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
  • age group 50+
  • beginners or those with intermediate abilities looking to improve their skills.

What’s on this month

Help promote Be Connected

We encourage libraries, organisations and community groups to use our tool kit to help promote these free presentations to members of their 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.

Woman with laptop writing notes on notepad.

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
Greg Gebhart, eSafety Trainer, sitting a desk with microphone ready to host a webninar.

Meet our eSafety trainer

Find out why Greg Gebhart, the voice behind our webinars, is passionate about teaching online.

Meet Greg
Happy Senior Couple Using Laptop on sofa

Meet our learners

Read about our their online journey and how they’re making the most of technology.

Read their stories
icon of plane flying around the world

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:

  • 27 February 2 - 3pm [AEDT]
  • 23 April 10 - 11am [AEST]
  • 5 December 10 - 11am [AEDT]
Register now

Travel apps

Download PDF

iPhone: Interactive guide

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:

  • 11 April 10 - 11am [AEST]
  • 25 June 3 - 4pm [AEST]
  • 3 September 10 - 11am [AEST]
Register now

Android phones

Download PDF

iPhone: Interactive guide

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:

  • 27 March 3 - 4pm [AEDT]
  • 25 July 10 - 11am [AEST]
  • 7 November 3 - 4pm [AEDT]
Register now

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:

  • 26 March 10 - 11am [AEDT]
  • 6 June 3 - 4pm [AEST]
  • 1 August 10 - 11am [AEST]
  • 1 October 3 - 4pm [AEST]
Register now

Can you spot a scam?

Australians aged 55 and over lost more than $220 million to scammers in 2022*. 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, 2022.

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:

  • 6 February 11am - 12pm [AEDT]
  • 16 April 3 - 4pm [AEST]
  • 23 July 3 - 4pm [AEST]
  • 17 October 3 - 4pm [AEDT]
Register now

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:

  • 2 May 10am - 11am [AEST]
  • 3 December 3 - 4pm [AEDT]
Register now

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:

  • 19 March 3 - 4pm [AEDT]
  • 27 June 10 - 11am [AEST]
Register now

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:

  • 9 April 3 - 4pm [AEST]
  • 9 July 10 - 11am [AEST]
  • 22 August 3 - 4pm [AEST]
Register now

Safer online shopping and banking summary sheet

Download PDF

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:

  • 21 March 3 - 4pm [AEDT]
  • 21 May 10 - 11am [AEST]
  • 20 August 3 - 4pm [AEST]
  • 26 November 10 - 11am [AEDT]
Register now

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:

  • 29 February 3 - 4pm [AEDT]
  • 4 June 10 - 11am [AEST]
Register now

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:

  • 4 December 3 - 4pm [AEDT]
Register now

How to use smart home technology

With the increasing popularity of smart home technology in Australia, you may have already heard the term ‘smart home’ but wondered exactly what it is and how it works. We will introduce you to the benefits of smart homes, tell you what you need to set one up, and how to protect your privacy and safety while enjoying all the convenience this technology brings.

Join our 1-hour presentation to discover:

  • the benefits of smart home technology
  • what you need to set up a smart home
  • how a voice assistant works
  • how to protect your information and keep yourself safe.

Dates:

  • 23 May 3 - 4pm [AEST]
  • 17 September 10 - 11am [AEST]
Register now

How to use smart home technology summary sheet

Download PDF

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:

  • 9 May 3 - 4pm [AEST]
  • 6 August 10 - 11am [AEST]
Register now

Helpful apps for your smart device summary sheet

Download PDF

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:

  • 22 February 11am - 12pm [AEDT]
  • 11 July 3 - 4pm [AEST]
  • 19 September 3 - 4pm [AEST]
Register now

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:

  • 28 November 3 - 4pm [AEDT]
Register now

Safer online shopping for the festive season

Download PDF

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

What is a webinar?

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.

What do I need to join a webinar?

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.

What do I do if I want to host a webinar?

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

I have registered but cannot connect to the session.

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.

I missed the webinar. Can I be emailed the link to a recording?

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.

I can’t register for a session or the session isn’t showing up when I select the drop-down menu.

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.

I have logged in and can see the presentation but cannot interact or chat.

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.

I have logged in and can see the presentation but cannot hear anything.

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.

I have logged in but can't see the presenter's screen.

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.

Last modified: Monday, 12 February 2024, 3:36 PM