Good Things Foundation Australia celebrates 5 years of closing the digital divide

Today Good Things Foundation Australia celebrated 5 years of closing the digital divide, providing more than 1 million Australians with essential digital skills and support, ensuring no one is left behind in today’s digital world.?

Our fantastic panel of digital change makers talked about what’s been achieved over the past 5 years, particularly during the pandemic, and how much more there is to do to ensure everyone in Australia is #digitallyincluded.?

Michael West from the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council welcomed us to Gadigal Country and shared his personal insights on the importance of digital inclusion for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Philomena Oborn spoke about her journey of becoming a “professional beginner” at 81 years of age, by learning how to use technology to stay in touch with loved ones both here and overseas, as well as connecting remotely with the medical team who care for her son in QLD.?

Dr?Sabrin Farooqui?- President,?Cultural Diversity Network Incorporated - CDNI talked about the importance of community led digital inclusion programs, particularly for people from different backgrounds who are at serious risk of social isolation without the vital digital connections that open up a world of opportunity.?

Dennis Stokes?- CEO,?First Nations Media Australia highlighted just how vital internet access is for Indigenous people, particularly those living in remote parts of Australia where access, affordability and the delivery of online services and support are literally a lifeline for communities.?

Helen Milner OBE - Founder and Group CEO of Good Things Foundation shared a global perspective on the enormity of the problem, saying more than 3.7 billion people on the planet are currently digitally excluded. “It’s not a minority issue. There are actually billions of people who can benefit from the internet”. ?

Vishy Narayanan?- Chief Digital Information Officer,?PwC?Asia Pacific and Good Things Foundation Board Member, shared insights into the role that corporations, governments and partners can play in supporting charities and community based, volunteer organisations to amplify their impact.?

Jo Cavanagh OAM CF MAICD - Chair, Good Things Foundation Australia wrapped up the session reminding us just how important digital technology is in keeping family and friends connected. “It’s not a nice to have, it’s a have to have”, especially for people trying to find ways to thrive in current times.?

Jess Wilson - CEO of Good Things Foundation Australia shared the amazing journey and impact that Good Things Foundation has made over the past 5 years and thanked our partners and funders, our wonderful network of community organisations, and all of the people who have found the courage to learn something new through our digital inclusion programs.?

To learn more visit www.goodthingsfoundation.org.au and watch our panel discussion on-demand.?

Happy 5th Birthday Good Things!?