Southern Grampians women are invited to build their digital literacy skills with a tailored half-day program at the Greater Hamilton Library on Tuesday 9 August 2022 between 12:00pm – 5:00pm.
Guest speakers will cover a range of topics such as Federal, State and local Government online services plus online banking and internet safety. The National Centre for Farmer Health will be available to demonstrate their online support services and a clinician will also be on hand during the day to conduct free health assessments.
The sessions are part of the Victorian Women’s Trust Rural Women Online program designed for regional Victorian women to build their digital skills in an open, empowering and positive environment.
Library Services Coordinator Kelly Pitt-Lancaster said the Library offers a safe space for women to access digital services with a flexible drop-in program where no prerequisite skills are needed.
“The sessions on Tuesday will offer Southern Grampians women an opportunity to build their digital literacy skills in a welcoming, no-judgement environment. Patrons will have the opportunity to hear from a range of speakers with Library staff also available during the afternoon to talk through digital library services and provide access support,” said Ms Pitt-Lancaster.
“We encourage you to come along to learn some new skills, have a cuppa and connect with other like-minded women from around the region.”
Victorian Women’s Trust Chair Alana Johnson said recent data shows rural women face significant barriers when accessing digital resources including ability-based limitations.
“These barriers are exacerbated by the fear and shame that women may experience when seeking IT assistance,” said Ms Johnson. “Rural Women Online offers regional women positive and empowering ways to build their skills at the Greater Hamilton Library.”
Rural Women Online consists of three streams; a set of how-to-guides, a women staffed tech help desk and one-on-one mentoring.
The how-to-guides, which can be found at ruralwomenonline.org.au, are a self-directed online crash course in tech knowledge, covering subjects from e-safety to how to use common software. For rural women that require real time assistance, the Rural Women Online help desk fields email and phone enquiries once a week and provides advice that empowers.
“Women in the Victorian regions are immensely capable and deeply resilient. Our program will build on that capacity by ensuring rural women have positive opportunities to build their digital skills,” Ms Johnson said.
“A light lunch will be provided, no registrations or RSVP necessary – just drop in at any time for a new experience,” concluded Ms Pitt-Lancaster.
For further information about the program or schedule of guest speakers, contact the Greater Hamilton Library on
5573 0470 or email library@sthgrampians.vic.gov.au.
Rural Women Online is a joint initiative of the Helen McPherson Smith Trust and the Bendigo Bank Community Enterprise Foundation, delivered by the Victorian Women’s Trust.