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Government digital literacy program Be Connected gets $42 million boost
The free digital literacy program for older Australians called Be Connected is being expanded to the tune of $42 million over the next four years.
The program, which aims to ensure older Australians can confidently and safely use the internet and digital technology, will use the funding to extend its in-person support, as well as the resources available on the Be Connected website, to June 2028.
The Good Things Foundation Australia (GTFA) will deliver the grants program and continue supporting more than 3800 local community organisations delivering Be Connected training.
The eSafety Commissioner will continue developing online resources to engage learners and grow the Young Mentors program, an intergenerational initiative enabling secondary school students to be digital mentors.
Australia’s eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, says Be Connected – it has reached two million learners since the program’s launch in 2017 – plays an important role in helping improve the digital literacy of all Australians, making the online world a safer, more positive experience.
“Technology has a wonderful ability to connect, enable and empower individuals, and we must ensure older Australians are not only included in our increasingly online world, but that they feel confident of benefiting from it.
“It’s difficult for anyone to stay on top of the continually evolving digital landscape as new technologies emerge. For older Australians, Be Connected’s vast resources help develop confidence and skills to explore and embrace online life safely.”
Be Connected steps learners through cyber safety essentials and builds technical skills through easy-to-understand courses on topics such as online banking, shopping and connecting with others online.
The program’s success is underpinned by a productive partnership combining online and in-person help to ensure that no matter someone’s digital skill level, they are supported in accessing and safely navigating all the benefits the online world has to offer.
This is achieved by the continual development of engaging and audience-focused content by the eSafety Commissioner, and the creation of GTFA’s community-based network.
GTFA CEO, Jess Wilson, says a great strength of the program is that it gives older Australians the confidence and capacity to really make the most of technology.
“This program is not just about technology but helping them to participate in society today. With the emergence of new technologies such as AI and the continued digitalisation of so many aspects of life, we need to make sure that everyone has essential digital skills so they don’t get left behind.”
She adds that supporting the community sector with resources, training and grant funding has been essential. “Over the past seven years we have distributed $30 million in small grant funding to community organisations all over Australia to build their capacity to deliver digital literacy programs.”
Federal Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth says the delivery model for the Be Connected program is particularly effective in targeting older learners because it offers in-person and online support.
“The Government is proud to support the foundation. Being able to confidently use digital devices and safely navigate the internet is a necessary skill. Many older Australians now find themselves in a world where most services and communication are accessed online, and we want to ensure they are equipped with the skills they need to navigate those services.”
Federal Communications Minister, Michelle Rowland, says digital literacy skills promote inclusion. “Digital inclusion is not a privilege – it is a necessity. That’s why it is a priority for the Government.
“We want to ensure all Australians – regardless of age, post code or circumstance – can take advantage of the digital world. The Be Connected program supports older Australians to connect, engage and navigate the online world safely.”
A social return on investment analysis, completed as part of the 2020 Be Connected impact evaluation, found the program generated $4 in social value for every $1 invested by the Government.
