News - Warialda Be Connected Program

Warialda residents learn to share their interests and hobbies with the world by writing a blog!

Warialda Community College Be Connected programLocal residents are being encouraged to learn how to use digital technology confidently and safely, by participating in the free Be Connected program at Warialda Community College. The Be Connected program is an Australian Government initiative committed to increasing the confidence, skills and online safety of older Australians. Using Be Connected online resources, Australians are learning the basics of using digital devices and engaging with the Internet, including:
  • being safer while online
  • talking to or seeing family and friends who live far away
  • finding new friends who share interests and hobbies
  • connecting with old friends
  • keeping up to date with what’s happening in communities and around the world
  • shopping and selling online, safely and securely.
As a Be Connected Network Partner, Community College Northern Inland is providing sessions in campuses across the Northern Inland region that include interactive learning activities, training courses and ‘how-to’ videos for older Australians and families, friends and community organisations. Participants can create their own learning plan on the website and progress at their own pace.

Warialda residents recently took the opportunity to learn about blogs, discovering how to write about their hobbies or interests and share them online with friends, family or the community at large. Course participants were taken step-by-step through setting up their first blog (short for web log, or online journal), using free resources on the Internet.

According to Be Connected digital mentor Lesley Rogers, "A blog is a great way for older Australians to share their knowledge and interests with the world. Older adults have a lot to gain from learning about technologies like blogs but also a lot to give with a lifetime of accumulated knowledge and experience to share."

Term 2 Be Connected classes take place in Warialda each Tuesday from 9:30 to 12:30 at the Warialda Community College campus at 36 Hope Street. Start connecting with others in your community in a fun and relaxing class by calling (02) 6729 1487 to register for a place.

Photograph: Be Connected student Yvonne Devenish sharing her passion for all things craft with the world!