle earthquake
400+Founded a regional IT and media industry database for the Northern Rivers (2000)
4.8/5Average trainer rating across 100+ courses for around 1,000 Queeensland Electricity staff

Training & certifications

  • Microsoft Certified Professional
  • Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer training, Windows 2000 Server
  • Intel Certified Instructor, Server Integration
  • Responsive WordPress theme development
  • Train the Trainer and Microsoft Institute systems support training
  • Claude Cowork ai developer
  1. 1987

    Regional Computer Officer, NSW Department of Community Services

    Ran IT, training and help desk support for 500+ staff across New England and the Hunter, and helped deploy the state-wide Client Information System.

  2. 1989

    Newcastle earthquake recovery

    Seconded to the NSW Disaster Welfare project to build the database that managed over $6 million in relief funding.

  3. 1992

    Computer Technician, Integrated Digital Solutions

    Service, sales and network installs for the Hunter Valley Acer dealer. Became a Microsoft Certified Professional.

  4. 1994

    IT Systems Training Consultant

    Designed and delivered systems training for clients including Queensland Electricity Corporation, Optus and NSW Corrective Services.

  5. 1999

    Founder & CEO, Northern Rivers IT

    Built a network of 400+ local IT and new media providers and campaigned for the national Besley Telecommunications Inquiry.

  6. 2001

    Computer Systems Manager, Richmond-Tweed Regional Library

    Deployed the first regional ADSL-based VPN in NSW, replacing a costly ISDN network.

  7. 2002

    Technical Manager, Web Reservation Systems

    Developed online booking and billing systems for the Australian hospitality industry.

  8. 2003

    Systems Consultant, Byron Bay & Northern Rivers

    IT support and web projects for local businesses, Byron Shire Council and the Byron Shire Echo.

  9. 2009

    North Coast Internet

    Moved to Scotts Head and started the business, building and hosting websites for organisations across the region.

  10. Today

    Custom built websites, web hosting and IT systems support for business clients from Byron Bay to Sydney, plus Microsoft 365 tenant management for local business organisations.

How I work

Local

Based on the Mid North Coast and invested in the region's businesses and communities.

Personal

One point of contact from first chat to ongoing support. No call centres.

Secure

Managed security, backups and monitoring, built on decades of IT experience.

Why work with me

Big-city know-how, with a local phone number.

You shouldn't need a large agency budget to get a professional website that works. North Coast Internet gives regional businesses and community organisations the same skills, tools and security as the big players, at a price that makes sense, with a real person who knows your business.

Glen has managed our IT systems since 2014 and is always helpful and able to resolve any problems we have.
Diane Garfield · Kempsey Family Support Service Inc

  • Experience you can lean on

    From state government networks to small business websites, I have solved most technology problems before. That means fewer surprises, sensible advice and work done right the first time.

  • Someone who understands the region

    I live and work on the Mid North Coast. I know the businesses, community groups and not-for-profits here, and the challenges they face, from tight budgets to patchy connectivity.

  • A website you can run yourself

    Every site is built on WordPress so you can update your own pages, news and photos. When you need a hand, you call me, not a help desk.

  • Security taken seriously

    I manage servers, email and Microsoft 365 for organisations that handle sensitive information. Your site gets the same care: backups, updates, SSL and monitoring.

  • Relationships that last

    Many clients have been with me for years. I would rather look after your website for the long haul than build it and disappear.

Let's have a chat about your website.

Get in touch