Free community events and a new-look Swan Hill Regional Library website will get the message out about going online and going online safely.
This week is Stay Smart Online Week, and the library is participating by changing the look of its website, just for one week. You can check it out at library.swanhill.vic.gov.au
Swan Hill Rural City Council Libraries Manager Camille Cullinan said Stay Smart Online week was about educating all internet users about how to protect their identities online.
"It doesn't matter whether you are young or old, whether you are male or female, or where you live. Criminals are always looking to take advantage of people, and one in five people have experienced identity theft," Ms Cullinan said.
"Stay Smart Online Week encourages people to protect their personal information in the same way they protect their physical belongings. This includes reviewing privacy settings, knowing how to spot phishing scams, creating strong and unique passwords and turning on two-factor authentication."
Next week – from 14 to 18 October - is Get Online Week and the Library will host four free events around the municipality.
· Monday, 14 October, 10am-1pm – Free barbecue at the community tree in Campbell Street, Swan Hill
· Tuesday, 15 October, 1.45pm-2.16pm – Afternoon tea on the mobile library in the main street at Ultima, with library staff providing help using technology
· Wednesday, 16 October, 1pm-3pm – Free barbecue at the community tree in Campbell Street, Swan Hill
· Thursday, 17 October 11am-7pm – Morning and afternoon tea on the mobile library in Robinvale, with library staff providing help using technology
"Through the library, we offer access to so many online resources. There's educational, health and resources about books. We have online tutors for students in primary and secondary school, computer training, and most recently, free practice driving tests for learner drivers," Ms Cullinan said.
