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A free, new Lunchtime Technology Project is helping Mackay seniors build digital confidence, avoid scams and safely access essential online services. Photo supplied
For many older Australians, the online world can feel less like a convenience and more like a minefield, from suspicious text messages and scam emails to the growing pressure to access essential services digitally.
A new free initiative in Mackay is aiming to change that, giving seniors the tools and confidence to navigate the digital world safely.
Bolton Clarke’s digital literacy team is offering targeted training to help older people across the Mackay region engage and stay safe online through a new initiative funded by the Mackay Community Foundation.
The Lunchtime Technology Project will offer six free digital literacy classes, along with one-on-one sessions and ongoing support.
Topics will include scam detection and avoidance, secure passwords and password managers, safe online banking and shopping, using My Aged Care, understanding AI risks and opportunities, navigating useful apps, and practical tips for smartphones and tablets.
The sessions will be held over a casual lunch and will also include time for one-on-one support, creating a relaxed environment where participants can ask questions and build confidence at their own pace.
More than 40 per cent of people aged 65 to 74 and almost 70 per cent of those aged 75 and over are currently excluded or highly excluded from digital services, creating disadvantage when accessing government information including My Aged Care, Centrelink and health data.
Digital Business Development Manager Joe Griffiths said the need for digital literacy support was growing as more government agencies and services moved online.
“This initiative aims to help people engage confidently and safely online to reduce those barriers to accessing services,” Mr Griffiths said.
“It will also help people avoid scams.
“Australians over 65 have lost more than $21 million to email, online and text message scams in 2026 alone, and education is a critical to addressing that problem.”
Bolton Clarke is a national not-for-profit aged care provider supporting more than 250 people across the Mackay region through home and community support and in its two local retirement villages.
Seniors interested in attending the digital literacy sessions can contact Natalie Philp on 0437 191 302 or email nphilp@boltonclarke.com.au. Free transport is available.
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