By Matthew Sims
Casey Council has received the Collaboration and Partnership award at the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) Technology’s Annual National Conference and Awards for Excellence for its Digital Equity Living Lab (DELL) program in Doveton, which helped trial new digital infrastructure and community activities to improve digital inclusion in the area last June.
Developed in line with Casey Council’s Digital Equity Framework , the DELL program aimed to increase access, affordability, and digital ability for Doveton residents.
The DELL program involved the Digital Doveton Festival, Doveton’s Digital Day Out, two new solar powered smart benches installed in public spaces outside Doveton Pool and Doveton Neighbourhood Learning Centre, three bus shelters in Doveton upgraded to smart bus shelters and Casey Council partnering with Enable Social Enterprises to procure additional laptops for the library device loan program for Doveton community members.
Free public WiFi was also installed in the outdoor public area at Autumn Place in December 2021.
Doveton was selected for the program as it has the highest rate of digital disadvantage and exclusion in Casey, with 2016 Census data identifying that 22 per cent of households do not access the internet at home, which was significantly more than the Casey average of 10 per cent and the South-East Melbourne and Greater Melbourne averages of 11 per cent.
Casey Council administrators chair Noelene Duff PSM said she was excited to see the ongoing positive impact digital initiatives would have on the broader Doveton community.
“The DELL program has been a resounding success, showing that the City of Casey is a forward-thinking community that embraces collaboration and digital technologies,” she said.
“Through the DELL program, we have seen significant social, economic, and digital benefits for our community.
“I am proud of the work Council has accomplished through the DELL program.”
Casey Council would now start to look at expanding the DELL program into other disadvantaged areas which have limited internet access from home, such as Cranbourne (14 per cent), Hallam (12 per cent) and Hampton Park (12 per cent).
MAV technology manager Jean Ciancio said councils were constantly finding new and innovative ways to work.
“Acknowledging and celebrating the leaders in technology across the local government sector is an important way for MAV Technology to highlight the great work our members are doing for their staff and communities,” she said.
“It’s important we stop and applaud those leading the way on this front.”
Other award winners included Booroondara, Melton, Greater Geelong and Latrobe.
MAV president Cr David Clark said modern challenges called for modern solutions.
“It’s great to see councils from across the state exploring new ways to serve their communities.
“I want to congratulate all the winners on leading the way in this space.
“I hope it inspires others to continue to push the boundaries in technology and strive for best practice among local government.”
For more information, visit www.casey.vic.gov.au/digital-doveton
