Far North Queenslanders had the opportunity to learn new digital skills today, as Grow with Google came to the region for the first time.

More than 300 small businesses, students, community organisations and individuals attended workshops at the Cairns Convention Centre today.

Queensland Member for Cairns, Michael Healy MP formally opened the event and spoke about the importance of digital skills to the jobs of the future in regional communities.

Businesses and individuals learned how to grow their presence online and find new customers, and individuals at all stages of the digital journey picked up new skills.

Grow with Google aims to give all Australians access to digital skills training, both online and in-person, to help them make the most of the web. It includes a new online learning hub accessible from anywhere, on any device, with hundreds of handy training modules.

Front row: Hannah Frank (Google Australia), Michael Healy MP, Richard Flanagan (Google Australia), Anna Fredericks (James Cook University), Debbie-Anne Bender (CEO, Cairns Chamber of Commerce), Nick Loukas (President, Cairns Chamber of Commerce) Thanks to the Tourism and Investment Queensland (TIQ) and the Cairns Chamber of Commerce for working with us to help deliver these important skills for regional communities.

Grow with Google aims to create opportunity for all Australians to grow their skills, careers, and businesses with free tools, training, and events. Find events near you at: g.co/GrowAustralia.

Posted by Richard Flanagan, Head of Grow with Google, Google Australia