Instead of being victims, Buderim seniors are taking control of their online safety with a free Bolton Clarke workshop designed to build digital confidence and shut the door on internet scammers for good.
Addressing a Growing Threat
Recent data from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has shown that Australians over 65 are increasingly losing their savings to sophisticated financial scams, many of which originate on social media. As Scams Awareness Week gets underway, the need for proactive digital safety education has become more urgent than ever. With about 85 per cent of seniors now online to connect with family or use services, digital literacy is no longer just a convenience but a crucial life skill.
This local initiative aims to turn the tide, moving from awareness of the problem to active prevention by equipping seniors with the tools they need to navigate the internet safely.
Practical Skills for Digital Confidence
The upcoming session will provide practical and straightforward support to help residents build their digital skills and feel more confident online. It is scheduled to take place at the Tantula Rise Retirement Village at 10 am on Monday, 3 September. Bolton Clarke has organised for an expert from the Seniors Inquiry Line to speak about identifying and avoiding common scams.
Joe Griffiths, from the Bolton Clarke Digital Independence team, explained that an online presence is increasingly important for seniors to engage with essential services like MyGov and My Aged Care. He emphasised that while the digital world can seem complex, there are simple things people can do to stay safe. Team members will be on hand to provide one-on-one support and answer specific questions about getting online and using government resources.
A Community Effort to Stay Connected
Funded by the Australian Government’s Be Connected initiative, the session is part of a broader push to ensure all Australians can take advantage of digital technology. The event in Buderim follows other successful programs held in Caboolture and on the Gold Coast, showing a strong community interest in the topic. The session is open to everyone in the community over the age of 65, and morning tea will be provided, fostering a supportive and social learning environment.
Published Date 30-August-2025
