Prof Julian Thomas, Director of the ARC Centre of Excellence for Automated Decision-Making and Society (ADM+S) and a Distinguished Professor at RMIT University, has long championed digital access for all. His extensive research highlights how digital inclusion and the digital divide, particularly affect women in regional and rural areas, often creating barrier to employment, community connections and opportunities.

As head of ADM+S, Prof Thomas is aware of the benefits and challenges online connectivity presents. He explains, “Our role is to enhance public understanding, inform public debate, and train a new generation of researchers and practitioners in this challenging new field.”

Prof Thomas will deliver a keynote address on Thursday August 8 at the free, week-long Rural Women Online Digital Intensive in Greater Shepparton. This event, directly inspired by research from the ADM+S, aims to tackle the impact of digital inclusion on women. His talk, titled “Challenges and Opportunities of the Digital Era,” will anchor the Shepparton Digital Intensive, providing essential context to the issue.

His presentation will highlight that while internet access is improving, many Australians, particularly those with low incomes, older adults, and the unemployed, remain excluded.

Digital Ability

Digital Ability refers to the skills and knowledge needed to benefit from digital connectivity. The Australian Digital Inclusion Index, a project partnered by ADM+S and Telstra, reveals that women and regional residents often have lower digital ability levels. This affects their capacity to use, explore, and benefit from digital access, including staying safe online.

The Rural Women Online Digital Intensive addresses these challenges by offering practical workshops on digital skills, such as paying safely online, keeping kids safe, and managing digital habits.

Closing the Gap

ADM+S research indicates that age, gender, location, income, and employment significantly impact digital access, ability, and affordability. These issues are even more pronounced in remote Indigenous communities. Mapping the Digital Gap, project led by ADM+S, aims to ensure remote First Nations communities are not left behind in our digitally transforming world.

What Happens Next?

Prof Thomas emphasises the importance of digital inclusion, stating that rapidly evolving technologies will yield both successes and failures. It’s crucial for all communities to access and safely benefit from digital opportunities.

Join Prof Thomas as he delivers the keynote address at the Rural Women Online Digital Intensive, discussing digital inclusion as a human right and addressing the digital divide, especially for regional women. Rural Women Online is grateful for ADM+S’s support and looks forward to working with Prof Thomas and his team to bridge the digital divide in rural Victoria.

Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your digital skills: The Rural Women Online Digital Intensive takes place at the McIntosh Centre in Shepparton from Monday, 5 August to Friday, 9 August 2024. All sessions are free, but bookings are essential. View the full program here.