How do CALD communities use the internet?
Community leaders describe internet use among CALD communities as varied: internet use is affected by circumstances, perceptions and individual characteristics. Statistical data from the 2001 census (5) showed that overall uptake of the internet by Victorians who speak a language other than English at home is slightly lower than that of the English-speaking population. However, for some languages such as Chinese, Spanish and Serbian, uptake was proportionately higher. Regardless of the language spoken, the internet is mostly used by people between 15 and 55; this is similar to uptake in the wider population. All community leaders we spoke to claimed that internet use will increase, and that perceptions of the internet are changing. For example, some CALD seniors are beginning to demonstrate interest in the internet and more people are acknowledging its potential as an information source. Some new arrivals have come to Australia with established skills and have expressed a need for publ
