Bytes & Biscuits
Free tech help, over a cup of tea
A community-led digital mentoring program connecting older East Gippsland residents with trained young mentors for free, one-on-one technology support - delivered with local Neighbourhood Houses, sporting clubs and community organisations.
Bridging the digital divide, one biscuit at a time
Bytes & Biscuits brings people together over technology and afternoon tea. We create relaxed, judgement-free spaces where older residents can build confidence with the digital tools that matter in everyday life - Medicare and MyGov, video calls with family, online banking, and staying safe from scams.
It is delivered by ESports Collective and funded by the Australian Government through the Be Connected program. Young local mentors share skills they already have. Older residents get patient, one-on-one help. Everyone gains.
No jargon, no rushing, no silly questions. Just a patient local person, a cup of tea, and biscuits.
How you can be part of it
Whether you want help, want to give back, or represent a community organisation, there is a way to get involved across East Gippsland.
For Learners (50+)
Free, face-to-face support with smartphones, video calls, online banking, MyGov and whatever else has been frustrating you. At your pace, in a place you know.
Get free helpFor Young People (14–25)
Turn your tech skills into accredited training, real workplace experience, a professional reference - and free gaming time at ESports Collective.
Become a mentorFor Community
Neighbourhood Houses, clubs and community groups can access grant funding of $3,000 to $5,200 to run digital sessions - we provide the mentors and the admin.
Become a partnerLocal organisations know their communities. We know how to train mentors.
Bytes & Biscuits works because we do it together. Community organisations bring the trust and the people. ESports Collective trains the mentors and runs the program behind the scenes. Together we deliver something neither could do alone.
Community Organisations
Recruit learners through their existing networks, host sessions in familiar spaces, and lead delivery for their own community.
ESports Collective
Trains and supervises young Digital Mentors, manages learner registration and reporting, and supports partners through the grant process.
Learners
Receive free, patient, one-on-one technology help at their local Neighbourhood House, sporting club, community hall, or at ESports Collective in Bairnsdale.
Stronger communities through digital inclusion
When local organisations, young mentors and older residents come together, everyone gains. Here is why it works for each of them.
For older residents
Digital skills mean independence - Medicare and MyGov, video calls with family, banking without needing a lift to the branch. Free, local, and at your pace.
For young mentors
Real experience that looks good on a resume and feels good to do. Accredited training, references, and free gaming time at ESports Collective.
For organisations
Your members already trust you. Grant funding of $3,000 to $5,200 supports both the program and the community infrastructure you have already built.
Your community, your relationships, your program
Backed by Good Things Foundation grants of $3,000 to $5,200. We provide the trained mentors and the systems. You deliver the impact. Most community organisations in East Gippsland qualify.
Built with this community
I used to feel left behind by all of it. Now I can video call my grandkids and check my own MyGov. The young fella never made me feel silly for asking. And the biscuits were good too.
A Bairnsdale learner · shared with permission
Frequently asked questions
What is Bytes & Biscuits?
How much does it cost?
Who are the mentors?
Where do sessions happen?
I am a young person - what do I get out of mentoring?
We are a community organisation - how do we partner?
Ready to get started?
Whether you need a hand with technology, want to give your time as a mentor, or represent a community organisation, we would love to hear from you.
or call 0499 330 836