WorkVentures Media Outreach
At WorkVentures, we believe that digital inclusion is essential for social and economic participation. Yet, millions of Australians still face barriers to technology access and employment opportunities. Through our advocacy, we aim to amplify our work to close the digital divide and create lasting change.
News Clips
The need for a National Device Bank
Access to technology is no longer optional, it’s essential for education, opportunity and connection. Yet too many Australian students and families, especially in remote and First Nations communities, still lack the devices they need to learn, work and stay connected. Recent research shows First Nations people in remote communities are twice as likely to be digitally excluded, making this issue even more urgent. Check out WorkVentures CEO, Caroline McDaid, speaking to SBS World News about this issue.
Digital Exclusion Impacts 1.4 Million Australians
Access to technology is essential for education, employment and connection, yet too many Australians are still missing out. We need more donations of laptops, tablets and phones so we can keep getting devices into the hands of people and families who need them most. Check out WorkVentures CEO, Caroline McDaid, speaking to Nine News Adelaide about how to help bridge the digital divide.
Digital inequality becoming detrimental for young Australians
WorkVentures CEO, Caroline McDaid, spoke to Sky News about the growing digital divide. This conversation captures why what we do matters: giving refurbished devices a second life and getting them into the hands of students, jobseekers and community members who need them most. Every device donated, refurbished and distributed brings someone closer to opportunity.
Helping Young Tasmanians Thrive in a Digital World
WorkVentures’ Tech4Kids program is making a real difference, equipping 1,000 school students across Tasmania with the devices they need to thrive in a digital world. But we’re not stopping there—we’re also running digital coaching sessions to help students build confidence and skills in navigating technology. Check out our news clip with Southern Cross Launceston about the program.
Refurbished laptop computers given to school students
Laptops are no longer a luxury – they are a necessity, especially for students. As school resumes, parents are struggling to afford the devices necessary for their children. WorkVentures believes a National Device Bank is the perfect solution. Check out our clip with ABC News about this topic.
From Barriers to Opportunities: Bridging Australia’s Digital Divide
WorkVentures‘ CEO, Caroline McDaid, spoke with Channel 10 about the critical role digital inclusion plays in the lives of school students. Highlighting our partnership with The Smith Family’s “Learning for Life” Program, Caroline emphasised how access to technology is key to empowering young Australians to reach their full potential in education. In the last year, we have assisted 6,000 students with technology, technical support and digital coaching through this program.
Empowering Australians Through the National Device Bank
WorkVentures is passionate about making technology accessible to all Australians. In partnership with Good Things Australia and Good360 Australia, we’re launching a National Device Bank to ensure all Australians have the tools they need to thrive in the digital world. The National Device Bank model encourages Australian companies and government agencies to donate their technology so that the devices can be refurbished and redistributed for free to people who are digitally excluded. Check out our CEO Caroline McDaid speaking to A Current Affair about this topic.
Building a National Device Bank to Bridge Australia’s Digital Divide
In collaboration with our partners; Good360 Australia, and Good Things Australia, WorkVentures aims to implement an exciting new piece of social infrastructure – a National Device Bank of donated and refurbished laptops, tablets and mobiles. The goal of a National Device Bank is to bridge the digital divide and see widespread digital inclusion. The redistribution of devices would positively impact Australia’s employment levels, providing job seekers with the tools to gain meaningful employment. Check out our CEO Caroline McDaid speaking to WIN News Canberra about this topic.
Bridging the Digital Divide in Classrooms Across Australia
Research shows that many students only have access to mobile devices, and go through their education without ever using a personal laptop. This is a huge hinderance to their education and future prospects. Check out Michael Dezuanni and Caroline McDaid speaking to NBN News Tamworth about the need for the National Device Bank.
Podcasts & Radio
Bridging the Youth Digital Divide
Speaking with 2MCE, Caroline McDaid, CEO of WorkVentures, outlines how the National Device Bank is working with businesses and government agencies to redirect quality, refurbished devices into the hands of students who need them most.
Device Refresh Cycle: A Practical Solution
Caroline McDaid, CEO of WorkVentures, speaks with 2NM about the widening youth digital divide, with 23% of Australian students now without access to a computer at home. She highlights how corporate device refresh cycles present a practical solution, encouraging businesses and government to donate quality refurbished technology through the National Device Bank to help ensure every young person can participate fully in education and the digital economy.
Bridging the Digital Divide: A Call for Action
Caroline McDaid, CEO of WorkVentures, speaks with 2ST about the 1.42 million young Australians who lack computer access at home, with 523,000 aged 14+ at critical schooling stages. Through the National Device Bank, WorkVentures is urging businesses and governments to donate refreshed devices to help students stay connected and keep up in class.
Closing the Gap in Classroom Technology
Caroline McDaid, CEO of WorkVentures, speaks with ABC Illawarra about the 14% of Australians aged 8–25 who have no access to a learning device, making it harder to keep up with school and build vital digital skills. Through the National Device Bank, WorkVentures collects, securely wipes and refurbishes corporate devices, redistributing them through a national charity network to support students in need.
Urgent Call to Support Remote Students Through Device Donations
Caroline McDaid, CEO of WorkVentures, speaks with Ngaarda Radio, urging businesses and governments to donate unused tech as the youth digital divide widens, particularly in remote and First Nations communities. Through the National Device Bank, refurbished corporate laptops are securely wiped and redistributed, helping students build digital skills, engage with emerging technologies and stay connected to education.
National Push to Repurpose Corporate Tech for Students
WorkVentures CEO, Caroline McDaid, speaks to Radio Goolarri 99.7fm about the youth digital divide. Through the National Device Bank, refurbished corporate devices are securely wiped and redistributed via a national charity network, helping students build digital literacy and keep pace in an increasingly tech-driven world.
Businesses Urged to Step Up as Digital Gap Grows
Caroline McDaid, CEO of WorkVentures, speaks to River FM about Australia’s widening digital divide, which is leaving students without the tools they need for homework, digital literacy and emerging tech like AI. Through the National Device Bank, WorkVentures is calling on companies and government agencies to donate refreshed devices, securely wipe data and help repurpose tech for young people falling behind.
Corporate and Government Agencies Bridging the Digital Divide
WorkVentures CEO, Caroline McDaid, speaks with Ultra106five FM about how corporates and government agencies can help bridge the digital divide. Typically, government and corporate businesses refresh their fleet of laptops and computer every three to four years, and WorkVentures is encouraging decision makers to donate these devices instead of sending them to e-waste.
Digital Poverty: the new frontier of educational disadvantage
As kids across Australia prepare for their end of year exams having access to a laptop and the internet is key to success. But not all technology is created equal. Now there are moves to encourage Australian companies to donate their technology for free to students who are digitally disadvantaged.
Digital Poverty: The New Frontier of Disadvantage
Caroline McDaid, CEO of WorkVentures, shares insights into what can be done to bridge this digital divide and how organisations are working to ensure every young person has the tools they need to succeed in an increasingly digital world.
Articles
The million-plus students cut off from computers in this age of billionaire excess
Recent data compiled by the Australian Youth Digital Index that found 1.42 million young people in Australia had no access to a computer at home. The National Device Bank aims to connect all Australians with devices to create a more equitable community. Find out more.
Urgent call to bridge tech gap in remote schools
The growing digital divide among young Australians has renewed calls for donated devices to be distributed to students in need. For many in remote communities, including the Torres Strait, the lack of access to technology is a major barrier to learning. WorkVentures, in collaboration with Good Things Foundation and Good360 Australia, are working to bridge this gap. Find out more.
Give your unused devices to help kids learn
New England businesses are being asked to donate unused devices to help kids learn as new data reveals a growing number of young Australians are returning to the classroom without access to a computer at home. In partnership with The Smith Family, WorkVentures is helping New England students access devices. Find out more.
When Education Goes Digital But Access Falls Behind
WorkVentures CEO, Caroline McDaid, was invited by Kiddipedia to write an op-ed about the importance of technology for students across Australia. In Australia today, 1.42 million young people do not have access to a computer at home. Find out more.
Digital divide widens as charity urges more support for students
New data shows 23 per cent of young people lacked access to a laptop or desktop at home in 2025, up from 19 per cent the previous year. Among them are 523,000 young Australians aged 14 and above, a critical age for learning and daily tasks. Even when access at schools or libraries is considered, 14 per cent of young people aged eight to 25 have no access to a learning device. WorkVentures is passionate about closing this digital divide. Find out more.
One in four students don’t have a home computer
As schools embed AI and digital tools more deeply into everyday learning, a growing number of Australian students lack access to a computer at home — a gap not-for-profit WorkVentures says businesses are well placed to help close through device donation programs. Find out more.
Call for device donations as digital divide widens
WorkVentures has called on Australian businesses and government agencies to donate unused digital devices for refurbishment and redistribution through the National Device Bank, as new figures point to a widening gap in home computer access for young people. Find out more.
The confusing and costly business of buying a school laptop for your child
A recent ABC report highlights that many families face “a confusing and costly business” when purchasing a laptop for students, with new prices now well beyond $1,000. At WorkVentures, we’ve seen the impact of this barrier firsthand. That’s why our National Device Bank program refurbishes donated devices and directs them to students who would otherwise go without, helping ensure no child is left behind because of cost.
Social enterprise calling on Aussies to donate old devices
A report by A Current Affair finds that many students take access to a laptop for granted, yet with new devices costing upwards of $1,000, it remains out of reach for many families. Through our partnership with The Smith Family, WorkVentures securely wipes and refurbishes donated laptops to help students access the technology they need for learning.
Device donations helping schools bridge the digital divide
An article by The Educator reports that as students return to classrooms across Australia, new data shows 1.16 million young people lack access to a laptop or desktop at home, including 400,000 in high school and beyond. At WorkVentures, we’re working to close this gap by refurbishing and redistributing quality devices to ensure every student has the tools they need to learn.
A look at technology access and mental health services for young Australians
The Telstra Foundation is championing digital inclusion for young Australians by providing access to devices, connectivity, and digital support in communities that need it most. WorkVentures is proud to partner with Telstra through initiatives like the National Device Bank, ensuring young people across Australia have the technology and confidence to stay connected, learn, and thrive in an increasingly digital world.
Students filing assignments on phones or using public computers
A recent Sydney Morning Herald article exposes how many Australian students are relying on smartphones or public computers to complete assignments, a clear indicator of the growing homework gap we’re working to close at WorkVentures. Through initiatives like the National Device Bank, we’re committed to providing students with reliable, personal laptops so they can participate fully in education, not be left out.
We provided over 6000 people with affordable technology around the country. We assisted 50 young people with relevant qualifications and employment.
We diverted over 116 tonnes of e-waste from landfill.
Our social impact report video explores these contributions.
Learn More about our programs and solutions
Digital Inclusion Packages
Technology to Support Your Community Does your organisation support an
Affordable Laptops and PCs
Reliable, Low-Cost Technology Are you looking to purchase a low-cost,
Youth Employment Solutions
Meaningful Employment Opportunities At WorkVentures, we are passionate about igniting
Technical Solutions
Locally Based Technical Solutions WorkVentures’ Technical Solutions team is committed
Refurbishment
Professional Equipment Refurbishment Services Are you looking to refurbish your
What Our Partners Say about us
Thank you very much for the great partnership we have developed at WorkVentures.
We have really valued the support that WorkVentures has given us.
Allegra Spender
ABCN - Former CEO
We value partnerships with organisations that share similar values and beliefs to ours, and I thank you for your work to build a solid partnership that has resulted in so many of our GO Scholars being supported through affordable technology.
Charlene Davison
GO Foundation - CEO
WorkVentures' performance is excellent. They deliver quality, reliable IT solutions. As our needs evolve, I am confident WorkVentures will continue to develop new solutions that work for us.
David Hetherington
Public Education Foundation - Former CEO
WorkVentures is one of Westpac’s longest partners in the technology space. They have experience and passion and are a trusted partner for device donations and digital inclusion initiatives.
Paul McKenna
Westpac - Head of Digital Workplace & Contact Centre Platforms
The Smith Family collaborated with WorkVentures for laptop delivery and technical support to help students access technology. WorkVentures understood our needs and the challenges faced by families. Their efficient processes enabled us to help thousands of students access technology, while we focused on helping families.
Doug Taylor
The Smith Family - CEO
KPMG collaborated with WorkVentures for Laptops for Lifelong Learning campaign to provide 178 high school students with refurbished laptops and technical support. WorkVentures provided digital skills development to address students' digital literacy needs. We hope to continue our impactful relationship with WorkVentures.
Julia Bain
KPMG Australia - Manager, Corporate Citizenship
Anglicare NQ partnered with WorkVentures for our cyber security journey. The process was productive, comprehensive and extremely informative. The affordability of the program takes into account the budget restraints faced by NGOs. We look forward to continuing the journey.
Liz Colahan
Anglicare North Queensland - CEO
WorkVentures provides high-quality support to Uniting and trainees. They have a flexible traineeship program for businesses, with a dedicated staff member for easy management. They are a supportive and collaborative community partner and have established a high standard of engagement.
Kerry Lambert
Uniting - Stakeholder Engagement Manager
The WorkVentures team are flexible, professional and have saved us time and money. We appreciate the high quality of candidates and how seamless the recruiting process was.
Bryce Levido
Animal Logic - Support Engineering Supervisor
WorkVentures vets the applicants very well and we receive high quality candidates. We always recommend WorkVentures to anyone considering hiring a trainee.
Maria Danieli
AD Danieli Chartered Accountants - Practice Manager
WorkVentures team was a pleasure to work with, meeting security guidelines and working efficiently and on tight deadlines with teams in USA and China. Their professionalism made them a great team to work with!
Gimantha Jayasinghe
NPD Group (now Circana) - Deputy MD APAC
IBM and WorkVentures have had a successful, long-term partnership. They perform complex repairs with ease and handle change efficiently, which is a real testament to their professionalism.
Anthony Herrett
IBM - Delivery Partner Executive
The best thing about WorkVentures is the delivery of service and competitive pricing.
Robert De Carli
Otis Elevator Company Pty Ltd - Manager
Thanks to our partnership with WorkVentures, we have a better standing in our community because we are able to provide support services much quicker.
Julian Hewitt
Riedel Communications - Training and Service Manager APAC
WorkVentures are a team of professionals. They always deliver service on time and handle change well. We couldn't be happier about our partnership.
Andy Elizaga
Endeavour Energy - Hosting Specialist
For over a decade, TES has partnered with WorkVentures. Their flexibility in a rapidly growing industry, led with a focus on the customer perspective, has helped us strengthen our customer base. They are committed, consistent and reliable partner.
Khristopher Molina
TES-AMM - Program Manager