About us
Bridging the digital divide
The National Device Bank provides devices to community organisations, charities and schools, who distribute them to those most in need.
About Us
The National Device Bank connects Australians to devices, skills, and support, meeting the needs of those facing digital exclusion.
Our mission
Digital access for all
Access to technology is no longer optional but foundational for education, employment and connection. Yet 1 in 4 people in Australia are digitally excluded. By connecting corporate device donors with community organisations, we are tackling the digital divide across Australia.
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Our story
A collaborative approach to digital inclusion
Born from a compelling shared vision, the National Device Bank works toward a digitally inclusive Australia where everyone can participate in our connected world. With one in three Australian families identifying digital tools as their most significant affordability concern, we saw an urgent need to bridge the digital divide with a solution that works nationally and addresses the complete spectrum of digital exclusion.
This challenge called for a unique collaboration. Three organisations with complementary strengths came together: WorkVentures with its 44-year legacy in secure IT refurbishment, Good Things Australia with its extensive digital skills training network spanning 6,000 community partners, and Good360 Australia with its sophisticated nationwide distribution capabilities.
Together, we’ve built more than just a device donation program – we’ve created a sustainable infrastructure that transforms corporate e-waste into life-changing opportunities for Australians facing barriers to digital participation.
Expertise united for impact
Australia’s first IT social enterprise, WorkVentures specialises in IT refurbishment and digital inclusion. They play a crucial role in securely refurbishing donated devices, ensuring they are ready for redistribution to those in need. Their commitment to combating the digital divide includes implementing the National Device Bank for donated and refurbished laptops, tablets, and mobiles. WorkVentures also provides essential technical support and digital coaching to help recipients make the most of their devices.
Good Things Australia are digital inclusion leaders, developing and delivering a range of innovative digital inclusion programs to support those most in need and ensure that no one is left behind in the digital world. They work with over 4,000 community organisations across Australia to increase people’s digital skills, confidence, and online safety, and collaborate with other social impact organisations, industry, and government to close Australia’s digital divide.
Good360 Australia is the leading not-for-profit expert in technology-driven distribution of goods to people in need. They connect surplus products and services from businesses to charities, schools, and vulnerable communities, ensuring resources go where they’re needed most. By leveraging innovative logistics and digital solutions, Good360 creates a sustainable Circle of Good – providing essentials, reducing waste and supporting digital inclusion. Their work benefits people, businesses, and the planet, making a lasting social and environmental impact.
Making a measurable difference
community partners Australia-wide
of participants increased their confidence using technology
* Data from WorkVentures/KPMG report 2023
Distributing over 120,000 devices to individuals across Australia
FAQ
Who is behind the National Device Bank?
The National Device Bank is a collaborative initiative led by three pioneering organisations committed to digital divide solutions in Australia. WorkVentures stands as Australia’s first IT social enterprise, started in 1979, bringing experience in secure IT refurbishment and technical support. Good Things Australia contributes expertise in digital literacy and education through their extensive community network. Good360 Australia connects devices to the people who need them most through a trusted, nationwide distribution network. Together, we implement sustainable business practices throughout our operations – from secure data wiping to environmentally responsible refurbishment and distribution. Our combined expertise creates a comprehensive approach to addressing the digital divide meaning in practical terms: the gap between those who have ready access to computers and the internet, and those who don’t. This partnership model allows us to tackle digital exclusion at scale while maintaining high-quality standards across all aspects of our work.
What is your mission and vision?
Our mission centres on closing the digital divide in Australia by providing equitable access to technology and skills. We believe that digital literacy skills are fundamental to full participation in society – from education and employment to accessing essential services and maintaining social connections. Our vision extends beyond device distribution to encompass the benefits of digital literacy: improved educational outcomes, better employment prospects, enhanced community connection, and greater personal agency. By adopting sustainable practices in technology refurbishment and distribution, we simultaneously address environmental challenges while building digital capacity across communities. We measure our success not just by devices distributed, but by meaningful improvements in digital literacy gaps across different demographics and regions. Our long-term vision is an Australia where technology access and skills are universal, and where digital exclusion no longer limits anyone’s potential to participate fully in society.
How is the program different from other digital inclusion efforts?
Unlike a program that focuses solely on device donations or digital skills in isolation, the National Device Bank offers a comprehensive solution to bridge the digital divide. We integrate secure device collection, professional refurbishment, nationwide distribution, and connections to digital literacy programs through a single coordinated effort. This holistic approach addresses the complete spectrum of needs required to truly overcome digital exclusion. Our program is built on sustainable business practices that transform corporate e-waste into valuable resources for communities, creating both environmental and social benefits. The scale of our operation, spanning all states and territories, allows us to implement digital divide solutions that work for diverse communities with varying needs. Our strong partnership with 6,000 community organisations means we can connect recipients not just with devices, but with ongoing support.
How do you ensure donated devices are secure and private?
Security and privacy protection are central to our operations and sustainable business practices. Every donated device undergoes a rigorous data sanitisation process using industry-accredited software that exceeds government and corporate standards. This process completely eliminates any personal or business information, addressing a key concern in bridging the digital divide responsibly. Our technical team at WorkVentures follows strict protocols developed over decades of experience in IT asset management. Beyond data wiping, we conduct comprehensive quality checks to assess hardware functionality, repair or replace components as needed, and install fresh operating systems and essential software. This meticulous approach helps close the digital literacy gap by providing recipients with reliable, ready-to-use devices. We provide donors with certificates of secure data destruction for their records, and our entire process is designed to protect both donors and recipients while extending the useful life of technology. Our commitment to security is one way we demonstrate how digital divide solutions can be implemented without compromising on professional standards.
Where do you operate across Australia?
The National Device Bank operates nationwide, supporting communities in every state and territory of Australia. Our comprehensive approach to digital divide solutions means we can reach both metropolitan and regional areas, including remote communities where the digital divide’s meaning has profound implications for access to education, healthcare, and government services. Through Good360 Australia’s sophisticated logistics network and Good Things Australia’s 4,000 community partners, we distribute devices to locations where they can have the greatest impact on digital literacy in Australia. Our partners include schools, community centres, Indigenous organisations, migrant resource centres, and services supporting people experiencing homelessness or domestic violence. This extensive reach allows us to address digital literacy gaps that exist across different geographic and demographic contexts. By adopting sustainable practices in our distribution model, we ensure efficient delivery while minimising environmental impact. Our goal is to make the benefits of digital literacy accessible to all Australians, regardless of their location or circumstances.
Can you support government digital inclusion strategies?
The National Device Bank supports government digital strategies by providing the infrastructure to collect, refurbish, and distribute technology alongside digital skills support for communities in need. Our approach puts working devices in people’s hands and connects them with the skills to use them effectively. The National Device Bank operates nationwide, supporting communities in every state and territory across Australia. Through our network of accredited not-for-profit partners and national logistics capabilities, we ensure that devices and support reach people wherever they are — urban, regional, or remote.
Join our mission
Turn unused tech into life-changing opportunities for Australians