The Minns Labor Government has delivered $500,000 in grant funding to equip older people from diverse backgrounds with the skills required to navigate a rapidly evolving digital world.
This year, the popular Tech Savvy Seniors program will support over 70 community colleges and libraries across the state to deliver free or low-cost training sessions for seniors.
More than 156,000 participants have been involved in Tech Savvy Seniors since the program was launched 12 years ago.
The program has a strong track record of supporting seniors to gain confidence with technology in terms of accessing online services, developing scammer awareness, and connecting with loved ones through social media channels.
Key objectives of the program include:
- Improving digital literacy by giving older people the basic tools to use a computer, laptop or smartphone.
- Closing the digital gap, acknowledging that many people find technology intimidating and require support to become more comfortable users
- Bringing communities closer together - the digital platform is an essential tool to increase engagement with families, close friends and community groups.
Training is available across all skill levels and various languages including Mandarin, Arabic, Vietnamese, Korean and Ukrainian. This ensures the program is inclusive and responsive to the needs of the state's diverse ageing population.
Tech Savvy Seniors supports a key focus area of the NSW Government's Ageing Well in NSW Seniors Strategy 2021-2031, which aims to help older people stay informed, safe, and connected in a rapidly changing digital world.
The Tech Savvy Seniors program is delivered in partnership with Telstra. For further information on Tech Savvy Seniors and where to access training, please go to nsw.gov.au/community-services/seniors-card/tech-savvy-seniors
Minister for Seniors Jodie Harrison said:
"Seniors grew up in a very different time and can encounter challenges with digital tasks like online banking, appointments and staying in touch with loved ones.
"Tech Savvy Seniors empowers older people to overcome the technology gap and become better connected to their social network and community.
"The Minns Labor Government is ensuring everyone has an equal opportunity to participate in their communities no matter when or where they were born."
Ku-ring-gai Mayor, Cr Christine Kay, said:
"We are proud to be able to offer the Ku-ring-gai community pathways to safely and confidently participate in the online world.
"Running Tech Savvy Seniors in English and other languages helps us make sure more in our community can access the support they need."
