Swipe, tap, connect! Young mentors help older Australians embrace digital tech

Congratulations and a big thank you to the young volunteers and mentees who took part in the exciting new Young Mentors program at Ayr library during May and June. The ten mentors provided a combined 60 hours of digital support to older members of their community as part of the pilot program delivered in Queensland for the first time.  

The Young Mentors program pairs high school students with senior participants in an initiative that does more than just teach tech - it builds friendships, boosts independence, and shows what’s possible when generations come together to learn from each other. Mentors are trained to deliver one-on-one digital support tailored to the needs of their mentees, from getting started on smartphones and tablets, to safe internet browsing, creating photos and videos, and using apps.

For Ayr library visitor Eddie, the program was a turning point in his digital journey.

‘Before attending the program, I didn’t even know how to turn the phone on,’ Eddie said. 

‘It was given to me by my children so they could stay in touch, but I had no idea how to use it. Kain helped me so much—he was incredibly patient and made everything easier to understand.’

Mentee Liz said the Young Mentors program offered far more than just tech support—it brought meaningful connection.

‘Taylar was so lovely and patient with me,’ she said. 

‘I live alone with my family spread across the country, so having someone to talk to—and who could help me understand how to use my phone—was truly wonderful.’

The pilot program was coordinated by State Library of Queensland Regional Digital Development Officer (RDDO) Rick Hospers with Burdekin Shire Council and Creative Bytes—a charitable organisation focused on youth digital literacy.

‘We all know someone—perhaps a grandparent, neighbour, or older friend—who occasionally asks for help with their phone, tablet, or computer,’ Rick explained.

‘The Young Mentors program takes that everyday experience and turns it into a powerful, structured opportunity for intergenerational learning. 

‘Through this initiative, older Australians living in regional and remote areas gain the digital skills they need to stay connected, independent, and confident with digital tools, while mentors gain valuable experience, developing communication skills, adaptability, and a deeper appreciation for community service.’

Glenn Arboit, Manager for Community Services at Burdekin Shire Council, acknowledged the mentors’ achievements and the work of Library Services Manager Lois Huston and her team for their work in the program’s successful delivery. 

‘I’ve personally seen the mentors and mentees working together and I’ve seen those relationships build and the confidence grow,’ he said.

‘Most of all it highlighted the solid culture that we have in the Burdekin of giving back to the community.’

‘I’m confident that this won’t be the end of this program.’ 

About the Young Mentors program

The Young Mentors Program was developed by the eSafety Commissioner under the Australian Government’s Be Connected initiative. Recognising its potential, State Library’s RDDO championed the program locally—bringing together key partners and enabling Creative Bytes to secure Be Connected funding to deliver mentor training in Queensland.

‘It’s been fantastic to see the students develop their skills throughout the program,’ said Heath Gilham, co-founder of Creative Bytes.

‘Their communication, adaptability, and especially their patience—like when they’re asked to show how to perform a task several times—are all valuable skills they’ll carry forward into future study, work, and life.’

Rick Hospers is working with Creative Bytes and more regional councils to extend the initiative into new locations, while Burdekin Shire Council plans to continue the program, with new and returning mentors and mentees already signing up to take part.

'The success of the pilot program, along with the strength of our partnership, has inspired me to approach other communities across the North-North West region with a clear sense of its value and potential,' Rick said.

The Young Mentors program at Ayr Library was funded by the State Library’s Regional Digital Development Project, Burdekin Shire Council, and Be Connected.

The Regional Digital Development project is a key initiative of the Queensland Government’s Our Thriving Digital Future: Queensland’s Digital Economy Strategy.