A free program helping adults build confidence online will be expanded across South Australia’s public libraries, equipping more regional people with vital skills to use their device, connect with others and navigate the digital world safely and securely.
The Being Digital program – delivered through a partnership between The Libraries Board of SA, Libraries SA and Telstra – provides face-to-face and online training sessions to support participants with technology and help them become active and independent users online.
Foundational digital skills covered include email setup, video calls, social media privacy, secure online shopping, scam awareness and an introduction to AI.
The program will expand in regional areas after securing a $250,000 Adult Community Education (ACE) grant under the $14 million Foundation Skills initiative, jointly funded by the Albanese and Malinauskas Labor Governments.
The additional Government support unlocks up to 3,456 ACE training places in the South East, Coorong, Eyre Peninsula and Upper Spencer Gulf, enabling more South Australians in these communities to access the program.
A digital outreach officer will be recruited to support the expanded program and help coordinate between participating libraries, which play a central role in building digital literacy and supporting people to access online services.
Over the past 12 months, Being Digital has provided over 7,000 sessions to nearly 14,000 people across 32 libraries in regional and remote areas.
The program responds to more services shifting to digital by default, which can disproportionately affect residents in regional and remote communities as well as older people and people on low incomes.
The expansion aligns to the communities identified as facing the greatest barriers to digital participation, determined by the Australian Digital Inclusion Index (ADII).
Being Digital uses resources such as the Australian Government’s Be Connected initiative, Google’s Super Searchers and eSafety Commissioner learning materials.
People can learn more about the program by visiting their local library or at Libraries SA Being Digital.
Quotes attributable to Kyam Maher:
Libraries are vitally important community hubs, particularly in regional areas, providing connection, services and learning.
The expansion of the Being Digital program will allow more South Australians in regional areas to gain access to important digital skills, allowing them to stay better connected and able to participate in an increasingly digital world.
Quotes attributable to Lucy Hood:
Improved digital literacy gives participants the confidence and independence to go online and safely engage with family, friends and the wider community.
Providing more training in our regions and boosting the skills needed in everyday life will open up access to opportunities all South Australians can tap into in the digital age.
Quotes attributable to Moonta program participant Marg Orr:
Before the sessions I didn’t even realise I was using AI. We have Siri on our phones and Google Assistant, but I didn’t know it was powered by AI. Artificial Intelligence sounds scary, but it is being used to make our lives easier.
Media Contact
Amelia McMahon 0403 220 453
amelia.mcmahon@sa.gov.au