Community organisations can now apply for funding to help people in their local area build digital skills.
The $1,000 grants support free events during Get Online Week, 19–25 October 2026.
The funding is offered through the Be Connected program.
Be Connected is an Australian Government initiative. It helps people aged 50 and over build the skills and confidence they need to use the internet safely.
Apply for a Be Connected grant now
The Australian Government supports Get Online Week through Be Connected event grants.
The grants support community organisations to hold free events across the country to help people build digital skills and confidence.
Applications for grants are open now and close 24 July 2026.
Get Online Week is national campaign led by Good Things Australia to promote digital inclusion.
Hosting an event is a great starting point to connect people with ongoing support though Be Connected. Beyond Get Online Week, older Australians can continue learning through free local support and online tools.
Read more below to find out how Be Connected network partners use the grants to run free, successful events in their local area.
Sufi Festival INC, Noble Park, Victoria
Helping older Australians get online
On 21 October 2025, Sufi Festival INC ran a Get Online Week event in Noble Park, Victoria. The event helped older Australians and people from diverse backgrounds build confidence using everyday technology.
Volunteers gave one-on-one support. Participants learned how to use smartphones, send emails and fill in online forms. These skills help people stay connected and access services.
The event was supported through the Be Connected program, funded by the Department of Social Services. It provided hands-on help in different languages in a safe and welcoming space.
A simple problem, a big impact
One participant, Giuseppe, 81, came to the session needing help with a healthcare text message. He found it confusing and did not know what to do.
With help from volunteers, he was able to open and understand the message. He left feeling relieved and more confident using digital services.
Why it matters
Giuseppe’s story shows how small digital barriers can have a big impact. Especially when people need to access health and other important services.
Events like this do more than teach digital skills. They help people build confidence, feel more independent and stay connected.
Organisation overview
- Network Partner Name: Sufi Festival INC
- Location: Noble Park, Victoria
Sufi Festival INC is a multicultural not-for-profit organisation. It supports digital inclusion, social connection and community wellbeing across Melbourne’s south-east.
Sufi Festival INC provides:
- Basic digital literacy training
- Help with smartphones and internet use
- Scam awareness and online safety workshops
- Support with email and online communication
- Help to access government and health services online.
The Place Charlestown Community Centre, NSW
Grant leads to successful local event
During Get Online Week 2025, The Place Charlestown Community Centre ran a fun and interactive event to help people build confidence using technology.
With support from the Be Connected program, the centre delivered “Fake or Fact: Escape the Scam!”. This activity helped people learn about online safety, scams and how to use technology with more confidence.
Participants worked in teams, making the session engaging and easy to follow.
The grants helped cover costs like promotion, learning materials, staffing and support on the day. This made the event free and open to everyone in the community.
A simple activity, real outcomes
Participants felt more confident using technology after the event.
They learned how to spot scams, stay safe online and manage passwords better.
Group activities helped people connect. They also created a supportive environment for learning new skills together.
Why it matters
Many older Australians feel unsure about using technology.
Events like this give people a safe place to learn. They help people build important digital skills and stay connected to family, friends and services.
They also highlight how community groups can support learning and bring people together.
Organisation overview
- Network Partner Name: The Place Charlestown Community Centre
- Location: Charlestown, NSW
The Place Charlestown Community Centre supports the local community. It does this through a range of programs that build skills, confidence and connection.
The Centre offers:
- Digital literacy and online safety workshops
- Social programs for older Australians
- Youth and intergenerational activities
- Arts, wellbeing and community programs
- Volunteer opportunities and local events.
More information
- Visit the Good Things website to apply for Get Online Week funding(Opens in a new tab/window).
- Learn more about Get Online Week(Opens in a new tab/window)
- Visit the eSafety website to learn more about Be Connected(Opens in a new tab/window).
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