About Us
The Digital Divide
in Australia
In one of the world's most connected countries, millions of people still can't get online. That's not just an inconvenience; it's a barrier to education, employment, healthcare, and belonging.
The problem
What is the digital divide?
The digital divide refers to the gap between people who have meaningful access to digital technology (devices, internet, and the skills to use them) and those who don't.
In Australia, an estimated 2.5 million people are digitally excluded. That means they lack the hardware, connectivity, or digital literacy needed to participate fully in modern life.
It's not just about having a phone or a laptop. It's about whether a student can submit their homework online. Whether a job seeker can apply for work. Whether a grandparent can video call their family. Whether someone fleeing domestic violence can access support services.
The digital divide is a social equity issue, and it's growing.
The problem
What is the digital divide?
The scale
The numbers paint a clear picture.
Digital exclusion isn't a niche issue. It's a national one, and the data is hard to ignore.
2.5M
Australians are digitally excluded
1 in 4
low-income households lack internet access
1 in 5
students don't have a device for learning
50%
of First Nations communities face connectivity gaps
Who it affects
It doesn't affect everyone equally.
The digital divide disproportionately impacts people who are already facing disadvantage, compounding existing barriers and making it harder to break the cycle.
Students & young people
Without a device or reliable internet, students fall behind in schoolwork, can't access online learning, and miss out on digital skills essential for their future.
Older Australians
Many seniors lack the digital literacy or access to stay connected with family, manage health appointments, or use essential government services online.
Regional & remote communities
Geographic isolation compounds the divide. Limited infrastructure means slower, less reliable connections, if they exist at all.
People experiencing hardship
Those facing homelessness, domestic violence, disability, or financial stress often lose access to devices and connectivity at the moments they need them most.
Job seekers & new arrivals
Applying for work, housing, or government services increasingly requires being online. Without access, people are locked out of opportunity.
First Nations communities
Indigenous Australians face some of the widest digital gaps: in access, affordability, and culturally appropriate digital support.
Why it matters
Digital access is no longer optional.
In a world where almost everything happens online, from education and employment to healthcare and social connection, being digitally excluded means being excluded from life itself.
The COVID-19 pandemic laid this bare. Schools moved online, telehealth became the norm, and services went digital overnight. Those without access were left behind, and many still haven't caught up.
Education
Students without devices are 3x more likely to fall behind their peers in literacy and numeracy.
Employment
Over 80% of jobs now require digital skills. Without them, entire career paths are out of reach.
Health & wellbeing
Telehealth, mental health apps, and online health information are inaccessible without a device or connectivity.
Economic participation
Banking, government services, and even public transport increasingly require digital access to function.
Closing the gap
What does it take to close the digital divide?
Access to devices
People need working, reliable technology (laptops, tablets, smartphones) to participate in the digital world. Donating and refurbishing devices puts hardware directly into the hands of those who need it.
Affordable connectivity
A device without internet is a closed door. Affordable, reliable broadband and mobile data are essential, especially in regional and remote areas where options are limited.
Digital skills & confidence
Access alone isn't enough. People need the skills, confidence, and support to use technology effectively, from basic digital literacy to navigating online services.
What we're doing about it
Techie Australia is bridging the gap.
We can't fix the digital divide overnight. But we can make a tangible difference: one device, one person, one community at a time.
We collect donated laptops, tablets, and phones from individuals and businesses across Australia.
Every device is securely wiped to military-grade standards (NIST 800-88) and thoroughly refurbished.
Devices are matched to people in need: students, families, job seekers, and communities facing hardship.
Through our programs, we provide not just devices but pathways to digital participation and opportunity.
Devices that aren't matched to recipients are sold through our Techie Store, with 100% of proceeds funding more refurbishments.
We partner with schools, community organisations, and government services to reach people where they are.
“
The digital divide isn't just about technology. It's about whether people can access the same opportunities as everyone else. That's what drives everything we do.
Amy Roser
Co-founder, Techie Australia
Help us close the gap.
Whether you donate a device, give financially, or volunteer your time, you're directly helping bridge the digital divide for someone in Australia.