AMES Australia Launches Digital Literacy Courses in Box Hill Community

Digital literacy is no longer optional. Whether it's applying for a job, helping a child with homework, or accessing government services, the ability to use technology is a basic requirement of modern life. For many Box Hill residents, that's where programs like those offered by AMES Australia come in.

AMES Australia runs Digital Literacy for Study courses at its Box Hill campus, located at 30-32 Prospect Street. The courses offer both Beginners and Post-beginners levels, with weekday hours from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, according to the AMES website. These government-subsidized classes focus on everyday life skills and online learning, giving participants a foundation to build on.

Local Programs for Diverse Needs

The need for digital skills extends beyond the classroom. Box Hill South Neighbourhood House is hosting an AI Literacy Hub series of workshops in July and August 2026. The program is run by NIECH-Neighbourhood Houses in the City of Whitehorse-and targets groups most affected by digital exclusion: older people, migrants, and refugees. The workshops teach participants how to use AI safely and effectively, a pressing concern as artificial intelligence becomes embedded in everything from social media to banking.

NIECH has trained more than 600 Digital Mentors since 2019. Those mentors work with people over 50 to improve digital skills across the network of 29 Neighbourhood Houses, including those in the Box Hill area. The mentors provide one-on-one support, helping seniors navigate tasks like sending an email, using a smartphone, or spotting a scam.

Schools and Global Resources Fill the Gaps

Digital literacy starts young. Box Hill High School provides a Digital Learning Program that gives every student access to a laptop through a 1:1 program. The school uses resources from the Department of Education & Training and the Office of the Children’s eSafety Commission, including the Bullystoppers and IParent modules, to teach online safety.

For those who prefer to learn at their own pace, free global resources are available. DigitalLearn.org offers self-directed courses in English and Spanish, covering email, cybersecurity, and search engine basics. Techboomers.com specializes in content for older adults. And GCFGlobal.org provides more than 2,000 lessons across 180 topics, from basic computer skills to job readiness.

The range of options in Box Hill reflects a broader understanding that digital literacy is not a one-size-fits-all skill. Whether through a structured course at AMES, a workshop at the neighbourhood house, a mentor at a local hub, or an online tutorial, residents have multiple paths to build the confidence and competence they need to participate fully in a digital world.