Inspirational Queenslanders named community digital champions

Published Tuesday, 03 November, 2015 at 10:00 AM

Minister for Housing and Public Works and Minister for Science and Innovation
The Honourable Leeanne Enoch

A researcher using digital technology to support groups tackling domestic violence is among Queensland’s first Advance Queensland Community Digital Champions.

Minister for Science and Innovation Leeanne Enoch has named 10 tech-savvy Queenslanders as advocates of digital technologies who are leading the way in their local communities.

“The Champions program aims to promote Queenslanders helping others to reap the rewards of using technology in their everyday lives and inspiring improvement in digital literacy across the state,” Ms Enoch said.

“Every day, more technology options are available to Queenslanders to improve lifestyles, provide opportunities for new jobs and offer social connections.

“Our Champions will work with their local communities to help improve digital literacy and digital adoption, and share their inspirational stories and expertise.”

The inaugural Community Digital Champions are:

  • Wayne Denning, who uses digital technology to promote Aboriginal culture worldwide through television documentaries and children’s shows
  • Jenny Ostini, a University of Southern Queensland researcher, who uses her knowledge of how people use technology to support community groups to fight domestic violence
  • Juliette Wright, founder of charitable donation portal GIVIT
  • Mic Black, creator of interactive digital art project Pixel Mosaic, which creates art on electronic devices that can be transformed into installations
  • Jamie Teh, creator of NV Access, a screen reader that reads aloud text on screens or generates a braille display, improving the accessibility of computers for blind and vision-impaired people
  • Ben Munford, Eastern Hub Coordinator with Brisbane Seniors OnLine, who helps over 50s improve their digital confidence and competency
  • Liz Hill, a farmer who created digital platforms to share local community, business and event information for the Balonne Shire, including www.stgeorgeqld.com
  • Brynlea Gibson, a Year 9 student at St Peter’s Lutheran College and 2015 Australian Youth Leadership Award and 2014 iAward winner, whose robotics project could help progress remote surgery
  • Ann Britton, a grazier from Boulia, who uses digital technology to display her photography work around the world and to highlight issues surrounding beef exports
  • Joy McClymont, who runs cattle and sheep on a property outside Longreach, who has created an online holistic health and wellbeing business

“These Champions are shining examples of digital savvy Queenslanders who are using innovation, knowledge and a sense of community to help others keep pace with a fast changing world,” Ms Enoch said.

“Up to 90 per cent of jobs now require some computer use and digital technology is improving productivity in so many industries – including farming, health services, mining and retail.

“To capitalise on opportunities, Queensland must lift its productivity and have the skills that will be in demand. That’s why the Palaszczuk Government has committed $180 million over four years to the Advance Queensland initiative. It will position the state to address these challenges and create the knowledge-based jobs of the future.”

Minister Enoch said the Advance Queensland Community Digital Champions are helping to build Queensland’s knowledge economy.

“We are looking for more Champions from industry, community and other groups to give back to their communities and teach others how to take on the digital age,” she said.

“I encourage communities across Queensland to nominate local, digital-savvy individuals to be recognised through this program.”

To find out more and nominate a champion go to qld.gov.au/digitalchampions.