Older Australians can stay connected to family and friends through the Australian Government’s Broadband for Seniors initiative. Since 2008, the Government has invested $15 million to establish 2,000 internet kiosks across Australia to provide older Australians with free access to computers and the internet, as well as training in information technology skills. On 10 May 2011, the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, the Hon Stephen Conroy MP and the Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, the Hon Jenny Macklin MP, announced that the Government would invest a further $10.4 million over 4 years to continue to support kiosks and senior users.
The Broadband for Seniors initiative aims to support older Australians in gaining the confidence and skills they need to use new technology, so they can participate in and share the benefits of the growing digital economy.
At Broadband for Seniors kiosks, anyone over the age of 50 can learn how to access computers, surf the internet and send emails in a supportive and friendly environment.
Kiosks are located in places that seniors regularly visit or that provide existing services to older Australians such as community centres, retirement villages, nursing facilities, libraries and community clubs.
Free training is provided in a friendly face-to-face environment by volunteer tutors. Seniors also receive access to training materials including an online development course so that they can learn at their own pace as well as on their computers at home. Training courses have been designed with the unique learning needs of seniors in mind and are easy to use – even for those who have never used a computer before.
NEC Australia manages Broadband for Seniors on behalf of the Government, with their consortium partners Adult Learning Australia, Australian Seniors Computer Clubs Association and the University of the Third Age Online.
The initiative has been well received in the community and has delivered outcomes across 2,000 sites reaching about 160 000 seniors since it began. As a result of the Broadband for Seniors program, 90 per cent of kiosk participants now use the internet more frequently; 93 per cent of participants feel their computing skills have improved; and 65 per cent of participants feel that their level of social connectivity has improved.
For more information, or to find kiosks in your area, contact the Broadband for Seniors hotline on 1300 795 897 (Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 5.00pm, AEST/AEDT, except on Public Holidays) or go to the Broadband for Seniors website at http://www.necseniors.net.au.
