Published on Friday, 30 August 2024 at 11:30:28 AM

The Shire of Dardanup celebrated its successful Digital Connection Program with the launch of a customised technology support guide at the Eaton Community Library recently. 

The Digital Connection Program started in October 2023 and has successfully delivered 21 workshops across Eaton, Burekup and Dardanup for people aged 65 and over.

Presented by the Shire and funded by a Department of Communities grant, the program comprised of 14 Tech Mentor sessions where Eaton Community College (ECC) students provided one-on-one support, based on information provided by the eSafety Commission’s Young Mentors program.

The Young Mentors program provided resources and information around eSafety as part of the Be Connected initiative aimed at increasing the confidence, skills and online safety of older Australians.

The second part of the Digital Connection Program was delivered by local technology support company IT Black Spot and helped participants to use applications and devices effectively and stay safe online.

Attendees of the IT Black Spot workshops received their copy of the Digital Connection Handbook, recently at the Bethanie Retirement Village.

An attendee of the workshops explained how the course had assisted her with using devices.

“The Digital Connection Program helped me feel more at ease with using a computer. I would love the opportunity to educate myself further through ongoing workshops,” Aldyth Rhys-Jones said.

Shire President Cr Tyrrell Gardiner hailed the Digital Connection Program a great success with over 80 participants and 82% attending more than one workshop.

Cr Gardiner said 50 Tech Tips Booklets were created in collaboration with the mentor ECC students and inspired by the most frequently asked questions by program attendees. 

He said 150 Shire of Dardanup Tech Handbooks were also created with input from It Black Spot Workshop attendees. Both booklets are available at the Eaton Community Library.

Cr Gardiner, ECC teacher Sue Mazzucchelli, students and program participants Stewart Parkinson and Chris Lucas celebrated the program’s success recently, emphasising its goal to intergenerational e-learning and empowering seniors in navigating the digital world safely. 

Cr Gardiner acknowledged that technology has the potential to greatly enhance the lives of seniors, but the learning curve can be steep.

“The success of this program is a testament to the dedication of ECC students, It Black Spot and everyone who participated in and contributed towards the program,” Cr Gardiner said.

“It’s fantastic to see two different generations coming together to share learning, knowledge and experiences around topics that have such a large impact on our lives today.”

 
Caption: Attendees of the Digital Connection Program pictured at Bethanie Retirement Village,
holding the Shire of Dardanup Tech Handbooks.

 
Caption: Shire President, Tyrell Gardiner (middle) pictured with attendees of the Digital Connection
Program and tech mentors from ECC alongside ECC teacher, Sue Mazzucchelli (left).

Caption: Pictured left to right, tech mentor Alivia Randall with program participant Stewart
Parkinson. Shire President, Tyrrell Gardiner (middle) standing with program participant Chris Lucas
and tech mentor Tyler Brown.

Media contact: Tahnia Creedon, Communications Officer | tahnia.creedon@dardanup.wa.gov.au | 0436 942 509.

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