The City of Canada Bay has received a $35,000 grant to develop and deliver a series of targeted workshops, forums and resources aimed at helping seniors from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds stay safe online.
This initiative, funded by the Department of Home Affairs’ Cyber Security Awareness Support for Vulnerable Groups grants program, aims to provide older residents — particularly those for whom English is a second language — with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to better protect themselves from cyber fraud, scams, and identity theft.
City of Canada Bay Mayor Michael Megna said the funding will help address a critical need in our diverse local community.
“We are proud to have secured this grant to support some of our most vulnerable residents,” said Mayor Megna. “As more and more services move online, it’s vital that seniors and people from non-English speaking backgrounds are not left behind or left exposed to the risks of digital scams.”
This funding will support the establishment of a newly created program, called the EmpowerSafe Program, featuring inclusive, interactive workshops led by cyber safety experts, informed by consultative forums where participants can share their experiences and expertise, and easy-to-understand resources translated into community languages.
“This initiative is about empowerment — equipping our older residents with the practical tools and understanding they need to navigate the digital world safely,” Mayor Megna added. “We want every member of our community to feel confident and protected online, regardless of their age or language background.”
The program will be rolled out later this year in partnership with local community organisations and multicultural service providers to ensure it reaches those most in need.
