By Matthew Sims
Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay senior citizens would soon be able to access free digital training at their local libraries as part of a new state government program.
Local Government Minister and Williamstown MP Melissa Horne visited the Altona North Community Library on Tuesday, February 14 to announce the launch of the $2 million Digital Literacy for Seniors program, which would support public libraries to conduct hands-on digital training programs for Victorian seniors in 2023.
Training programs would include one-to-one or small group sessions on both hardware and software topics such as how to manage mobile phones, data and apps, understanding the internet, and how to get the most out of laptops and tablets.
The program would also fund the hiring and training of staff to deliver programs, upgrade library digital devices like laptops and iPads, and minor changes to library facilities to better facilitate programs.
Ms Horne said local libraries were logical spaces to host the digital training program.
“This is about growing practical knowledge, building confidence and providing the opportunity for people to expand their social networks,” she said.
According to the Australian Digital Inclusion Index, older people were most likely to be excluded from a range of digital activities, as Victorians over the age of 50 now making up more than 35 per cent of public library users, with 17.2 per cent aged over 70.
Having access to a program like Digital Literacy for Seniors was life changing for Williamstown’s Wilma Robarts, who is in her 80s, as she learnt how to use her iPhone effectively to allow her to feel more independent.
“Keeping up with technology is a challenge for everyone, particularly seniors who are retired and aren’t using this technology on a daily basis for work,” she said.
“The digital literacy programs offered by Hobsons Bay’s libraries have been a big help in adapting to technologies that are now in everyday use, but also rapidly changing.”
