Digital champs key to upping digital literacy

Inspirational Queenslanders have been recognised as community digital champions in a ceremony at the State Library of Queensland today, as part of the State Government’s initiative to improve Queensland’s digital literacy and inclusion as well as drive opportunities for the jobs of the future.

Innovation Minister Leeanne Enoch said the 57 individuals were chosen for their outstanding contributions to improving digital literacy and digital adoption in their local communities.

“With technology playing an increasingly important part in everyday life, it is important that we recognise the great work being done by these digitally savvy individuals whose activities build people’s confidence to go online, improve their lives, and get the most out of what governments, business and communities have to offer,” Ms Enoch said.

Ms Enoch said Advance Queensland Community Digital Champions came from all walks of life and represented small business, industry, research and local community groups across the state – from the Gold Coast to Mount Isa and the Tablelands.  

“Our Champions range from individuals working with seniors, to people producing TV programs for sick kids in hospitals, right through to creators of digital platforms for men’s mental health and suicide prevention,” she said.

“What they have in common is a devotion to help improve the lives of their local communities, which is truly inspirational.

“They understand the unique challenges facing their communities and are using their know-how to improve the digital literacy of individuals so they can fully participate in the digital economy.”

Digital Champion Pip Russell produces Juiced TV, a program made by kids in hospital and broadcast on the Lady Cilento Children’s Hospital patient entertainment system and distributed on YouTube and a website.

The programming not only improves stays in hospital for children but also provides them with access to digital technolgy.

“Applying digital technologies are an integral part to Juiced and our success – from crowdfunding campaigns to connecting and entertaining kids in hospitals,” Ms Russel said.

“Because of our use of digital technology, Juiced doesn’t have any boundaries, which makes it different to other hospital entertainment services, and it means that we can improve the hospital journey and make kids feel connected, quite literally at the touch of a button.”

Ms Enoch said their role was particularly significant this year as 2016 is the National Year of Digital Inclusion.

“Digital confidence and competency is important to help people find employment, improve their education, access services like banking and health, and to connect with friends and family,” she said.

“Up to 90 per cent of jobs now require some computer use so digital literacy is critical for our future workforce and prosperity.

“The ability to modernise and use technology to participate more fully in the digital economy will reap rewards and influence where Queensland is headed into the future.”

The Advance Queensland Community Digital Champions program was launched in November 2015. To find out more and view each champion go to the Advance Queensland website.   

Media contact: Daniel Lato 0438 830 201