Hurstville City Library has launched a free artificial intelligence literacy program aimed at helping seniors understand and safely navigate the growing presence of AI in everyday life. The six-week course, which began this week, has already attracted 80 registrations from residents across the St George region.

The initiative comes as AI tools become increasingly embedded in common services, from banking apps to healthcare portals, leaving some older Australians feeling excluded from technology they didn’t choose to adopt.

What the Program Covers

The course breaks down AI concepts into practical, jargon-free modules:

Week 1-2: Understanding AI Basics

• What AI actually is (and isn’t)
• Common AI applications in daily life
• How AI differs from regular computer programs

Week 3-4: AI in Your Pocket

• Voice assistants on smartphones
• AI features in banking and shopping apps
• Photo organisation and smart home devices

Week 5-6: Staying Safe

• Recognising AI-generated scams
• Privacy considerations
• When to trust AI recommendations

Why This Matters Locally

Georges River Council identified digital literacy as a priority after community surveys revealed that 62% of residents over 65 felt “overwhelmed” by AI-related changes to services they use regularly.

“People told us they felt like technology was moving on without them,” said Councillor Sarah Chen. “A resident in her 70s explained that she could no longer call her bank because everything is handled by AI chatbots. She wanted to understand how to use these systems, not just avoid them.”

The program was developed with input from the Team400 team who specialise in making technology accessible to non-technical audiences.

Hands-On Learning Approach

Unlike typical tech courses that focus on theory, the Hurstville program emphasises practical, hands-on experience. Participants bring their own devices and learn using apps and services they actually use.

“We had a gentleman who was terrified of Siri,” shared program facilitator Jenny Morrison. “By the end of the first session, he was using voice commands to set reminders and call his grandchildren. The smile on his face was wonderful.”

Each participant is paired with a volunteer digital mentor, many of them university students from nearby campuses, who provide one-on-one support during and between sessions.

Community Response

The program’s initial offering filled within 48 hours of announcement, prompting the library to schedule additional sessions for November.

“I thought I was too old to learn this stuff,” said participant Margaret O’Brien, 78, of Allawah. “But they explain it in ways that make sense. I finally understand why my phone knows things about me.”

How to Register

The November program begins on November 3 and runs every Monday morning from 10am to noon. Registration is free and open to all Georges River Council residents aged 60 and over.

To register, visit Hurstville City Library in person, call the library on (02) 9330 6222, or register online through the Georges River Council website.

The council is also exploring partnerships with community centres in Mortdale and Kogarah to expand the program’s reach in 2026.