The Journey That Led to the Digital Mentor Network
Updated: Aug 13
My husband and I have always loved travelling and exploring the outdoors.
Over the years we've holidayed in everything from a tent and camper trailer to a caravan. We spent countless hours hiking through national parks, walking scenic trails and discovering some of Australia's most beautiful places. It was always the walking and exploring that we enjoyed most.
As my husband's Parkinson's progressed, long hikes became more difficult and towing the caravan was no longer practical, so we sold it and bought a motorhome instead.
Knowing this was likely to be our last opportunity for an extended adventure together, I stepped away from my business so we could simply enjoy the journey and make the most of our time together.
Over the next three years, we travelled Australia, creating wonderful memories and meeting incredible people along the way.
The Little Moments I'll Never Forget
One of the unexpected joys of our travels was helping other travellers get more from their phones.
Photography has always been one of my passions, so whenever we stopped at a waterfall, lookout or scenic walk, I'd often show someone a simple trick—how to take a better panorama, use the three-second selfie timer or capture a much better photo with just a small adjustment.
The response was nearly always the same.
"Wow... I didn't know my phone could do that!"
Those conversations soon turned into questions about other features on their phones.
I loved seeing the confidence people gained from learning something new, even if it was just one small tip.
Looking back, I realise those simple conversations planted a seed that stayed with me long after our travels had ended..
A New Opportunity
After three wonderful years travelling Australia in our motorhome, we have temporarily relocated to the Sunshine Coast so my husband can be closer to his medical specialists.
Once we'd settled in, I suddenly found myself with something I hadn't had for a very long time—time.
It gave me the chance to think about what came next.
I kept coming back to the people I'd met during our travels and how much they appreciated having someone patiently show them the little things their devices could do.
I realised I could make a real difference, so I decided it was time to start again.
That's how the Digital Mentor Network was born.
Why the Digital Mentor Network?
The Digital Mentor Network was created with one simple goal—to help people build confidence with technology.
Today, I'm doing that through one-to-one mentoring, practical workshops and community presentations, helping people develop the skills and confidence to use technology in their everyday lives.
But that's only the beginning.
My long-term vision is to work alongside aged care providers, community organisations and support services, helping train carers and support workers to become confident digital mentors. By equipping the people who already support older Australians every day, together we can help many more people build the confidence to use technology safely, independently and with greater peace of mind.
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, my vision is to grow the Digital Mentor Network by working with community organisations, aged care providers and support services to train carers and support workers to become confident digital mentors.
Digital Mentor Network continues to grow through community partnerships, workshops, and future funding opportunities. My vision is to expand the network, deliver more community workshops and train carers and support workers to become confident digital mentors, helping more people build digital confidence where it's needed most.
I'm excited to continue building Digital Mentor Network one conversation, one workshop and one community partnership at a time.
If we've met through a workshop, community presentation or local event—or if I've helped you in the past—I'd love you to explore the website.
I'd genuinely love to hear your thoughts. Your feedback is always welcome, and if you've enjoyed working with me, I'd be incredibly grateful if you could leave a testimonial to help others discover the Digital Mentor Network.
I hope you'll enjoy following the journey.
Julie Novotny
Founder
Digital Mentor Network
Let's Stay Connected
I hope you've enjoyed reading my story.
Whether we've met through a workshop, community presentation or local event—or you've simply found your way here—I'm so glad you're here.