Bendigo's digital literacy push: how local startups are filling the skills gap

A cluster of Bendigo-based startups and community organisations is quietly building a citywide digital literacy network, responding to demand that has surged since the pandemic reshaped how residents work, learn and access services.

The initiative includes free coding workshops at the Bendigo Library in the CBD and a mentorship program run by the Bendigo Tech Startups collective, which meets monthly at the Capital Theatre precinct. Organisers say the goal is to equip locals with skills ranging from basic internet safety to basic programming, and to funnel talent into the city's growing tech economy.

The push matters now because Bendigo's technology sector has grown faster than its pool of trained workers. A 2025 report from the Bendigo Economic Development Board found that 38 percent of local tech firms reported difficulty filling entry-level roles, a gap that digital literacy programs aim to close. Without a pipeline of skilled residents, startups say they risk relocating to Melbourne or Sydney.

Where the action is

One of the busiest nodes is the Bendigo Library on Hargreaves Street. The library hosts weekly "Code & Coffee" sessions, where volunteers from local startups like AgriDigital and Paperly walk participants through HTML, CSS and basic data analysis. Attendance has doubled since January 2026, according to library staff, with a mix of retirees, high school students and hospitality workers looking to switch careers.

Another program, the Digital Mentors Network, operates out of the Bendigo Innovation Centre on Edwards Street. It pairs experienced tech workers, engineers, product managers, data analysts, with residents who have little or no digital experience. The network has 47 active mentor-mentee pairs as of July 2026.

In Epsom, the Epsom Community Centre runs a monthly Digital Basics workshop focused on online banking, government services and avoiding scams. The sessions are led by volunteers from Bendigo Tech Startups and have drawn more than 200 participants since March.

What comes next

Organisers are planning a citywide Digital Skills Fair for September 2026, to be held at the Bendigo Stadium, featuring live demos, career talks and one-on-one coaching. No firm date or sponsor list has been released, but the Bendigo Tech Startups collective has confirmed it is coordinating with the City of Greater Bendigo.

For residents who want to participate sooner, the Bendigo Library accepts walk-ins for Code & Coffee every Tuesday morning. The Digital Mentors Network accepts applications online through the Bendigo Innovation Centre's website. Both programs are free.