Staying Safe and Cyber Smart with Tech Savvy Seniors

More than 145,000 seniors across New South Wales have gained essential digital skills, from avoiding online scams to connecting with loved ones on social media, thanks to the NSW Government’s Tech Savvy Seniors program. This initiative, a partnership between the NSW Government and Telstra, offers free digital literacy training through public libraries and low-cost sessions via community colleges across the state.

into confdent digital citizens has made it a key element of the strategy.

use multimedia arts formats—such as poetry, photography, video, and personal biographies—to document the stories of diverse ‘riverkeepers’ of the Bruns River, including Indigenous custodians, artists, fshers, farmers, and ecologists. The aim is to inspire and unite the community in their connection to the river.

Future Opportunities

Ms. Firth encouraged those with creative ideas to consider applying for next year’s grant round, which opens every April for projects to be completed in the following fnancial year. The program offers small grants of up to $5,000 per project for artworks or creative activations in public spaces throughout the Byron Shire. For more information on Byron Shire Council’s Creative Public Spaces Program, please visit the Council’s website.

The NSW Government allocates $500,000 annually to the program, with the latest round of funding to be awarded next month. Designed to build confdence and digital competence among seniors, the program covers a range of topics including smartphone usage, online safety, fnancial management, and online shopping. Courses are available at beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels and are offered in multiple languages, including Arabic, Burmese, Cantonese, Hindi, Italian, Khmer, Korean, Mandarin, Nepalese, Persian, Spanish, Tagalog, Ukrainian, and Vietnamese. Additionally, the First Nations Computer Classes provide culturally appropriate training for Aboriginal communities across NSW.

Tech Savvy Seniors is a cornerstone of the NSW Government’s Ageing Well in NSW Seniors Strategy: 2021-2031, which aims to keep older people informed and resilient as they navigate the digital age. The program’s success in turning technophobes

Minister for Seniors Jodie Harrison on the Program’s Impact: “Our seniors grew up in a different time, when technology was not as ubiquitous. The shift to digital has opened up a world of convenience and connection, and we don’t want seniors to be left behind,” said Minister Harrison. “The NSW Government is committed to ensuring people thrive in their senior years and continue to participate in the community. Nowadays, technology plays an important part by keeping them informed and connected. Tech Savvy Seniors has a proven track record of transforming technophobes into cyber smart citizens with simple step-bystep lessons which take the fear out of technology.”

Testimonials from Participants:

Senior Mandy shared her experience: “I used to be terrifed of technology. Completing the Tech Savvy Seniors program taught me so many new skills and gave me the confdence I need with both the computer and smartphone. I have now gone back to TAFE, and the program has given me the skills to be confdent with my course work. More people should give it a go as it’s a great program to help you learn technology.”

Tech Savvy Seniors continues to empower NSW’s older residents, helping them stay connected and secure in an increasingly digital world.

It’s ‘Leemo Cat’ back. I’ve been strategising (a.k.a. ‘plotting’) my approach to ‘Mum Jane’ about a particular request I have in mind. I knew I had to tread with caution so did a quick calming meditate under a tree. OK, time to act. Step 1. Cup of tea & bikkies organised & served. Step 2. Sit adoringly in front of her purring loudly & rolling over to show o tummy cuteness with paws waving in air & tail u ed. Step 3. ADDRESS ISSUE. ‘Errm, Mumsie, could I ask something please?’ Response: ‘out with it Leems, what is it this time? I discern from your appallingly suckyup behaviour you want something? WELL?’ My paws shook a tri e but I spoke. ‘Well, Mumsie, IF I do something really worthwhile to help you with chores & stu around our house & yard, could I maybe get a ‘special’ reward.’ I sat back looking completely cat picture perfect, paws neatly placed together, head lovingly alert & held charmingly on a slight tilt, tail u ed again & so on; and waited; e Old Woman looked at me with a frownie pruney glare. ‘Leems, let me tell you something about ‘special rewards’ & stu Just in the past weeks I have been extended the most excellent assistance & very high service standards from 3 businesses; one was from Tom & crew from TJM PLUMBING ref. a blocked sewer line. I was worried enough to send Tom a message Sunday about the issue.. TJM were here Monday morning at 7.15am and got things sorted out pronto! Or Trish from Summerland Bank who had me sorted with a techno issue and was so ni y & helpful. Or Tash from Service NSW Lismore who was a total delight to deal with as well. AND, ‘Leems’ I was not required to o er any sort of ‘special’ rewards for what they did to help me. Not even a jar of my much sought-a er LISMORE CWA recipe pickles or jam. Gottit? So, you conniving feline, what chores are you planning to carry out (IF you actually do them!) that might warrant a reward of any sort? You should, in return for board & lodging be doing them as a matter of course anyhow. AND, Leems, I wish to know in advance full details of this reward you’re fantasising about. Well? (Take deep breath Leems, deep breaths.) OK, here I go; in the deep end again! ‘Well Mum, you know how you were stomping around our street in your PJ’s in the dark the other night, shining a torch everywhere and shouting ‘Leeeeeemooo’ very crossly. And, a er ages of stomping you found me happily conversing with the kittie I’d only just met. Oooh Mum, my new friend is called ‘Scarlet’ & she’s a so pale grey colour with snowy white paws, and lives just nearby. So, Mum, I will pick-up and bag all the leaves in our front yard using my leaf-stabbing, sharp, spear-like claws. (Whoohoo, she looked impressed so I’m on a roll!) AND Mum, the only reward I’m seeking is that you introduce yourself to ‘Scarlets’ humans, (please dress nicely Mum!) vouch for my sterling feline character, and ask their permission for ‘Scarlet’ to come to our house on a Play Date. I will also invite my other cat buddies. AND, could you to arrange refreshments/ treats for 7 of us ‘cos you do it ever so nicely Mum. Crikey, I couldn’t gure if she was laughing or choking but she kinda sputtered out ‘OK Leems, go pick-up leaves & let’s get this show on the road.’ You will note I approached my request with caution & much courtesy; it works every time. Yippee. Nitey with loud happy purrsies. Leemo.

$148,738 FUNDING BOOST TO PROTECT AND IMPROVE PUBLIC RESERVES ACROSS RICHMOND AND CLARENCE

Five Crown Land managers across the Richmond and Clarence Valleys have been successful in securing funding under the latest round of the NSW Government’s Crown Reserves Improvement Fund, Clarence Nationals MP Richie Williamson has announced.

Mr Williamson said the CRIF supports improvements and weed and pest control to community, recreational and tourism facilities on government-owned land reserves.

“A total of $148,738 is and accessibility of our local reserves and facilities.”

The successful recipients across the Richmond and Clarence valleys include:

• $1,415 for the Broadwater Koala Reserve: This funding will be used for the removal of NSW statedeclared weeds and additional planting to enhance koala habitats, supporting local wildlife and conservation efforts.

• $20,000 to the Susan and Elizabeth Islands Recreation being invested primarily in weed and pest control to protect our environment and native plants and animals, as well as improving the amenity of these community reserves,”

Mr Williamson said.

“The funding is vital to maintaining the health

Trust: This funding will be directed towards weed control and planting on Elizabeth Island, ensuring the continued health and sustainability of this important natural habitat.

• $29,700 for the

Copmanhurst Recreation Reserve:

These funds will go towards replacing fencing and installing new spectator seating, enhancing the facilities available to the local community and visitors.

• $35,904 to Richmond Valley Council: This funding will support efforts to control and eradicate invasive weeds while promoting the growth of native fora at Richmond Park in Casino, this vital coastal area and maintain its beauty and biodiversity. preserving the natural environment for future generations.

Mr Williamson took the opportunity to thank the many volunteers who dedicate their time and efforts to overseeing these public reserves.

• $61,720 to Clarence Valley Council: The grant will be used to manage weeds at the Iluka Beach Foreshore Reserve, helping to protect

“Our community is fortunate to have so many passionate volunteers who work tirelessly to maintain and improve our local reserves. Their dedication ensures these spaces remain beautiful and accessible for everyone to enjoy.”

For more information about the Crown Reserves Improvement Fund and the projects it supports, please visit https://reservemanager. crownland.nsw.gov.au/ funding/crif.