Ted O’Brien MP has called on community organisations on the Sunshine Coast to join the Be Connected Network and be eligible to apply for a share of up to $20 million in funding to help get seniors online.
Mr O’Brien said the Turnbull Government is providing grants to local organisations to deliver free digital skills training to people over 50 as part of the Be Connected program.
Community organisations that join the network can apply for a range of grants, including:
- an Activation Grant of $2,000
- a Get Online Week 2018 Event Grant of $1,500
- a Building Digital Skills Grant of up to $15,000, depending on how many people they have registered on the Be Connected website.
“By joining the Be Connected Network, organisations help seniors on the Sunshine Coast to maintain their independence and keep connected with family and friends,” Mr O’Brien said.
“Participants in the program get free, personalised face-to-face coaching and access to interactive tutorials and resources.
“Local organisations including Boomhill Cancer Care and Volunteering Sunshine Coast are already delivering the program in Fairfax but more are needed.
“I encourage organisations on the Sunshine Coast to join the network of local partners and offer digital skills and social support to seniors in our community.”
More than 1,500 organisations have already joined the Be Connected Network across Australia, including libraries, community centres, clubs and aged care facilities.
To find out more information about Be Connected or to join the network, go to www.beconnected.esafety.gov.au or call 1300 795 897.