Up to $2.2 M is available from DLOA to increase the confidence, skills and online safety of older Australians in using digital technology.
Digital Literacy for Older Australians (DLOA)
Digital Literacy for Older Australians (DLOA) is an Australian Government initiative which aims to improve the digital skills, confidence and online safety of older Australians in using digital technology.
DLOA comprises a number of elements that will be delivered by a range of different government and non-government entities. These elements include:
- Support for community organisations to deliver one-on-one, face-to-face digital training and support to older Australians. This includes the engagement of a National Network Manager to support these organisations through the establishment of a Network.
- A National digital portal to provide a one-stop-shop for information, tools and training materials.
- National digital and online safety training materials, tools and resources for use by families, friends, peers, carers and community organisations.
- Communications and marketing activities to raise awareness of the DLOA and promote the portal and helpline.
This funding round relates to Element 1 only – the engagement of a National Network Manager (NNM). However, the NNM and participating community organisations will have access to the products and resources delivered under these other elements to assist them in fulfilling the NNM role.
Background
Research shows that older Australians have lower levels of digital engagement than other Australians and are finding it increasingly hard to keep up. Older people with low internet skills are restricted in their ability to conduct business or access important services online, and can be isolated from their community and family at a time in their lives when feeling connected is increasingly important.
Digital Literacy for Older Australians (DLOA) builds on the existing Australian Government Broadband for Seniors program, which ceases on 30 June 2017, by adopting a wider family and community centred approach to supporting, coaching and teaching older Australians. It will continue to draw on existing community infrastructure and expertise, but will also focus on the people trusted most by older Australians – their families, friends and carers. It will support a learning environment that is informal and personal, complementing the wide range of existing online and classroom training available to people who are already digitally engaged and skilled.
Objectives
To increase the digital skills, confidence and online safety of older Australians through the:
- establishment of a network of community organisations (Network members) that can deliver free or low cost one-on-one, face-to-face training and support to older Australians in how to use digital technology;
- provision of ongoing support to Network members to enable them to effectively deliver the digital training and support; and
- establishment and maintenance of a National Helpline to provide a point of contact for Network members and older Australians seeking information and assistance relevant to the Digital Literacy for Older Australians program.
Funding
Up to $2.215 million is available from 2016-17 to 2019-20 to deliver the National Network Manager services.
Eligibility
DLOA will target people aged 50 years and over who have not engaged with digital technology or who have limited engagement, particularly those aged 65 years and over who do not consider digital technology as being relevant to their lives and are not attracted by technological tools. Their preferred method of learning is for face-to-face, one-on-one, informal approaches that focus the areas of interest in their lives.
Applications will be assessed against the criteria to ensure public accountability and that Program outcomes are met. Organisations must be in one of the following categories to have their application considered:
- incorporated associations (incorporated under state/territory legislation, commonly have ‘Association’ or ‘Incorporated’ or ‘Inc.’ in their legal name);
- incorporated cooperatives (also incorporated under state/territory legislation, commonly have ‘Cooperative’ in their legal name);
- companies (incorporated under the Corporations Act 2001 (may be a proprietary company (limited by shares or by guarantee) or a public company);
- Aboriginal corporations (incorporated under the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006);
- organisations established through a specific piece of Commonwealth or state/territory legislation (public benevolent institutions, churches, universities, unions etc);
- partnerships; and
- trustees on behalf of a trust.
Not-for-profit entity types and for-profit entity types specified above meet the eligibility requirements.
Timing
Applications close 28 April 2017.
