NSW Tech Savvy Seniors

Program objective

The TSS program objectives are to:

• Increase digital inclusion for seniors in NSW
• Reduce social isolation for seniors in NSW
• Increase access to online government information and services among older people in NSW

Digital inclusion with the TSS program

The program was launched in 2012 as a NSW Government initiative in partnership with Telstra. The TSS program provides older people in NSW with access to low-cost or free digital literacy training at beginner, intermediate and advanced levels on the use of computers, tablets, smartphones and online applications such as email, social media and cyber safety.

The TSS program is delivered by a network of NSW approved Adult and Community Education (ACE) providers and public libraries to seniors in Sydney metropolitan locations as well as in regional and remote communities across NSW.

Digital inclusion helps seniors to be active and independent members of their immediate and broader communities. Digital inclusion facilitates access to information and services and strengthens the social connections through which emotional and practical resources are shared.

For many people, going online is about getting day-to-day tasks done and accessing information and services that facilitate their daily routines. It is also about social activities, such as staying in touch with family and friends, planning catch-ups and dabbling in hobbies such as researching family histories.

Since the program’s inception in July 2012, over 119,000 training places have been offered to seniors across NSW.

Eligibility

Who can apply

All applicants are required to meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Be an ACE college provider based in NSW
• All applicants must have appropriate insurance (minimum of $10 million),
• All applicants must address the NSW National Redress Scheme sanctions (included in this template),
• All applicants must adhere to NSW Government public health orders and advice in regard to COVID-19. Up-to-date information is available on the NSW Government COVID-19 website.
• Applications will not be accepted from organisations that have outstanding acquittals with DCJ.

Prioritisation criteria includes:

• Population of your council area aged over 60
• Areas where training is not already provided by ACE providers
• Areas that have a low Australian Digital Inclusion Index score
• Remote and regional locations

What can’t you apply for

Organisations must use the grant funds, including any interest earned, for the purposes of the grant.

• Items or activities that funding cannot be used for include:
• Any activity of a commercial nature that is for profit
• Existing debt or budget deficits
• Capital works, including building work
• Permanent salaries/wages (costs for temporary tutors/instructors for your program or activity can be included)
• Permanent equipment purchases, for example tables and computers
• Business as usual costs or general operating expenses
• Programs or activities that encourage gambling such as bingo, or the consumption of alcohol
• Programs and activities coordinated by NSW Government Departments and Statutory Authorities
• The same project twice. For example, two different organisations cannot apply for funds for the same program or activity

Address the assessment criteria

Applications will be reviewed against eligibility and assessment criteria.

The Assessment team will assess all eligible applications. Recommended applicants will then be provided to the Assessment Panel for review.

The Panel will make a recommendation to the designated decision-maker.

The DCJ Delegated decision maker is the Deputy Secretary Strategy, Policy and Commissioning.

The delegated decision-maker will consider the recommendations and provide approval.

Applicants will be formally notified on whether their application has been successful. It is an applicant’s responsibility to ensure all contact details are up to date.

This program is funded and administered by Department of Communities and Justice.

Grant recipients

Recipients for this program were selected to meet the program objectives.

Eligible recipients were invited to participate and were required to meet the objectives.

Support and contact