Eurobodalla’s Tech Cafes have been successfully attracting a wider range of residents seeking help with their devices. The free weekly sessions pair residents with trained volunteer mentors who provide one-on-one help with phones, tablets, laptops, and online safety.

Tricia Pye AKA The Tec Exec has been running training courses for decades.

Tricia says “a lot of people just need help with their phones”

“It’s a computer in your pocket. And just like a car it needs regular maintenance, upgrading and security checks.

Tricia said “I failed computers at school and said I’d never touch them again. Then started first business at 18 and quickly adjusted when she could see the how helpful computers were.”

Tricia’s background in business and administration which gives a very practical approach to training for using technology, and is currently working with many community groups, not-for-profit organisations and local councils providing Microsoft and Google Workspace training and communications in preparedness for emergency situations.

The Tech Cafes have catered to clients from teenagers to 90 year olds. The training model is based on the ‘Be Connected’ Program, which is an Australia wide program

The Tec Exec has been a network partner, which has provided hundreds of thousands of dollars to run the workshops over the years.

The current Tech Café is a copy of what has been running in one location in Narooma for 7 years. Council recently came on board for regular workshops for Batemans Bay and Moruya. Council involvement was based on a concern for social isolation. Tricia would like to have a Café in every town in the Eurobodalla where people can get tech support.

Tec Exec has also been training Mentors who help clients attending the Cafes. The Mentors range from 17 to 70s.

The Tec Exec is looking for more mentors to train up for the Cafes and for emergency preparedness. If you would like to join the Tech Cafes as a mentor contact Trish on 0414 442707 or admin@thetecexec@com.au

Lead Mentor Esther Krizmancic has trained as a mentor for 3 years.

“I love being a mentor because it offers many benefits to my community knowing that they are safe online” she said.

Esther says the Tech Cafes help others to overcome the fear of the new technology and assisting individuals to maximise their digital practice for their specific needs and purposes.”

The Tech Cafes provide a safe and trustworthy “go to source” person as well as providing social contact with people who may otherwise feel isolated.

“It’s rewarding to helping the community to stay safe online and minimising the fear of new technology” she added.

Esther also outlined some of the benefits of being a mentor.

“It helps me keep abreast of digital changes and updates. It has made me more aware and savvy about scams and scamming calls and texts and it has helped me understand safety and security settings on my digital devices.

I also have access to others with more knowledge and experience which gives me freedom to enhance my digital practice online and try new applications without fear of being scammed.”

The Tech Café sessions run weekly in Moruya 9.30 – 11.30am on Thursdays at the CWA Rooms, and Batemans Bay 10- 12 noon Wednesdays at The Bay Pavilions until Thursday 25 September 2025.