Get online with local support

GAIN confidence in your digital skills by taking part in Get Online Week activities.

From Monday, 17 to Sunday, 23 October Shire community centres will host workshops to help locals become more familiar with the devices they own, and how they can best use them day-to-day.

A Geelong Regional Libraries and Golden Plains Shire-led Get Online Week event will be run at Smythesdale’s The Well in the Digital Hub, from 10.30am to 12pm on Friday, 21 October.

Its theme will be Saving Family Stories, looking how people can digitise their family photos and historic documents with a scanner and computer software.

Golden Plains Shire Council mayor Cr Gavin Gamble said the program has been funded by a $1000 grant from the Good Things Foundation.

“The events are a fantastic opportunity to reach new people in the community and help people with limited digital skills to expand their knowledge and try something new,” he said.

“As we increasingly move towards a digital world, I encourage residents to take the opportunity to digitise their family photos and immortalise their precious memories at the Saving Family Stories workshop in Get Online Week.”

Any questions surrounding the use of smart phones, tablets, laptops, or social media will be answered at the Meredith Community Centre on Wednesday, 19 October from 11am to 1.30pm

Locals can bring in their devices, or use some of the centre’s tech, for some digital learning over a spot of lunch.

In partnership with Business Victoria, Shire officers also are set to deliver Taking Your Business Online, and Advanced Strategies to Taking Your Business Online workshops at The Well on Tuesday, 18 October at 5.30pm, and Thursday 20 October from at 5.30pm respectively.

“I would also encourage local business owners to attend the business workshops to improve their digital presence and maximise their business potential online,” Cr Gamble said.

Register for the Shire events at goldenplains.vic.gov.au/events, or for Meredith Community Centre’s via 5286 0700.