Be Connected celebrates 3 million user milestone

Three million older Australians have now completed the Be Connected program, a government-funded initiative supporting older Australians to build their confidence and capacity in navigating digital spaces.

The program was initially due to end in early 2024, but the government went on to invest $42 million to extend it to June 2028.

The eSafety Commission develops and manages the Be Connected website, while not-for-profit digital inclusion organisation Good Things Australia delivers the program, manages the network and provides grants to community organisations that deliver digital skills support.

The milestone coincides with International Day of Older Persons (1 October), and eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant said it reflects the continuing importance of helping older Australians build skills and make the most of the digital world.

Launched in 2017, the program features more than 380 learning resources, such as:

• self-paced courses
• videos
• articles
• games
• podcasts
• webinars.

Resources are available in up to 10 languages.

In 2025–26 alone, more than 360,000 people completed learning resources on the Be Connected website, while 31 webinars were delivered to more than 3,000 learners.

More than 46,000 people also received face-to-face support via the network of community organisations.

Ms Inman Grant said the combination of accessible online learning and trusted community support is one of the program’s great strengths.

“There is no single way to build digital confidence. Some people want to explore resources independently, while others benefit from sitting down with someone they trust who can guide them through something new,” she said.

“That combination of accessible online learning and support in communities across Australia means people can build their skills in the way that works for them.

“Reaching 3 million learners is a tremendous achievement and a testament to the collaboration between eSafety, the Department of Social Services and Good Things Australia helping older Australians stay connected, confident and safer online.”

Good Things Australia chief executive officer Jess Wilson said Be Connected is about more than helping people aged 50 and over use technology – with the platform also helping people feel more independent, more socially connected and safer online.

“With the rapid rise of new technology like AI and increasing sophistication of scams, we need to make sure that everyone has essential digital skills, so they don’t get left behind. Our national network of 4,000 diverse community network partners is vital to the success of Be Connected because they provide over 50s with a friendly, trusted space to learn,” she said.

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