New website to support seniors online

Brendan O’Connor MP
Acting Minister for Families, Community Services & Indigenous Affairs

Joint Media Release with:
Senator Doug Cameron, Senator for New South Wales

Older Australians now have greater access to training resources and information to help them get online with the Australian Government’s new Broadband for Seniors website.

Labor Senator for New South Wales, Senator Doug Cameron, launched the new website at the 2012 Australian Computer Conference for Seniors in Sydney today.

The Acting Minister for Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Brendan O’Connor, said the revamped web resource will provide seniors with more online learning tools to help them use the internet, as well as providing kiosk hosts and volunteer tutors with additional resources.

“The Government’s Broadband for Seniors program has been a huge success, with about 250,000 older Australians accessing the internet in about 2,000 internet kiosks across the country,” Mr O’Connor said.

“These kiosks are located in community hubs like senior citizens centres and bowls clubs, and provide seniors with free access to computers with broadband internet, as well as training in basic computing, internet browsing and email skills from teams of dedicated volunteers.”

Senator Cameron said the Australian Government was investing $25 million in the program, which is being delivered by NEC Australia, in partnership with Adult Learning Australia, Australian Seniors Computer Clubs Association and University of the Third Age Online.

“The Government is proud to be part of such a successful partnership that has helped thousands of senior Australians gain the skills and confidence to get online and be involved in the digital economy,” Senator Cameron said.

“A recent survey showed that more than 80 per cent of participants said their computer and internet skills, as well as their confidence in using new technology, had increased since visiting a Broadband for Seniors kiosk.”

Mr O’Connor said the Government would continue supporting older Australians to get online through the Broadband for Seniors Program.

“Broadband for Seniors is helping older Australians to stay connected to family and friends, learn new skills and be more involved in their community.

“The new website will build on this and ensure our seniors are getting the full benefit of the digital age.”

For a full list of kiosks and more information visit the Broadband for Seniors website at www.necseniors.net.au.