Broadband for Seniors
Call for applications to deliver the $15 million program nationally - Now closed
The call for applications from suitably qualified organisations to deliver the Broadband for Seniors program nationally closed on 8 August 2008. The department is currently assessing applications.
Broadband for Seniors is part of a wider Australian Government initiative "Making Ends Meet - Plan for Older Australians, People with Disabilities and Carers".
The Australian Government is committing $15 million for Broadband for Seniors, to be delivered over 2008-09 to 2010-11.
Only one in five Australians over the age of 65 years currently uses the internet. The needs of older Australians wishing to be trained in the use of the internet will be met by the creation of approximately 2,000 seniors internet kiosks, provided by community organisations that support seniors.
From the selection process, the department will enter into a Funding Agreement with the successful organisation to deliver the internet kiosks and training nationally.
Through Broadband for Seniors, the successful organisation will provide support to senior's organisations through the provision of up to $10,000 in desktop computers, broadband internet service and training to help build the confidence of seniors in using new technology.
The department may engage more than one organisation if there is no suitable single organisation to deliver the program nationally.
Who this application process is for
This application process will engage suitably qualified organisations, preferably one, to deliver the Broadband for Seniors program nationally.Individual community organisations interested in providing an internet kiosk are not required to express interest in this application process.
This program is not for individuals or personal/home computer users. For information regarding Government assistance for income support customers who have a home internet service, please refer to the Centrelink website or call 13 2300.
Program Guidelines and Application Guidelines
- Broadband for Seniors Application Guidelines - PDF [120kB] | RTF [1.7MB]
- Attachment A to Application Guidelines – Prioritised List of Postal Areas - PDF [28kB] | RTF [1.4MB]
- Broadband for Seniors Program Guidelines - PDF [91kB] | RTF [1.6MB]
Further information
Common Questions and Answers are provided for your information.For enquiries relating to Broadband for Seniors please phone 1800 625 136 Monday to Friday AEST 9am - 5pm, or email broadbandforseniors@fahcsia.gov.au.
Organisations with special needs (hearing or speech impaired) may contact the Department on TTY 1800 625 136.