Community centre levels up with new laptops and a youth event

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The Murray Bridge Community Centre has been granted more than $22,000 in state funding to help expand digital technology opportunities.

A total of $19,880 was awarded for their Let's Get Digital project, enabling them to buy new laptops and broaden a digital mentorship program for community members.

Locals are able to use the new laptops at the centre, especially if they don't have access to a device of their own.

Community centre coordinator Sarah Smith said the grant was specific to the digital inclusion space.

"We recognise that we have a digital mentor through our Good Things Foundation, Be Connected program ... that's targeted to adults over 50," she said.

"Now we will be able to target a much broader demographic that do need that digital mentorship and support."

The centre's digital mentorship support includes help with emails, Facebook, new phone set-ups, MyGov support or even help turning your phone on.

"It's a really fantastic, one-on-one individual support," Ms Smith said.

"Now this means the whole community has access to it."

Separate to this, the centre was also awarded funding from the state Department of Education to upgrade all of the devices at the Square Community Centre and make some minor structural changes.

"It exposes students to current technologies, so that they can feel confident going into a workplace, but also in a really relaxed, fun environment ... so that it doesn't feel like you're learning," Ms Smith said.

• Book in for some digital mentoring: Call 8531 1799 or visit the centre at 18 Beatty Terrace, Murray Bridge.

Level Up is returning for a second year

Meanwhile, as part of SA Youth Week, the centre has also been awarded $2500 to deliver an opportunity for gamers to connect in real life.

The centre will bring gaming company Level Up to Murray Bridge for the second consecutive year on April 11 from 4.30-8.30pm.

It would be a great start to the school holidays for young people who enjoyed online games, Ms Smith said.

"It's just a really great opportunity for those who are interested in gaming, who do game, or want to get into it ... and we're going to tuck into pizzas," she said.

Last year's event catered to youth aged 12-25 and had around 80 participants join in.

The centre themselves will also be funding a Level Up event for adults on the following day, April 12, from 10.30am-2.30pm.

Level Up’s mission is to combat social isolation by taking something that can be isolating and using it as a point of connection.

"We're so excited to be able to have these great opportunities," Ms Smith said.

"It just means that we can offer more to the community and we're very thankful and grateful."

SA Youth Week, coordinated by the Department of Human Services, is the state’s biggest celebration of young people to showcase their ideas, talents, and contributions to the community.

• More information about SA Youth Week: dhs.sa.gov.au/SAYW.