Trish's Story | Building Digital Confidence Through Community Learning

Julie Novotny and Trish reconnecting at a women's gathering. A friendship built through networking, shared interests, mutual support and a shared passion for helping others build confidence and grow.

When I first met Trish Howard in the beautiful Bega Valley, we were both volunteering on the local Chamber of Commerce committee. Over the years, our friendship grew, and I often helped Trish with technology for her naturopathic business, from organising digital files to using Google Docs and improving her everyday computer skills.

Like many people, Trish wasn't always confident with technology. New programs could feel overwhelming, but she was always willing to learn, ask questions and keep practising. Her determination to build her digital skills was inspiring, and before long she was using technology with confidence in both her business and everyday life.

When I later established our not-for-profit digital mentoring program, Trish became one of our volunteer Digital Mentors. The same skills she had worked so hard to develop were now helping others.

Trish volunteered as a Digital Mentor, helping community members build confidence with technology.

She went on to mentor older community members one-on-one, patiently helping people build confidence with their devices and online services. One participant became a regular weekly learner, and over time their mentoring sessions developed into a genuine friendship built on trust, encouragement and shared learning.

Trish also played an important role in training several Year 12 students to become Digital Mentors, helping inspire the next generation of volunteers to support older Australians with technology.

Watching Trish grow from someone who was building her own digital confidence into someone confidently teaching others has been one of the most rewarding parts of my own journey.

Trish's story reminds us that digital confidence isn't about being an expert. It's about being willing to learn, sharing what you've learned, and helping someone else take the next step.

Her kindness, patience and generosity have touched the lives of many people in our community. The confidence she gained has been passed on to others, creating a ripple effect that continues well beyond every lesson she taught.

For me, Trish isn't just a wonderful friend—she's an inspiration. Watching her grow in confidence, then generously give that confidence to others, has been one of the greatest privileges of my own digital mentoring journey. Her story reminds us that it's never too late to learn, to grow, and to make a lasting difference in the lives of others.

Julie Novotny

Founder & Lead Digital Mentor

Digital Mentor Network