Federal Member for Gorton Brendan O’Connor this week announced the opening of the Broadband for Seniors Kiosk at Sydenham Village Supported Living.

Broadband for Seniors is a $15 million Federal Government initiative to install up to 2000 kiosks around Australia, providing free internet use and training for seniors. 

The Kiosk at Sydenham Village Supported Living is one of the first in the western suburbs and the first in the City of Brimbank.

Mr O’Connor said Broadband for Seniors brings older Australians together to learn about computers and share their experiences, giving them the confidence to get online.

“Many older Australians are missing out on the ease of staying in touch with family and friends online,” Mr O’Connor said.

“Only one in five Australians over the age of 65 years currently uses the internet.“

As we move to a technological age, older Australians are increasingly disadvantaged if they can’t use a computer and the internet.

”The kiosk is accessible to all seniors, including older citizens with disabilities and those from culturally and linguistically diverse communities, through the use of specific language software and assistive technology.

Broadband for Seniors is part of a broader Government strategy to assist older Australians with new technology.

Other initiatives include an increase to the telephone allowance for those older Australians with internet connections at home.

Mr O’Connor thanked the Government’s partners in this project, including NEC Australia, Adult Learning Australia, the Australian Seniors Computer Clubs Association, the University of the Third Age and Sydenham Village Supported Living.