The News Hub

Published: 30 July 2026.

From social media and video calls to booking appointments and avoiding scams, technology has become part of everyday life. Yet for many residents, particularly older Australians, keeping pace with the digital world can be challenging.

Burnside Library's Digital Literacy Program 'BTech' is helping bridge that gap by giving community members the confidence and skills to use technology safely, independently and with greater peace of mind.

Through a range of free learning opportunities, the program provides practical support in a welcoming environment where participants can learn at their own pace. One of the more popular offerings is Tech Help – free one-on-one sessions where residents can bring along their smartphone, tablet or laptop and receive personalised assistance from Library staff. For those looking to build their digital confidence over time, the Library also delivers its Digital Skills Training for Over 50s program in partnership with the Australian Government's Be Connected initiative. These small-group sessions provide personalised support while introducing participants to free online learning resources they can continue to use long after the class has finished.

Beyond individual support, the program delivers workshops covering topics such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, scam awareness, password management, online shopping, accessibility features and home automation. Participants can also explore emerging technologies, including robotics and virtual reality, encouraging curiosity and lifelong learning.

Digital Literacy Officer at the City of Burnside, Josh said as services continue to move on to digital formats, more members of the community are being left behind.

‘Technology shouldn't be something that excludes people. Our goal is to create a welcoming space where people can ask questions, build confidence and discover that learning new digital skills is possible at any age.

‘We see people arrive unsure about how to access technology and leave with the confidence to solve problems on their own. That's incredibly rewarding because those skills often improve many aspects of daily life.

‘Digital literacy isn't just about using devices. It's about helping people stay connected and access essential services safely.’

Digital literacy is about more than understanding technology. It helps people stay connected with family and friends, access essential services, participate confidently in the community and better protect themselves from online scams and cyber threats. As technology continues to evolve, these skills are becoming increasingly important for maintaining independence and everyday wellbeing.

The program continues to grow to meet community needs. A new addition will soon be the Tovertafel, an interactive projection system designed to support physical, cognitive, social and sensory engagement for people living with dementia and other cognitive challenges, further strengthening the Library's commitment to inclusive and accessible technology experiences.

Repeat attendee at BTech and Tech Help, Irene said Josh and the Library team are an incredible free resource for the community.

‘I like to think I’m savvy with technology, but with how fast it’s moving, I need help keeping up.

‘I spent 3 weeks going back and forth with a company about software on my computer, I came into the Library and Josh helped me reinstall and set everything up during out session.

‘I find both the one-on-one sessions and the workshops really worthwhile.’

Whether learning a new skill, asking a simple question or exploring the latest technology, Burnside Library's Digital Literacy Program is ensuring more members of the community can embrace the digital world with confidence.

To see a list of upcoming BTech topics and times for one-on-one Tech Help, visit the City of Burnside Bookable page: https://burnside-events.bookable.net.au/#!/(External link)

Tech Help: one-on-one sessions to help you solve all your tech issues

BTech always has a interesting selections of tech workshopsProgram organiser Josh