newy.com.au – The first 30 refurbished laptops from the NSW Government’s Device Bank have been delivered to people experiencing digital disadvantage through a Charlestown charity.
Low-income earners and seniors are among the recipients supported by The Place Charlestown, which works with low-income families, culturally and linguistically diverse communities and older Australians.
Each recipient has received a laptop, personalised digital training, 12 months of free data and ongoing support designed to help them use the internet safely and confidently.
Launched in May, the 12-month Device Bank pilot repurposes surplus government laptops for community use as part of the NSW Digital Inclusion Strategy. The program is intended to improve access to essential online services and reduce electronic waste.
The laptops have government data securely removed before being refurbished and quality tested to ensure they are safe, reliable and ready to use.
The pilot will expand through partnerships with community organisations and registered charities across metropolitan, regional and remote NSW over the next 12 months. It is being delivered by the NSW Telco Authority through WorkVentures.
Customer Service and Digital Government Minister Jihad Dib said the program was redirecting government technology to people who needed it.
“Digital access is essential to modern life. As the NSW Device Bank pilot continues, more people across metropolitan, regional and remote NSW will be able to access the technology and support they need to thrive in a digital world,” Mr Dib said.
Charlestown MP Jodie Harrison said affordability remained a major barrier to digital access.
“With 61 per cent of people in low‑income households and 64 per cent of those living in regional and remote NSW experiencing affordability barriers to getting online, the NSW Device Bank is a practical step toward digital equity for everyone in NSW,” Ms Harrison said.
NSW Telco Authority managing director Kylie De Courteney said the initiative extended beyond providing equipment.
“The NSW Device Bank is about more than laptops. It is about confidence, connection and inclusion,” Ms De Courteney said.
“Seeing the first laptops handed directly to recipients is an important step in delivering the NSW Digital Inclusion Strategy.”
