Project to support vulnerable people to access online services launches today in WA
The WA Digital Inclusion Project, launched today by Minister for Communities, Simone McGurk, aims to support vulnerable people to more safely and effectively use online services, by uplifting the digital literacy of the frontline community service workers they know and trust.
The project is a collaboration of 25 partners, including leading community service organisations together with NBN Co, and has been established by Lotterywest with a grant of $3.9 million. WACOSS will lead and govern the
project, which is anticipated to run for the next three years.
WACOSS CEO, Louise Giolitto, said the WA Digital Inclusion Project was an opportunity to work with front-line workers and vulnerable, digitally-excluded members of our community to improve access to services, to enhance online safety, and to increase their confidence and independence.
“COVID-19 showed us all the crucial role the community services played to support the community through the pandemic and ensure that vulnerable people had access to the critical services they rely on,” Ms Giolitto said.
“But, as access to services from government and service providers moves increasingly online, it’s also become clear that there is a growing group of people in our community who are excluded due to the growing cost of living,
circumstance, age or education.
“Digital inclusion is about ensuring the benefits of the internet and digital technologies are available to everyone.
“WACOSS is excited to be part of this transformational project, alongside 25 partners and collaborators from across government and the
community.”
nbn Executive General Manager of State Corporate Affairs Rachael McIntyre welcomed today’s announcement.
“nbn’s purpose is to lift the digital capability of Australia. We welcome today’s announcement of the WA Digital Inclusion Project and are happy to be named as the founding digital technology partner.
“We will work with project partners to uplift the digital skills of front-line community service workers and offer our specialist digital literacy and skills support, access to a skills self-evaluation tool and resources, and other strategic support.
“Collaboration is key to helping vulnerable groups in the community overcome barriers to accessing connectivity. From the very start this project has been focused on bringing nbn, the WA government, Lotterywest and community service groups together to achieve improved outcomes for Western Australians.
“It is a great example of what can be achieved when we work together.”
Event Details
Time: 2:00 – 3:30pm
Date: Tuesday 28 June
Location: The Westin Perth (Eucalypt and Mallee Room), 480 Hay St, Perth
Learn more about the project by downloading this fact sheet.
Media Contact(s)
Tim Oliver (WACOSS) – 0431 9696 25
Nicole Davey (NBN) – 0477 365 159
