Digital age is no barrier thanks to tech whiz kids

Helping seniors solve digital dilemmas has earned major recognition for seven tech savvy Noosa teens.

Adara Curry, Aruna Wasala, Clancy Young, Crystyn Ribosa, Finn Britton, Noah Harris and Noah Moller all received the 2024 Local Government Award on behalf of the Queensland Public Libraries Association, for their outstanding work in Noosa Council’s Digital Leaders Program, which began in February this year.

The tech whiz kids delivered a range of troubleshooting tutorials at the Cooroy and Noosaville Libraries which have helped more than 450 senior community members develop the skills and confidence to navigate everyday challenges in the digital space and stay safe online.

“It’s a huge thrill to be part of the Digital Leaders Program and receiving an award like this reinforces how important this service is that we’re providing for people in our community who really need this help,” Noah Moller said.

“We all get so much satisfaction from helping senior community members build their skills and confidence. It’s something most of us take for granted but for the people we’re helping, it’s making a huge difference to their lives.”

The Digital Leaders Program was born from a successful collaboration between Noosa Libraries and the Peregian Digital Hub in 2021 where ‘digital cadets’ helped community members navigate Covid-19 vaccine requirements (digital certificates).

The program aims to provide employment opportunities for youth, strengthen community ties and improve digital literacy among residents.

Noosa Council Libraries Coordinator Tracey King said the program and its award-winning tutors would be back early next year, ready and raring to help more seniors solve their technology troubles.

“It’s been a fantastic first year for the Digital Leaders Program and I strongly encourage all of our local community members to jump on the Noosa Libraries website to find out more about the drop-in Tech Help sessions or to sign up for one of the free classes, all resuming in February 2025,” she said.

“Our young digital leaders have done a terrific job delivering this program – receiving this Local Government Award is certainly testament to that.”

To find out more about the Digital Leaders Program and to register, visit the Noosa Council Libraries website: https://www.libraries.noosa.qld.gov.au