Once again, we are partnering with Margaret River Senior High School to deliver the Young Mentors Program during May 2025.

The program supports older Australians to improve their digital skills by bringing them together with young people in a mentoring capacity, to share digital skills and knowledge.

The one-to-one sessions are fun, informal and tailored to cover topics older people would like to learn. Participants can use their own devices, so the new skills they learn can be put into practice straight away. Some tablets are available if learners want to have a go, but do not have a device.

The Young Mentors program offers a wealth of benefits to all participants. Older people ­­can improve digital literacy, learn essential life skills and develop a deeper sense of community while the young mentors can develop leadership, communication, problem-solving skills… and much more.

Important date: Information Session for Learners Over 50 who are interested in attending the program.

Thursday May 1st – 1pm to 2pm – It is mandatory for Learners to attend this session prior to enrolment in the program.

The one-on-one sessions will run on Thursdays, May 15, 22, 29 and June 5, 12pm to 1:30pm.

Register your interest by email to Ana: abrawls@amrshire.wa.gov.au or contact the library Ph:08 9780 5600.

The library is an easily accessible venue with space available for carers if necessary.

Join these free Be Connected Online Presentations to develop your digital skills and keep safer online.

Hosted by the eSafety Commissioner, Be Connected presentations cover a range of topics every month for older Australians, including how to use government websites, how to avoid scams, safer online shopping and banking and staying safe on Facebook.

All presentations are live streamed and delivered in an easy-to-understand format with eSafety’s knowledgeable and friendly presenter, future sessions include.

• Managing your emails safely
• Selling safely online
• Can you spot a scam?
• Safer online shopping and banking.

Visit the Be Connected website for upcoming presentation topics and dates, and information about how to register: beconnected.esafety.gov.au/online-safety-presentations

Need help registering? No problem, contact the eservices Librarian on abrawls@amrshire.wa.gov.au or 9780 5600, for assistance on how to book your spot.

What topics are you most interested in learning or improving?

From today until December 12th, we would like your feedback to better understand how our Digital Mentors can help you.

If you missed some of our recent sessions like, ChatGPT, Scams, and Virtual Reality, this is your chance to request more.

Click on the link to answer the 3-question survey.

Digital Training Needs Survey

(Or copy and paste that address into your browser https://culturecounts.cc/s/4yWn5S )

Below are the library Digital Mentors Ana Brawls and Greg Skyles with current learner Divvy at last weeks’ Celebration of our Age Expo.

Thanks to fundings from GoodThings and FOLA we are able to keep delivering our Digital Training Program.

Visit the library team at the Expo and complete the survey to go in the draw to win a prize.

Or put your name down for 1-on-1 tech help with your own device to go in the draw to win a prize.

Guests will have the opportunity to explore some of the library technology on display like iPads, Virtual Reality or Sphero Robots.

Ask Library staff a quick tech question on the day about your own device. Some popular questions are:

• How do you scan a QR code?
• Where’s the home button on my phone?
• How do I switch off prescriptive text on my iPad?
• How do I put a picture of my friend in my contacts on my phone?

The Library team are ready for you. Friday 15^th November,11.30am – 1.30pm at the Nala Bardip Mia – Margaret River HEART. No need to book, just come along to the Expo and look for our stand.

The Expo celebrates Seniors Week and positive healthy ageing. Nala Bardip Mia – Margaret River HEART is an easily accessible venue and you will find plenty of other activities to join on the day. To view the full Expo program visit www.amrshire.wa.gov.au/FOOA

To celebrate Get Online Week, we are hosting an important workshop to help our community stay safe online.

Friday, October 18th 10am to 11:30am – Scams Awareness – Staying Safe Online

Delivered in partnership with Justine Esmonde from NBN, this workshop is suitable for all ages and abilities, and it is designed to enable you to navigate the online world with more confidence.

Topics covered include:

• A close look at online scams
• How to detect common scams
• What to expect from NBN
• Password Management
• Tips to stay safe – Become Scam Fit
• Helpful links

Bookings necessary. Please contact the Margaret River Library on Ph: 9780 5600 or Email amrlibrary@amrshire.wa.gov.au  to book your spot. The library is an easily accessible venue.

To celebrate Get Online Week, we are hosting a very special workshop.

Wednesday, October 16th 1pm to 2 pm – Tips on how to use ChatGPT

Scott Robinson from thebox in Busselton will bring his expertise to the Margaret River Library for a fun and interactive session suitable for all ages.

Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and explore how ChatGPT can deliver different results. Expect to laugh and learn in this live demonstration with audience participation.

The workshop will cover:

• Using ChatGPT and AI (Artificial Intelligence) for good
• A different approach to getting the most out of ChatGPT
• Tips on how to use it.

Bookings necessary. Please contact the Margaret River Library on Ph: 9780 5600 or Email amrlibrary@amrshire.wa.gov.au  to book your spot. The library is an easily accessible venue.