Townsville residents struggling with forgotten passwords, software updates or other everyday tech troubles can access free one-on-one support through new weekly Walk-In Tech sessions at Citylibraries Aitkenvale.
No bookings are required for the one-on-one troubleshooting sessions, on offer every Monday between 12.30pm and 2pm.
The initiative is part of Townsville City Council's new Build Your Digital Confidence program, designed to help residents build the practical technology skills and the digital confidence needed to effectively and safely use technology in their everyday lives.
Division 8 Councillor Andrew Robinson encouraged residents struggling with their phones, tablets or laptops to head along to a session for free support.
"As technology continues to become more pervasive in our everyday lives, so too can the headaches caused when something is not working properly," Cr Robinson said.
"Troubleshooting tech issues when they arise, as opposed to putting them in the 'too hard basket', is an important way to build the digital knowledge and confidence needed to effectively navigate the online world.
"These sessions are returning to Citylibraries for the first time in several years and we hope residents make the most of the opportunity – my message is there is no tech-related query or concern that is too silly or not welcome.
"Please just bring the particular device you are having trouble with and if the team member there on the day cannot assist you, they will point you in the direction of someone who can."
In addition to the weekly Walk-In Tech sessions, Citylibraries staff have recruited banking sector cyber security experts to deliver a series of Stay Safe and Smart Online workshops starting on September 5.
Bookings are required for these two-hour workshops, which will educate attendees on how to safely navigate the ever-growing digital world, including how to recognise online scams, avoid cyber threats and what action to take if you fall victim to an online scam.
Cr Robinson said no one was immune to scammers and their increasingly sophisticated schemes, with 200,675 scams totalling around $334 million reported to Scamwatch in 2025.
"Anyone can be targeted but we know it is those in the 65 and above age bracket, who often have the most to lose financially, that are the hardest hit," he said.
"These sessions are a unique opportunity to hear from a local cyber security expert who works on the frontline of this space, and has up-to-date and practical knowledge and experience to share with those who want to do what they can to inform and protect themselves."
