2016 has been a real celebration of Digital Inclusion in Australia as we have seen people improve their digital skill and online confidence across Australia.
The success of the National Year of Digital Inclusion has been thanks to the fantastic people and organisations who have committed to making sure more Australians get comfortable with technology. Over 350 organisations have run over 2000 face-to-face digital learning activities ranging from events such as Appy Hour at the pub, to tech and tea for seniors and cyber safety workshops.
To celebrate this, we held the National Year of Digital Inclusion Awards at the Geelong Art Gallery as part of the Pivot Summit where we awarded and commended Network Partners, Mentors and Learners who have all represented what the National Year of Digital Inclusion has been about.
Network Partner Awards
Awarded to Go Digi Network Partner organisations who have supported the National Year of Digital Inclusion by providing opportunities for people in their community to improve their digital skills and online confidence.
Winner: Campaspe Regional Library
Campaspe Regional Library has certainly been part of the action for the National Year of Digital Inclusion! Their many activities started with hosting a stand at the #nydi launch in Bendigo followed by a pop up trial in the Goldfields and other locations throughout the region. Their innovative partnerships with local providers and organisations have created many varied programs for members of their community including teens, aged and seniors.
Winner: Fremantle Library
Fremantle City Library has been an eager participant in the 2016 National Year of Digital Inclusion! Keen to get people of all ages and abilities involved, they have run a number of digital events during the year such as business workshops on Etsy, a co-hosted Minecraft info session and the launch of its own CoderDojo. During the National Year of Digital Inclusion, over 60 technology events were held with 500 people attending, and staff answered over 1200 technology enquiries.
Highly Commended:
- Unley Library
- Maldon Neighbourhood Centre Inc
- Willoughby City Council
- Springvale Neighbourhood House
Mentor Awards
Awarded to people who have committed to supporting others in the use of digital skills and improving their online confidence in 2016.
Winner: Kingston High School Big Picture Students
The Kingston High School students have been mentors to predominantly aged learners in Kingston LINC digital classes during 2016. Using a hands on approach they have shown learners one to one digital skills and answered queries they have during classes. They have shown the learners that you can't break the technology, that it is ok to make mistakes and that the newer technologies can be fun.
Highly Commended:
- Sue Ellson
- Luke Gackle
- Taryn Cossens
- Robbie Stockfeld
- Telstra Digital Ambassadors
Learner Award
Awarded to a digital learner who has taken significant steps to improve their digital skills and online confidence in 2016.
Winner: Jono Bredin
Jono has lived with cerebral palsy from birth, living with very restricted hand and upper limb use and as a result uses a Samsung tablet with a specialised trackball mouse and keyboard shortcuts to access a computer for all expressive communication. This year, Jono took the huge step of moving out of the family home and has started a public/motivational speaking business. As part of this new career direction, he identified the need to harness the opportunities offered by digital media, and the need to build his digital skills.
Geelong Digital Champions
Winners: John Cromarty, Digital Champion and Di Cray, Secretary of Corio Bay U3A.
Community Engagement Excellence Award
City of Greater Geelong and Pivot Summit Inc.
We’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who has contributed to the National Year of Digital Inclusion. This has been a significant year for Go Digi and we’re excited to see what happens next as more Australians build their digital skills and online confidence.
