Free online safety presentations
Join our free online presentations to develop your digital skills. Learn how to keep safer online and use technology with confidence.
Hosted by the eSafety Commissioner, Be Connected presentations cover a range of topics every month. All presentations are free, live streamed and delivered in an easy to understand format with our knowledgeable and friendly presenter.
Register below to book your spot.
Who should attend?
- anyone wanting to develop their digital skills and online safety knowledge
- beginners or those with intermediate abilities looking to improve their skills.
What’s on this month
View the:
- Be Connected presentation topic schedule Feb to Jun 2025
- Be Connected presentation topic schedule 2024
Help promote Be Connected
We encourage libraries, organisations and community groups to promote these presentations through their channels including websites, social media and newsletters. Our free toolkit has everything you need to get started.
If you have community facilities, also consider hosting an event to stream these presentations for members of your community.
Note: All sessions are based on Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST), so if you live outside of NSW, QLD & VIC - please check the local time when booking in your state.
Presentation topics
Learn more about the presentation topics and available dates
Are you new to webinars?
Here's some helpful information on what a webinar is, how to join, and what you can expect.
Read our tips
Meet our eSafety trainer
Find out why Greg Gebhart, the voice behind our webinars, is passionate about teaching online.
Meet Greg
Meet our learners
Read about our their online journey and how they’re making the most of technology.
Read their stories
Managing your emails safely
Having an email address is your gateway to the online world. It allows you to keep in touch with family and friends and access online services, including online shopping and banking. Even though many of us use email every day, there may be some features and safety tips you didn’t know about. Get the most out of using email by exploring the benefits of email, how to manage spam emails, and steps to secure your account and protect yourself from scams.
Join our presentation to discover:
- the benefits of email and account features
- how to manage and avoid spam emails
- ways to keep your email account secure
- how to avoid common email scams.
Dates:
- Thursday 14 November at 10am AEDT
- Thursday 20 March at 3pm AEDT
Protecting your personal information online
Nearly every app, social media platform or website asks you for some personal information. Personal information includes your name, email address and phone number. It’s important to always think twice about sharing personal information. Learn why protecting your personal information is so important and steps to take to protect your data.
Join our 1-hour presentation to discover:
- why information privacy matters
- how to keep your information secure
- impersonation scams to look out for
- where to go for help.
Dates:
- Tuesday 6 May at 10am AEST
Apps for smarter travel
Planning a trip and getting to your destination has never been easier with information and services available with a tap of your smart devices. Discover useful apps that can help you research your next holiday and improve your travel experience. In this presentation we explore apps that provide travel reviews and safety advice, ways to book accommodation and access entertainment, as well as maps, rideshare and transport apps to help you get around with ease.
Join our 1-hour presentation to discover:
- benefits of using apps
- useful apps for traveling in Australia and overseas
- transport apps that help make it easier to get around
- tips to keep safe when using apps.
Dates:
- Thursday 5 December at 10am AEDT
- Tuesday 18 February at 3pm AEDT
Useful tips for using your Android phone
Smartphones are more than a way to stay connected with others through text and calls. They can make your life easier by providing access to important information, online services and entertainment. Get the most out of your Android phone by exploring its settings and discover more features and useful tips to help you do more with your phone.
Note: this presentation is for people with an understanding of how to use an Android phone and want to learn more about their device. If you are a beginner, we recommend you explore our learning module All about Android phones.
Join our 1-hour presentation to discover:
- Android phone features, settings and shortcuts
- ways to access, view and delete notifications
- how to change your passcode and block nuisance calls
- accessibility features and how to adjust them
- how to share photos with others.
Dates:
- Wednesday 30 April at 10am AEST
iPhone basics
iPhones not only help you stay connected with others, but they make life easier by providing access to information, online services and entertainment. Get the most out of your iPhone by exploring its features and settings, and learn how you can personalise your phone to make it easier to use.
Note: this presentation is for people with an understanding of how to use an iPhone and want to learn more about their device. If you are a beginner, we recommend you explore our learning module All about Apple iPhones.
Join our 1-hour presentation to discover:
- iPhone features, settings and shortcuts
- ways to access, view and delete notifications
- how to change your passcode and block nuisance calls
- accessibility features and how to adjust them
- how to share photos with others.
Dates:
- Thursday 7 November at 3pm AEDT
- Tuesday 29 April at 3pm AEST
Technology and your health
Technology can help you keep on top of your health, set health goals, and improve your general wellbeing. Discover how you can monitor your health and get tips and advice from a range of apps, websites, podcasts, and more.
Join our 1-hour presentation to discover:
- what you need to start monitoring your health
- health apps for your smartphone
- wearable technology
- fitness and wellbeing apps and other resources.
Dates:
- Thursday 20 February at 3pm AEDT
Can you spot a scam?
Australians aged 55 and over lost more than $221 million to scammers in 2023*. It serves as a reminder that the internet is a wonderful place to explore and connect with others, but it pays to be savvy.
*Source: Scamwatch, 2023.
Join our 1-hour presentation to discover:
- common scams including the latest Tax and Medicare scams
- tips on how to spot them
- what to do and what not to do
- where to go for help.
Dates:
- Tuesday 4 March at 10am AEDT
- Thursday 22 May at 3pm AEST
Staying safe on Facebook
With over 2 billion daily active users, Facebook is the world’s most popular social networking site. It helps people stay connected, especially when they’re in different parts of the world. In this webinar, we will explore how when used with proper care, Facebook can be an enjoyable source of entertainment and a great way to connect with others.
Join our 1-hour presentation to discover:
- what you can do on Facebook
- how to take control of your privacy settings
- common scams on Facebook
- how advertising works on Facebook.
Dates:
- Tuesday 3 December at 3pm AEDT
- Tuesday 11 February at 3pm AEDT
All you need to know about data and public Wi-Fi
Whether you’re using the internet at home or on your mobile, everything you do online uses data. Knowing how and when to use your mobile data or Wi-Fi can help you stay safer online and save money.
Join our 1-hour presentation to discover:
- how to get the best value for money from your mobile data plan
- tips on managing your data allowance
- how to keep your data costs down while out and about
- how to use public Wi-Fi safely.
Dates:
- 2025 dates TBA
Safer online shopping and banking
For many Australians, a connected lifestyle includes the convenience of online shopping and banking, however, privacy and security concerns can stop those who aren’t as confident online from enjoying the same experience.
Join our 1-hour presentation to discover:
- the benefits of shopping and banking online
- how to safely shop and pay for things online
- how to do every day banking safely online
- what to look out for.
Dates:
- Thursday 8 May at 3pm AEST
Protect yourself against scams
A scam is a term used to describe any fraudulent business or scheme that takes personal information, money or other goods from an unsuspecting person. With the world becoming more connected through the internet, online scams have increased. It therefore pays to be cautious and follow a few simple steps.
Join our 1-hour presentation to discover:
- how to protect your personal information from scammers
- how to safely make friends online
- how to spot investment scams
- where to go for help.
Dates:
- Tuesday 26 November at 10am AEDT
- Tuesday 1 April at 3pm AEDT
- Wednesday 25 June at 10am AEST
Selling Safely Online
With more and more people seeing the benefits of online shopping, now is a great time to begin selling online. Before you get started learn some simple tips and tricks to help you confidently sell on the internet and, most importantly, learn how to keep yourself safe while enjoying the benefits selling online can bring.
Join our 1-hour presentation to discover:
- what to sell online
- how to get started on the top three online selling platforms
- how to open a PayPal account and accept payments
- how to keep yourself safe while selling online.
Dates:
- Thursday 6 March at 3pm AEDT
Connecting to others
Although it may be necessary for you to physically isolate yourself from other people during the coronavirus outbreak, it's vital to stay in touch with friends and family.
You can make video calls, send typed or instant messages and share photos and written updates with your friends on social media services. Being in touch with friends and family will help you to stay connected and feel less isolated.
Join our 1-hour presentation to discover:
- how to set up for video calling
- how to use Skype
- how to use WhatsApp
- how to use FaceTime.
Dates:
- Wednesday 4 December at 3pm AEDT
Helpful apps for your smart device
Apps, or applications, are the programs you use on your smart device to get things done. Some apps are just for fun while many can help us in our daily lives. With millions of apps available to choose from they can seem confusing at first, but we’ll give you some tips to get the greatest benefit from your apps so you can use them with confidence.
Join our 1-hour presentation to discover:
- what an app is
- where to find and download an app
- which apps might be helpful and interesting to you
- tips about managing your apps.
Dates:
- Tuesday 17 June at 3pm AEST
How to use government websites
From news and weather to health warnings and essential government services, there is so much useful information available on Australian government websites. The best part is, it’s free to access! We’ll show you how using government websites can benefit you, including a step - by -step guide to setting up your own MyGov account so you can manage your online government services easily and conveniently.
Join our 1-hour presentation to discover:
- which government websites might benefit you
- how to set up a MyGov account
- how to link other government services to your MyGov account
- how to keep your personal details safe and secure.
Dates:
- Thursday 12 June at 3pm AEST
Safer online shopping - Festive season edition
The festive season is a busy and often stressful period for many Australians, as people spend more time and money shopping and planning for festive activities online. It’s also a busy time for scammers! To start the festive season with confidence, find out the most up-to-date holiday scams and get some tips and tricks to keep yourself safe while shopping online.
Join our 1-hour presentation to learn
- The benefits of shopping online
- How to safely shop and pay for things online
- Festive season scams to look out for
Dates:
- Thursday 28 November at 3pm AEDT
Are you new to webinars?
Here's some helpful information on what a webinar is, how to join, and what you can expect.
Webinar basics
A webinar is a presentation held over the internet whereby a host can share information with an audience. The advantage of a webinar is that you can view the presentation from the comfort of your own home or workplace.
First and foremost, you’ll need an internet connection along with a device such as a computer, laptop or iPad, with sound. There’s no need for a microphone or camera as the presenter will not be able to see or hear you. It’s also recommended that Google Chrome is used as your internet browser.
If you're hosting a large group, you’ll need a large enough screen so your audience can see the presentation. It’s also recommended that Google Chrome is used as your internet browser.
To help spread the word that you are hosting a group presentation at your venue we have an online toolkit youcan use for promotion to your members and guests including; posters, newsletters, social media resources.
Webinar troubleshooting
Shortly before the webinar you will be sent an email containing a "Join Webinar" button. Click on this to attend the presentation. You should plan on attending the presentation about 5 minutes before it is scheduled to start to make sure you don't miss anything.
GoToWebinar should guide you through the setup process smoothly at this point - If it does not, there are a few things you can check:
Potential reasons/solutions:
If you have a personal or network firewall, make sure that GoToMeeting/GoToWebinar is not being blocked.
If this is the first time you're attending a webinar through GoToMeeting/GoToWebinar, and the application does not launch after you click "Join Webinar" (if you don't see the GoToWebinar control panel), look for the "launch software" button on the page.
If you are still having trouble, try using a different browser (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari, or Chrome), and click "Join Webinar" again.
Potential reasons/solutions:
To ensure quality control and to protect the IP of our sessions we do not record our sessions or have them available upon request. You will need to look out for the next available session. Check the website for dates.
Potential reasons/solutions:
The session may be full. We have a limit of 100 attendees per session to ensure the quality of the content is not compromised by connection speeds and the facilitator can manage and interact with the majority of the participants.
Please contact outreach@esafety.gov.au and we will inform you of the next release of sessions.
Potential reasons/solutions:
If you have connected to the session using a smart phone or tablet the chat function is not available on GoToWebinar sessions. Please try changing to a PC or Laptop.
The facilitator or webinar assistant may need to enable the chat function for each participant, and this may take a few minutes after you log in.
Potential reasons/solutions:
Check your audio settings on your device or webinar tool (have you muted the presenter?
Make sure that you have clicked the "Use Mic and Speakers" option under the Audio section in the GoToWebinar control panel.
Do you have the audio device plugged in or connected to bluetooth? Check the audio settings and run a test with another website or song.
Check your speakers themselves - sometimes the connection to your computer can come loose - and make sure that they are on (try adjusting the volume as well).
Log out and log back in to the webinar session. Sometimes the connection to the session hasn’t worked properly.
Potential reasons/solutions:
Try using another browser (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari, or Chrome), and click "Join Webinar" again.
Check the time: webinars usually start shortly after the scheduled time, so wait until you hear the presenter's voice or a few minutes have passed since the start time before leaving the session.
Hold Alt + Tab on a PC (or Command + Tab on a Mac) and select the GoToMeeting/GoToWebinar application to make sure that it is not minimized or covered by another window.