Those in the Northern Territory are struggling to pay to access the Internet and for mobile phone plans. Low-income households and those in remote areas are experiencing extreme financial hardship as more services move online. If we exclude satellite services, around 25,000 Territorians (10 per cent of the population) are…
The inaugural Technology Upgrade Fund aims to improve digital access and literacy across Canberra. The funds will increase connectivity and inclusion to those in need. A digital literacy training program has been awarded funding along with a digital carer support program for seniors from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Other…
The COVID-19 pandemic saw a rapid increase in digitisation, yet 2.5 million Australians remain offline. The number of Australians shopping online has increased by 47.5 percent in just one year, however, not all Australians are able to reap the benefits of the online world. COVID has exposed the massive issue…
Research from La Trobe University shows that better support and training for volunteers could lead to longer volunteer retention. Volunteers who are more satisfied with volunteer managers and the organisation as a whole are said to continue in their role. Dr. Rachel Winterton from La Trobe says that better training…
A Southern Cross University study has revealed that telepractice has enabled more people to access critical services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Telepractice has removed barriers for social workers and their clients which has helped those who can be anxious about seeking support. Those with social anxiety, for example, found it…
Staying healthy during COVID-19 lockdown – free NSW Health program for over 60’s. While we are in lockdown being active and healthy has never been more important. NSW Health has created a FREE 10 week online program for people over 60 and Aboriginal people over 45 years. Healthy and Active for…
Today’s virtual payment methods are already faster, more secure and less expensive than before. Often people who are digitally illiterate are unaware of this, fearing online payment methods. “This fast pace of change is beginning to help close the crucial gaps of financial and digital inclusion in our society” but attention needs to be…
Digital inclusion and particularly digital literacy is not evident in the government’s Digital Economy Strategy. With almost $1.2 billion being invested in Australia’s digital future, this would seem to be a missed opportunity to close the digital divide and ensure all Australians are digitally included by funding programs that address access, affordability, and ability. For…
Volunteering has been recognised through the 2021 Queen’s Birthday Honours. The top four on the list are Adele Allen who has volunteered with Meals on Wheels for over 50 years; Chas Martin with the Victorian Civil Ambulance Service since 1962; Nevil Knell with prisoners for 28 years and Mary McGowan, a former nurse, at the Children’s Cancer…
Have you heard of the app Be My Eyes? It’s a free app that connects vision impaired and low-vision people with sighted volunteers from across the globe. Be My Eyes is available for Apple and Android devices. This amazing opportunity has over 4,831,525 volunteers and 313,674 vision impaired and low-vision people in…
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