THE Coffs Harbour Neighbourhood Centre (CHNC) is running Round 3 of its successful, fee-free Digital Sisters program; an initiative aimed at bridging the digital divide for women from migrant and refugee backgrounds in the Coffs Coast region. Funded by the Good Things Foundation Australia, the program is part of CHNC’s broader commitment to social inclusion, digital equity, and multicultural empowerment.
Through its first two courses, the Digital Sisters program has already supported over 80 local women in building confidence and skills in using digital devices, accessing online services, and connecting safely in the digital world.
For many participants, the workshops have meant more than just learning to use a smartphone or navigate the internet, it has been a gateway to greater independence, confidence, and connection to community life.
“This program is about more than just technology,” said program coordinator Lauren Mills.
“It’s about empowering women to feel capable and confident in a digital world, whether that’s using MyGov (website and app), communicating with schools, or staying in touch with loved ones overseas.
“And these skills are being taught in the learner’s first language.”
The Digital Sisters Round 3 format is a series of free digital literacy workshops offered in the Yazidi language, specifically for Kurdish Kurmanji-speaking women in the Coffs Harbour area.
This new initiative comes in response to community feedback and the growing Yazidi population who have resettled in the region.
Many of these women face unique barriers to digital access due to limited English proficiency, trauma backgrounds, and lack of prior exposure to technology, said Ms Mills.
The Yazidi-language sessions will be delivered by trusted bilingual female community mentors from the Yazidi community, ensuring that participants can learn in a culturally safe and linguistically appropriate environment.
Topics include basic smartphone use and online safety, email tips and tricks, using translation tools and communication apps including AI, and accessing community services and emergency information.
The success of Digital Sisters lies in its community-led, trauma-informed approach.
Each workshop is designed to be welcoming and flexible, accommodating women with childcare responsibilities and varying literacy levels.
Workshops are held in the welcoming Coffs Harbour Neighbourhood Centre’s large meeting room, with language support and digital mentors who understand the lived experiences of participants.
Previous participants have reported significant improvements in their ability to engage with online services, help their children with school, and even apply for work or training opportunities independently.
“Before this program, I was scared to email,” a past participant said.
“Now I can email my children’s school and use MyGov online.”
The Digital Sisters Yazidi-language digital literacy workshops will begin with the first block of lessons starting on 15 October at the Coffs Harbour Neighbourhood Centre.
Interested women are encouraged to register early, every participant will receive a certificate after attending two sessions and gain access to further online learning.
For more information or to register, contact the Coffs Harbour Neighbourhood Centre on (02) 6648 3694 or email lauren@chnc.com.au.
By Andrea FERRARI
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