Our national network of community organisations spans across the entire country. Whether it’s bushfires, floods, cyclones or COVID restrictions, natural disasters and emergencies can increase demand for digital inclusion support while making it more challenging to deliver.
Our more vulnerable community members need digital skills and access support now more than ever. But, some are uncomfortable getting help in person, while others are unable to access support remotely because of unaffordable or cut off internet access, lacking devices they can use at home or not having the skills to join online sessions.
If you are a member of our digital inclusion community network and are faced with a significant natural disaster or are required to go into a COVID lockdown, we are here to support you.
If you are currently in an emergency situation, follow local health and emergency services directions and call triple zero: 000 for assistance.
If you are worried that a recent event will affect your ability to acquit your grant before the contract end date, please get in touch with us by email so that we can give you specific advice based on your circumstances. You can also call our office on (02) 9051 9292 during business hours (AEST).
We recognise in times of crisis, your first concern is the health and safety of you, your family, colleagues and the wider community. We will support you to prioritise these needs and we’re here to help build your program back up when you’re ready.
In challenging times, Network Partners have told us their community are more likely to come to them asking for digital skills support to help them access government and essential services including recovery information, shopping and banking. While it may not be planned, this is still important digital literacy support. You may be able to adjust your existing program to make it relevant to your local circumstances at this time and factor this support into your grant acquittal. Just make sure what you are doing is in accordance with local health and safety directives from your State Government.
Here are some things you could do to continue, restart or adapt your program during in the recovery stage of a crisis.
Nearly all of our grants can be used to deliver support remotely.
Run digital skills sessions about how to use your smartphone features, app, website and social media to stay up to date with the evolving situation.
Keep in the loop with news, grant announcements, events and updates in our Good Things newsletter and learn how to get involved in closing the digital divide.
