Media Release by The Hon Michelle Landry MP

Try Something New: Get Online This Week

The call has gone out for all Australians to try one new thing online during Get Online Week.

Assistant Minister for Families and Children Michelle Landry said hundreds of organisations will hold events in their local communities from 15 – 21 October to help people get online.

“There are currently two and half million Australians who are not yet online and many need extra assistance to help them take their first steps to improve their online connectivity,” Ms Landry said.

“People over 65 years of age are among the most digitally excluded in Australia and the Federal Government is committed to supporting them through the free Be Connected programme.

“We have invested $47.2 million in the Be Connected programme to provide tailored assistance to older Australians and ensure they have the skills and knowledge to take advantage of digital technology and stay connected with loved ones online.

“As part of the programme, older Australians can access free, personalised and face-to-face support through more than 1,800 Be Connected Network Partners located right across the country,” Ms Landry said.

“Many older Australians are using the internet through Be Connected and learning to save money on shopping, find new hobbies and even locate long lost family members.”

Get Online Week is managed by Good Things Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation supporting digitally and socially excluded people to improve their lives through digital engagement. Good Things Foundation also coordinates the Be Connected Network and Grants programme.

“Get Online Week will help thousands of people across Australia to improve their digital skills, whether they’ve never been online before, or have done a little but want to do more,” National Director for Good Things Foundation Jess Wilson said.

“There is free and friendly support in hundreds of communities; whatever you want to do online, you can find the support to do it.”

To find an organisation hosting an event in your area during Get Online Week, go to https://www.getonlineweek.com/aus/map