Bundaberg has been selected to deliver the Digital Mentor Capacity Builder Program, a national initiative that will see 100 local volunteers trained as Digital Mentors to help older Australians develop the confidence and skills needed to get connected and stay safe online.
The program is funded through the Be Connected initiative, managed by the Good Things Foundation Australia, and will be coordinated locally by Wide Bay Kids Community Inc from August 2025 to July 2026.
This capacity-building project will empower people in Bundaberg and surrounding communities to take on the role of Digital Mentors friendly, approachable volunteers who can provide one-on-one or small group support to older people wanting to use technology in their everyday lives.
Digital Mentors will help participants with practical digital skills such as sending emails, making video calls, accessing government and health services online, using apps, avoiding scams, and keeping personal information secure. The focus is on creating safe, supported environments where older Australians can learn at their own pace and build confidence through hands-on experience.
“We’re looking for people in Bundaberg and surrounding areas who are passionate about helping others and want to make a difference in their community,” said Angela Twyford, from Wide Bay Kids Community Inc. “You don’t need to be a tech expert — just patient, supportive, and willing to learn alongside others. The most important thing is being able to make people feel comfortable and capable.”
Building Digital Confidence Across the Community
Each Digital Mentor will participate in a one-day training workshop delivered in Bundaberg, where they will learn how to provide accessible and inclusive digital support. Following the workshop, mentors will receive two hours of personalised coaching to help them apply their new skills and feel confident in their mentoring role.
All mentors will gain access to a suite of training materials, online resources, and ongoing support through the Be Connected network. Once trained, they will volunteer with local community organisations to help older Australians feel more connected, independent, and digitally confident.
“Technology can open so many doors, but for some older people, it can also feel intimidating or out of reach,” Angela explained. “This project is about bridging that gap helping people build trust, learn step-by-step, and experience the benefits of being online, whether that’s connecting with family, accessing telehealth appointments, or managing bills.”
A Community-Driven Initiative
The Digital Mentor Capacity Builder Program will also create stronger connections between local organisations by building a shared network of trained mentors across Bundaberg. These mentors will support community programs that focus on digital inclusion, social connection, and health and wellbeing ensuring that more residents have the skills they need to participate fully in an increasingly digital world.
The project is supported through a Be Connected Capacity Builder Grant, which ensures that all training, coaching, and resources are provided free of charge to participants. Wide Bay Kids will work with local partners to promote the program, host workshops, and link trained mentors with community organisations in need of support.
How to Get Involved
Registrations are now open for community members who would like to become volunteer Digital Mentors. Anyone living in Bundaberg or nearby communities who is interested in helping older people learn about technology is encouraged to apply.
👉 To express your interest, visit: widebaykids.com.au/become-a-digital-mentor-help-your-community-get-online/
