Kathy Shilvock - Round 2, 2017 Champion

Building a tech savvy Fraser Coast community

To many people living in the Fraser Coast region, Kathy is a very accomplished bridge builder. But she’s not building traditional bridges. As full-time Information Services Librarian at Fraser Coast Regional Libraries, Kathy is bridging the digital divide with education by working to provide the best possible online access to services and facilities for all residents of the region.

Kathy has played a significant role in successfully applying for grants for Fraser Coast Libraries. These have included the State Library of Queensland Robotics and Coding grant, the State Library of Queensland Public Library Strategic Priorities grant, and twice winning the State Library of Queensland and Telstra Tech Savvy Seniors grant.

The work undertaken as a result of these grants includes robotics and coding classes; a bimonthly newsletter, Digitech eNews; the Digitech Chat group; updated eResources; updated equipment for use in computer classes; and increased local history data storage for collections being placed on the library catalogue.

Kathy has also been a major contributor to the recent achievement of free Wifi for library users.

Kathy spends much of her spare time giving back to the Fraser Coast community too, ensuring the community has the support it needs to become digitally literate. In fact, it’s not always easy for Kathy to draw a line between her day job and her other interests — they often blend into one mutually beneficial process.

She:

  • tutors students of the University of Southern Queensland and Murdoch University and feels especially proud when they achieve their degree. She also helps others in the community to access information digitally, tutoring them face-to-face and online using Zoom, Skype and Team Viewer
  • develops online digital literacy modules for professionals. While time consuming and expensive to produce, the modules are available for purchase at minimum cost and the funds raised go back into the community to purchase devices for those in need
  • spends a lot of time networking and bringing people together for mutually beneficial reasons.

Kathy was first recognised as a Community Digital Champion in 2016. As a continuing Champion, she will maintain her role as an advocate for the Fraser Coast region, ensuring it is not overlooked when digital support opportunities and outreach are offered. She will continue to foster the excitement that is building in the Digitech Chat group and will encourage more volunteers to participate in digital activities. She will also look for new ways to involve youth, young adults and adults in digital technologies.

Kathy is nominated by: Fraser Coast Regional Council

Building a tech savvy Fraser Coast community

To many people living in the Fraser Coast region, Kathy is a very accomplished bridge builder. But she’s not building traditional bridges. As full-time Information Services Librarian at Fraser Coast Regional Libraries, Kathy is bridging the digital divide with education by working to provide the best possible online access to services and facilities for all residents of the region.

Kathy has played a significant role in successfully applying for grants for Fraser Coast Libraries. These have included the State Library of Queensland Robotics and Coding grant, the State Library of Queensland Public Library Strategic Priorities grant, and twice winning the State Library of Queensland and Telstra Tech Savvy Seniors grant.

The work undertaken as a result of these grants includes robotics and coding classes; a bimonthly newsletter, Digitech eNews; the Digitech Chat group; updated eResources; updated equipment for use in computer classes; and increased local history data storage for collections being placed on the library catalogue.

Kathy has also been a major contributor to the recent achievement of free Wifi for library users.

Kathy spends much of her spare time giving back to the Fraser Coast community too, ensuring the community has the support it needs to become digitally literate. In fact, it’s not always easy for Kathy to draw a line between her day job and her other interests — they often blend into one mutually beneficial process.

She:

  • tutors students of the University of Southern Queensland and Murdoch University and feels especially proud when they achieve their degree. She also helps others in the community to access information digitally, tutoring them face-to-face and online using Zoom, Skype and Team Viewer
  • develops online digital literacy modules for professionals. While time consuming and expensive to produce, the modules are available for purchase at minimum cost and the funds raised go back into the community to purchase devices for those in need
  • spends a lot of time networking and bringing people together for mutually beneficial reasons.

Kathy was first recognised as a Community Digital Champion in 2016. As a continuing Champion, she will maintain her role as an advocate for the Fraser Coast region, ensuring it is not overlooked when digital support opportunities and outreach are offered. She will continue to foster the excitement that is building in the Digitech Chat group and will encourage more volunteers to participate in digital activities. She will also look for new ways to involve youth, young adults and adults in digital technologies.

Kathy is nominated by: Fraser Coast Regional Council