Qld residents recognised for digital inclusion efforts

Eighteen Queensland residents have been recognised for their involvement in improving digital inclusion across the state.

The Queensland Government named them Advance Queensland Community Digital Champions, praising their contribution to the community.

“The digital world is an integral part of Queensland’s economic future and social fabric, one that needs to be embraced by every Queenslander, no matter where they live,” said Minister for Innovation, Science and the Digital Economy, Leeanne Enoch.

“A prosperous Queensland needs a vibrant and active digital community, so it’s essential that all of our citizens have the confidence and skills to be a part of this community, and that is what the Community Digital Champions program is all about.”

The program provides an opportunity for positive community digital role models to share inspirational stories and experiences with others in their local community and encourage online participation.

One of the champions, James Walker, is a farmer and entrepreneur in Longreach who uses social media and digital technologies to cope with rural issues.

“Through digital and disruptive innovation we can create new possibilities quickly in global agriculture,” Walker said.

“I have been collaborating with farmers, business, the Department of Agriculture and Meat and Livestock Australia to develop a digital predictive tool to empower farmers to understand their financial situation and make more informed data-driven decisions.”

Meanwhile, Steve Dixon, a retiree and volunteer from Sherwood, is helping to close the digital divide by teaching older Queensland citizens how to use digital technologies and participate online.

“Seniors often feel excluded from technology, so it’s important that we mentor and tutor them. Once seniors join the online world, digital technology often becomes an integral part of their daily lives,” Dixon said.

The Advance Queensland Community Digital Champions program is helping to enable Queensland to thrive in the global digital economy.

“We want Queenslanders to be among the most connected and digitally savvy in the world and the digital champions program plays an important role in achieving this,” said Enoch.

“The great work undertaken by the Champions, on a voluntary basis in their communities, is so important, especially in the areas of disadvantaged Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disabilities, our senior citizens and Queenslanders in regional areas.”

To find out more visit http://advance.qld.gov.au/innovation-movement/digital-champions.aspx.

Image credit: ©iStockphoto.com/Nadla