Links
Vic Emergency
Office of the eSafety Commissioner
Office of the eSafety Commissioner
The Office of the eSafety Commissioner was established in 2015 with a mandate to coordinate and lead online safety efforts across government, industry and the not-for profit community.
When the Office was established, the eSafety Commissioner’s functions and powers primarily related to enhancing online safety for Australian children.
In 2017, the Act was amended to expand the Commissioner’s remit to promoting and enhancing online safety for all Australians.
The Office of the eSafety Commissioner's monthly e-newsletter, Cyberzine, provides up-to-date resources, information & current advice about online safety.
To subscribe to Cyberzine click the image.
Stay Smart Online
Stay Smart Online is a website run by the Australian Government. It provides topical, relevant and timely information on how home internet users and small businesses can protect themselves from, and reduce the risk of, cyber security threats such as software vulnerabilities, online scams, malicious activities, and risky online behaviours.
Australians are increasingly relying on the internet in their everyday lives for banking, shopping, education, socialising and communication. It is therefore important that they are able to use the internet in a secure and confident manner. The aim of Stay Smart Online is to give Australians the skills and knowledge to be secure and confident in the digital age.
Click on the image to subscribe to an email "alert service"
"Do Not Call" Register
The Do Not Call Register is managed by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), on behalf of the Australian Government.
The Do Not Call Register is a secure database where you can list your Australian numbers to opt out of receiving most unsolicited telemarketing calls and marketing faxes.
Registration is free, valid for eight years, and you can re-register or remove your fixed line, mobile or fax numbers at any time.
Once your numbers are listed on the register, telemarketers and fax marketers must not contact you. Some groups can still contact you after you register. These include charities, research companies, political parties and educational institutions.
Registration can be made:
- Online at https://www.donotcall.gov.au/
- By calling 1300 792 958
- By post - but you need to go to the website and download a form (printable pdf file) which gives instructions where to post. Forms are also available in Italian, Greek, Chinese, Arabic and Vietnamese
SCAMWATCH
SCAMWATCH is a website run by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). Visit the website and subscribe to an emailed "scam alert".
SCAMWATCH provides information to consumers and small businesses about how to recognise, avoid and report scams.
Many scams originate overseas, or take place over the internet, making them very difficult to track down and prosecute. If you lose money to a scam, it is unlikely that you will be able to recover your loss. The ACCC publishes this website to help consumers recognise and prevent scams.
Note: SCAMWATCH deals not only with internet related scams but with all types, e.g., phone, door-to-door sales, etc.
For 2016, $83.56 million was reported lost to scams.
For 2017, the amount lost rose to $90.93 million.
For 2017, the two largest losses were due to:
- Investment scams - $31 million*
- Romance & Dating scams - $20 million*
Largest losses by method of scam 'delivery' were:
- Phone - $29 million*
- Email - $18 million*
The two age groups experiencing the largest losses were:
- 55 to 64 - $22 million*
- Over 65 - $17 million*
The losses for the first quarter of 2018 are $30.63 million, and thus if this trend continues, the total loss for year will exceed that for 2017.
The best protection is through awareness and education. The SCAMWATCH website provides detailed information about the various scam methods.
You can also download, in pdf or MS Word format, "The Little Black Book of Scams" which is recognised internationally as an important tool for consumers and small businesses to learn about scams.
You can request a "hard copy" of the booklet, free of charge.
Click the image to take you to the download site.
Crime Statistics Agency
https://www.crimestatistics.vic.gov.au/
The Crime Statistics Agency (CSA) is responsible for processing, analysing and publishing Victorian crime statistics, independent of Victoria Police.
The CSA aims to provide an efficient and transparent information service to assist and inform policy makers, researchers and the Victorian public.
On 14 June, the CSA published the Quarterly Report for the Year Ending 31 March, 2018.
Be Connected
https://beconnected.esafety.gov.au/
Be Connected is an Australia wide initiative empowering all Australians to thrive in a digital world.
We have online learning resources as well as a Network of community partners - the Be Connected Network - who offer in-person support so you can develop your digital skills and confidence.
Find a local place for friendly help and advice, or join the Network to help others.
Monash-Waverley Community Information
and Support Inc
We offer a 'front door' to anyone in the community seeking information or assistance as well as specific-purpose appointments.
We can provide information and support relating to a range of issues.
Please visit for details of services provided.
MWCIS is a member of Community Information & Support Victoria (CISVic) - for more information visit www.cisvic.org.au