Empowering Seniors To Embrace Technology

In an inspiring effort to bridge the digital divide, Burdekin Community Association (BCA) held its 2024 Be Connected Get Online Week Event from October 14 to 18. This initiative offered an opportunity for seniors across the community to explore the digital world with personalised guidance and support, aimed at enhancing their tech confidence.
For many older Australians, technology can be daunting. Smartphones, computers, and the internet often seem too complex or intimidating to use. This digital hesitation creates a barrier that, in today’s increasingly online society, can leave seniors feeling left out.
Recognising this, BCA is committed to empowering its elderly members to embrace change and explore new ways to engage in the digital space. As Service Manager Rita Quagliata shared, BCA’s support in Get Online Week offered seniors “a way to increase their quality of life through technology, easing fears about online interaction.”
With over 40 seniors attending the event, BCA’s commitment to digital literacy shone through. Aged between 70 and 97, attendees had the chance to work through one-on-one tutoring sessions with volunteer mentors, ensuring they felt comfortable in navigating digital tasks. The volunteer tutors assisted 17 seniors, each learning at their own pace. For many, this personalised support allowed them to clarify basic smartphone functions, such as texting, setting up Facebook accounts, sending emails, and organising photo albums.
The event wasn’t limited to individual sessions. On Tuesday, October 15, BCA held a Scam Awareness Information Group Session, with 27 seniors eager to learn about online safety in attendance. As digital scams become more sophisticated, there’s an increasing need to educate vulnerable populations. The session highlighted ways to identify and avoid common scams, helping participants feel safer and more informed. Feedback from the attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing appreciation for BCA’s efforts in guiding them through the digital world and offering continued support.
Throughout the week, BCA used various media channels, including local radio, Burdekin Life Newspaper, and BCA’s Facebook page, to ensure widespread community awareness of the program. This outreach helped seniors connect with BCA’s offerings, showing that there is accessible help within their community to address any digital concerns.
The program also provided attendees with information bags, which included materials they could take home and review at their leisure. These resources serve as an ongoing reminder of the tips and skills they gained, encouraging seniors to continue exploring their devices with a newfound confidence.
Beyond Get Online Week, BCA’s commitment to supporting seniors in becoming tech-savvy remains steadfast. The association provides one-on-one sessions to help clients build the skills and self-assurance they need to use computers, tablets, and smartphones. This personalised approach allows seniors to learn at their own pace, focusing on aspects of technology that are most relevant to their lives.
If you or someone you know could benefit from digital literacy support, BCA offers year-round services to help seniors stay connected and safe online. For more information or to book a session, contact Rita Quagliata at BCA on (07) 4783 3744.

Micheal Irving and Margaret McLucas and Tutor Fiona Smith. Photo supplied
Mr and Mrs McConnachie and Mark Viero Tutor. Photo supplied

‍