The new partnership - which the bank says comes on the back of an overwhelming response to its involvement in Get Online Week 2023 - will see over 50 branches across the Bank’s network partner with local training organisations to help teach both customers and non-customers how to confidently use their digital devices.

Chief Customer Officer of Consumer Banking, Richard Fennell said as the way customers are choosing to bank with Bendigo continues to evolve, “the Bank wants to support customers who may not feel ready to make the digital jump”.

“With cash becoming less prevalent, the Federal Government’s decision to phase out cheques and the growing popularity of digital banking – it’s imperative we bring everyone with us on this digital journey,” Fennell said.

“At Bendigo Bank, we want our customers to feel confident to use any form of banking available to them, no matter their age, or where they are from.

“Our new partnership with Good Things Foundation will support those who want to learn more about transacting online, using their Bendigo Bank app and of course, staying safe online,” Fennell concluded.

CEO of Good Things Foundation Australia, Jessica Wilson, said learning to use technology and the internet can help people in all aspects of their lives, whether it be staying in touch with loved ones, applying for a job or accessing online services like telehealth or online banking.

“Yet, one in four Australians don’t have the essential skills they need to fully participate in today’s digital world,” Wilson said.

“Often people just need some encouragement and support to learn new skills that will help them feel confident and safe going online. The extension of our partnership with Bendigo Bank means that more people will be connected to local organisations in the Good Things Foundation Network, who provide free digital skills support,” Wilson concluded.

Bendigo Bank says the Toowoomba and Community Bank Logan Village recently connected with iConnect Digital, a Queensland focused digital training provider, through the Good Things Foundation partnership.

Derek Tink, who leads the iConnect Digital training initiative “expressed how inspired his team felt after connecting with branch staff at Bendigo Bank Toowoomba and Community Bank Logan Village recently”.

“Bendigo Bank’s dedication to inclusion, community empowerment, and online safety is truly inspiring. Understanding community needs is at the heart of everything they do,” Tink said.

“We look forward to continuing our partnership with Bendigo Bank through Good Things Foundation, supporting and training digital mentors in local communities to help everyone across regional Queensland feel more confident in the online world.”

Bendigo Bank notes that its renewed partnership with Good Things Foundation is in addition to the “incredibly successful Banking Safely Online sessions the Bank has been running, which has seen thousands of customers undertake extra training to boost their confidence and skills”.

“Bendigo Bank’s face-to-face digital literacy education program has attracted customers in droves, with over 110 Banking Safely Online Sessions held across the country in only four months, and nearly 100 sessions slated for the months ahead.”

For more information on Bendigo Bank’s Banking Safely Online Sessions, click here.

For more information on Good Things Foundation, click here.