Tasmania has some of the lowest levels of digital inclusion in Australia, ranking below the national average on access, affordability and digital ability. Combined with workforce shortages and below-average participation, a lack of digital skills is a direct barrier to employment, training and everyday services for many Tasmanians.

RDA Tasmania's Digital Uplift Program, delivered in partnership with Telstra, is addressing this gap through Tasmania's Regional Jobs Hubs Network, taking hands-on support into trusted, familiar community settings. Since launching in March 2026, the program has helped Tasmanians build the skills they need most: accessing online services, completing digital job applications, using workplace technologies, and navigating government and financial systems online.

In its first four months, more than 1,000 Tasmanians engaged with the program, well on the way toward a target of 4,000 participants over 18 months and reflecting the demand for digital literacy support across the state. The program is part of Telstra's commitment to improve digital inclusion for one million Australians by 2030 and is also supported by the Tasmanian Government and Marinus Link.

Behind these numbers are real Tasmanians building the confidence to work, learn and connect.

Andrew, a sole trader in the cleaning industry, came to his local Jobs Hub wanting to strengthen his employment prospects. Comfortable on his phone but stuck navigating online application processes, he was supported to complete applications for a National Police Check and a Working with Vulnerable People Card, which in turn uncovered a broader need to build his digital document skills, such as attaching files to emails, directly relevant to his work as a sole trader. A follow-up visit is now planned to keep building his confidence with everyday digital tasks.

Separately, Shaz moved to Tasmania from Pakistan in 2022 and, in her mid-40s, is preparing to enter the paid workforce for the first time. While completing TAFE courses in hospitality and English, she found the modern job market daunting, as every step of the application process now happens online. Digital Uplift has worked alongside Shaz to build her confidence navigating job portals. Because the program runs weekly drop-in sessions at the Northern Suburbs Community Centre, support has fitted naturally into her routine, giving her a consistent, reliable place to turn to whenever she needs help.

For Andrew, Shaz and thousands of Tasmanians like them, Digital Uplift is turning digital skills into real pathways toward work, independence and community connection.

For more information, visit: www.rdatasmania.org.au/digital-uplift