Older people in Castle Hill will soon be able to get free or low-cost training to help them get online, Member for Castle Hill Ray Williams said.

The Tech Savvy Seniors Program, a key initiative of the NSW Ageing Strategy and delivered in partnership with Telstra, will soon start at both Castle Hill Library (5 September 2016) and Vinegar Hill Memorial Library (9 September 2016). The Program helps older people with a range of digital tasks, including how to use an iPad, navigate social media or online shopping.

“Access to technology can change lives. It can make it easier to connect with friends, get information or do things like everyday banking,” Mr Williams said.

“I would encourage all eligible locals to enrol in the Tech Savvy Seniors Program and enjoy all the benefits technology has to offer.”

“The NSW Government is working hard to make our community more inclusive and accessible for everyone, in particular people with disability,” Minister for Disability Services John Ajaka said.

Jenny West, Director of Telstra Country Wide NSW, welcomed the opportunity to continue to support technology training opportunities for NSW seniors, citing that only 46 per cent of senior Australians are internet users.

Ms West said that Tech Savvy Seniors was part of Telstra’s Everyone Connected programs and aimed to improve digital inclusion, reduce social isolation and open up access to online services.

“We want everybody to thrive in a digital world – regardless of their age, background, ability or where they live,” Ms West said.

“Tech Savvy Seniors is about helping people learn how to unlock the benefits that come with being online – but also focuses on doing so safely and making people aware of risks around privacy and fraud.

For further information regarding the Tech Savvy Seniors Program, please visit www.training.nsw.gov.au.