On the road with RDDOs: Driving digital inclusion across regional Queensland

Digital inclusion is making a real difference in regional and remote Queensland—and State Library’s Regional Digital Development Officers (RDDOs) are leading the charge to build digitally confident communities.

From small towns to outback hubs, RDDOs are working alongside councils, libraries, and community groups to deliver hands-on digital learning that’s practical, empowering, and tailored to local needs.

Whether it’s helping small businesses grow, supporting individuals to navigate online services, or enabling communities to preserve their history, digital skills are opening doors to new opportunities for connection, creativity, and confidence.

This update shares just a few highlights from recent RDDO activities across the state—showcasing how digital inclusion is being brought to life in ways that matter to Queenslanders.

South West Queensland: From Cricut to ChatGPT—59 ways to learn, create and explore

In South West Queensland, RDDO Mitch Greig led an incredible 59 digital workshops across Murweh, Bulloo, and Paroo Shire councils in July and August. Held in libraries, cafés, community hubs, and even a historic outback hotel, these sessions built digital confidence, supported local skills development, and encouraged creative exploration. 

From Canva design and ChatGPT to Cricut crafting and robotics, Mitch’s workshops showed how digital tools can be used in practical and imaginative ways.

'The best part is seeing people realise that technology can be creative, social, and fun and not just for work,' Mitch said.

The sessions provided tailored support for participants, including small group and one-on-one formats helping seniors and business owners build skills and address specific digital challenges. Mitch also collaborated with Healthy Ageing groups in Augathella and Charleville with a view to creating dedicated sessions to help locals navigate essential services like MyGov. 

Mitch will deliver workshops in Murweh, Maranoa, Paroo, Balonne and Goondiwindi council regions in October and November so check out what’s happening and get involved by using the link below.

North-North West Queensland: Big region, big impact

RDDO Rick Hospers has been travelling extensively across one of our largest regions, covering thousands of kilometres to connect with communities. 

In August, Rick hit the road with Creative Bytes to visit councils in Hughenden, Julia Creek, and Richmond, where they showcased the Young Digital Mentors Program—an initiative that equips young people to support older community members with digital learning, while building their own confidence, leadership, and tech skills. Energised by the success of the Burdekin Shire Council pilot, the team was able to build on that momentum and demonstrate how the program can benefit communities across the region.

There were meetings with Charters Towers, Flinders, McKinlay, Richmond, and Cloncurry Shires to progress a range of regional digital development initiatives, including AI and connectivity workshops, and Preservation Station, a program designed to help communities digitise and preserve documents, photographs, VHS tapes and DVDs for safekeeping and greater accessibility.

Rick delivered his popular Digital Content Creation workshop in Hinchinbrook at the end of September and is preparing to roll out a series of workshops designed to help people understand the different types of internet connections available in their local area.

Central West Queensland: Digital confidence through connection

In Central West Queensland, RDDO Louise Gronold delivered a Seniors with Tech workshop in Aramac, creating a welcoming space for participants to build confidence with their devices. The session focused on practical skills—like adjusting screen settings for better usability and recognising online scams—and encouraged open discussion, with participants sharing their experiences and learning from one another.

Louise also represented the Digital and You program at the GroWQ Innovation Expo in Longreach, a vibrant event showcasing ag-tech and regional innovation. Her stand drew strong interest from attendees keen to explore digital tools and talk about their own challenges and successes, highlighting the importance of being present at regional gatherings to connect with local audiences.

An exciting series of online and in person digital workshops kicks off in October, covering topics like Canva and online selling, to social media strategy and digital productivity.

Far North Queensland: Innovation and inspiration

Far North Queensland has been a hive of activity led by RDDO Ricky Clark, whose digital programming offers an eclectic blend of skills building opportunities. His monthly Munch and Learn sessions for small businesses continue to attract strong interest in Mareeba and Kuranda, so much so, he’s locked in extra sessions during October! 

Other popular events include 3D Design and Printing sessions and Digitising Memories workshops that have captured the interest of local historical societies keen to preserve community history and build digital skills. 

Far North Queensland locals of all ages are keen to be at the forefront of innovation, so Ricky’s AI for Beginners workshops always raise a crowd—as demonstrated when this topic returned to Mission Beach and Innisfail libraries.

Participants and Cassowary Coast Regional Council gave the workshops a resounding thumbs-up. 

‘We have a community that loves to learn, and they do embrace new ideas—and they loved the presentation,’ said Louise Cummings, Mission Beach Library Supervisor. 

Councillor Trudy Tschui also praised the events.

‘An interesting, enlightening and educational session at Mission Beach and Innisfail libraries this week. AI for Beginners taught us several and varied ways of creating words, pictures, songs and videos,’ she said. 

Rick is delivering lots of workshops in the coming months so keep an eye on what’s happening through your local council or the Digital and You app. 

 

Western Queensland Alliance of Councils (WQAC) Assembly: Building strategic partnerships

Michelle Carter, Director Digital Inclusion, joined RDDOs Mitch Greig, Louise Gronold, and Rick Hospers at the WQAC Assembly in St George during August. With 25 councils represented, the event was a valuable opportunity to provide an update on the Digital and You program and share the exciting news about the launch of State Library’s Digital Starter Grant Program 2025/26.

The team’s participation helped build awareness and momentum for digital inclusion activities and reinforced the importance of strategic partnerships with councils to deliver locally tailored solutions for more connected, digitally capable communities.

Let’s keep the digital momentum going—find a free workshop near you

These highlights show how the Digital and You program is enabling communities to embrace digital learning in ways that are meaningful, practical, and locally relevant.

Check out what’s happening in your region by downloading the Digital and You app to find and book workshops or access self-paced learning modules to complete wherever you’re located.

State Library’s Regional Digital Development project is supported by the Department of Customer Service, Open Data and Small and Family Business.