LAST month marked seven years since the City of Greater Geelong endorsed the community-vision document, Greater Geelong: A Clever and Creative Future.<\/p>\n
The key aim stated in that document is that by 2047, Greater Geelong will be internationally recognised as a clever and creative city-region that is forward looking, enterprising and adaptive, and cares for its people and environment.<\/p>\n
As part of this vision, Council has in recent years had a strong focus on our region’s economy and employment, the environment, arts and culture, transport connections, safety, tourism, leadership and digital access.<\/p>\n
The last point, digital access, is such a vital facet of a thriving community.<\/p>\n
Council has worked hard to position Geelong as a Smart City, which means we want to continue to improve the quality of life for the community by embracing digital technology, using data and fostering innovation.<\/p>\n
Smart cities are inclusive, connected, sustainable, resilient and prosperous, and they help to deliver improved community experiences by providing more efficient services.<\/p>\n
In effect, smart cities are better places to live, learn, work and visit.<\/p>\n
What is sometimes overlooked by people in thriving communities like Greater Geelong, is that there still exists an unfortunate digital divide.<\/p>\n
The digital divide does not simply refer to the gap between people who have access to modern information and communications technology, and those who don’t.<\/p>\n
Even among communities with some access to technology, the digital divide can exist in the form of lower-quality computers and lower-speed internet connections.<\/p>\n
As is often the case in situations where some groups have more advantages than others, there are certain demographics that are over-represented within the digital divide.<\/p>\n
This includes migrants with low English proficiency, the elderly and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds.<\/p>\n
Identifying and acknowledging this gap is a starting point, but addressing it takes a collective approach from all levels of government and leaders in the not-for-profit, education and corporate sectors.<\/p>\n
Recently Geelong Regional Library Corporation held information sessions at Corio Library and Newcomb Library for an initiative launched by the federal government to alleviate some of the issues I have mentioned.<\/p>\n
The School Students Broadband Initiative (SSBI) is aimed at boosting opportunities in education while narrowing the digital divide.<\/p>\n
The program provides free internet service for eligible households until the end of 2025.<\/p>\n
So if you are currently caring for a school-aged child or children, live in an NBN-serviced area and don’t already have NBN access, you may be eligible to access help to get connected.<\/p>\n
While the information sessions have already taken place, I highly recommend visiting your local library to explore what opportunities there might be for you to benefit from this program.<\/p>\n
I would particularly like to encourage those in my Windermere Ward to use this initiative.<\/p>\n
We know that children who can access online learning at home as part of their education are more likely to engage in classroom activities.<\/p>\n
Having access to fast internet at home also helps children build their digital skills while giving them the confidence to contribute to and participate in a world that is increasingly dependent on digital technology.<\/p>\n
These types of programs will go a long way to ensuring Greater Geelong continues its push towards being internationally recognised as a clever and creative city-region.<\/p>\n
Cr Anthony Aitken<\/p>\n
Deputy Mayor,<\/p>\n
City of Greater Geelong<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
LAST month marked seven years since the City of Greater Geelong endorsed the community-vision document, Greater Geelong: A Clever and Creative Future. The key aim stated in that document is that by 2047, Greater Geelong will be internationally recognised as a clever and creative city-region that is forward looking, enterprising and adaptive, and cares for […]<\/p>\n