Best Diversity Initiative 2009

Winner 2009 Vicnet (State Library of Victoria)

Vicnet is a division of the State Library of Victoria that delivers programs, services and research to facilitate access to the Internet and information technology for all people. Working alongside government, corporate, community and philanthropic organisations, Vicnet projects are designed to empower individuals and communities.

Vicnet has identified the needs of the culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) to be of particular concern, with seniors and new and emerging communities recognised as those most vulnerable to digital exclusion.

As a result of this organisation’s projects, 62 community language groups have direct online access to over six million information links in their own language.

As part of ongoing training efforts, public libraries across Australia and community organisations in Victoria have been educated to support CALD communities with training and appropriate computer facilities. With the help of Vicnet’s research projects, the State Government of Victoria has a better understanding of issues relating to online translations and has supported the training of interpreters and translators to develop more appropriate materials.