About Bytes & Biscuits
Bridging the digital divide, one biscuit at a time
Bytes & Biscuits is a community-led digital literacy program delivered by ESports Collective in East Gippsland.
We bring people together over technology and afternoon tea — creating relaxed, judgement-free spaces where people can build confidence with digital tools that matter in everyday life.
Built with local organisations
Our Community Impact
Bytes & Biscuits is designed to strengthen local communities. We work alongside community organisations, including schools, employment services, neighbourhood houses and sporting clubs, to deliver digital support in places people already know and trust.
Rather than pulling people into a single location, Bytes & Biscuits:
Builds digital confidence where people already gather
Supports organisations to host their own sessions
Creates shared pathways between learners, mentors, and services
Strengthens regional networks rather than duplicating them
This collaborative approach helps extend digital inclusion across East Gippsland in a way that is local, respectful, and sustainable.
From ESports Collective, for community
Why Bytes & Biscuits exists
Bytes & Biscuits exists because ESports Collective was created to meet a real need in Bairnsdale — a lack of inclusive, engaging entertainment spaces for young people.
As we work toward becoming a sustainable, independent business, we’ve seen how naturally young people share digital skills, and how many older community members feel left behind by technology. Bytes & Biscuits brings those two worlds together.
Grants like this help us extend our impact into the wider community while we continue building ESports Collective for the long term.
Part of ESports Collective
More than a program
Bytes & Biscuits is part of a broader ecosystem created by ESports Collective — using interest-led engagement to build skills, connection, and opportunity across generations.
By bringing people together around technology in a relaxed, supportive environment, Bytes & Biscuits helps strengthen confidence, independence, and community connection — one session at a time.
Connecting generations through technology
Our Approach
In 2025, ESports Collective was awarded a capacity-building grant to train 50 Young Digital Mentors.
Bytes & Biscuits is the program that puts those young people to work — and helps us identify and support new mentors to join the program.
This approach creates a simple, practical exchange:
With our support, partner community organisations apply for Good Things Foundation grants to help older members of their community (aged 50+) build digital confidence.
Digital mentoring sessions are delivered by trained Digital Mentors from ESports Collective team. Sessions can take place at ESports Collective or alongside existing community activities (for example, before or after footy training).
During these sessions, older people receive patient, one-on-one support with everyday technology in familiar, supportive environments.
Connecting generations through technology
Benefits
Digital mentoring creates meaningful outcomes for young people, older adults, and the broader community:
Young people gain real-world experience, confidence, and a meaningful way to give back to their community.
Older people build practical digital skills and confidence using technology that matters in everyday life.
Young Digital Mentors also earn free gaming time at ESports Collective for every hour they volunteer—it's our way of honoring their contribution and removing the cost barrier to enjoy everything ESports Collective has to offer.
When multiple mentors volunteer from the same organization, free private hire sessions can also be arranged—creating opportunities for community fundraising or team social events.
Sign Up As A Digital Mentor
Help close the digital divide — sign up to an upcoming training below to become a digital mentor!
Be Connected Bytes & Biscuits is delivered by ESports Collective and funded by the Australian Government through the Be Connected program, managed by Good Things Australia.
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