Gold Coast Seniors On The Net Celebrates a Year of Growth, Honours Faye Scotton and Welcomes New President
Gold Coast Seniors On The Net (SOTN) celebrated another year of community connection, digital learning and growth at its Annual General Meeting on 20 August 2026, with Councillor Brooke Patterson joining members, volunteers and guests for the occasion.
The AGM provided an opportunity to reflect on SOTN’s achievements during 2025–26, recognise the dedication of its volunteers and welcome a new Committee to lead the organisation into its next chapter.
A particularly special moment was the recognition of retiring President Faye Scotton, who was granted Life Membership of SOTN in acknowledgement of her contribution and commitment to the organisation over the years.
Faye has played an important role in supporting SOTN and its mission to help older Gold Coast residents build confidence with technology, stay connected and participate more fully in an increasingly digital world.
Her Life Membership is a lasting acknowledgement of the time, leadership and care she has contributed to the SOTN community.
A year of growth and change
The AGM also highlighted a busy year of growth and development for SOTN.
During 2025–26, the organisation welcomed 138 new members and delivered more than 1,000 technology lessons, helping seniors develop practical digital skills and greater confidence using technology.
SOTN continued to modernise its services during the year, launching a new website and introducing a new online membership and booking system to improve the experience for members, receptionists and tutors.
The organisation also expanded its learning opportunities with group lessons and continued its involvement in community events and Seniors Expos across the Gold Coast.
One of the year’s highlights was SOTN’s Get Online Week event, which attracted over 50 participants and focused on helping seniors stay safe online while enjoying the benefits of technology. Councillor Brooke Patterson also joined SOTN for the event.
Reflecting on SOTN’s contribution to the community, Councillor Brooke Patterson said:
“Gold Coast Seniors On The Net plays an important role in helping older members of our community feel more confident, connected and safe in an increasingly digital world. It is wonderful to see the organisation continuing to grow and support so many Gold Coast seniors.”
SOTN secured several grants to support its activities and digital inclusion programs, including funding for Building Digital Skills, Get Online Week and Gold Coast community initiatives.
These achievements reflect the combined contribution of SOTN’s Committee, tutors, receptionists and volunteers, who continue to give their time and knowledge to support the Gold Coast senior community.
Welcoming new President Ian Hall
The AGM also marked an important leadership transition, with Ian Hall appointed as the new President of Gold Coast Seniors on the Net for 2026–27, succeeding retiring President Faye Scotton.
Ian will lead the new Committee as SOTN enters its next chapter, continuing the organisation’s commitment to helping Gold Coast seniors learn, connect and stay safe online.
Speaking about Faye’s contribution and the future of SOTN, Ian Hall said:
“Faye has made an enormous contribution to Seniors on the Net over the years, and her Life Membership is a fitting recognition of that commitment. I am honoured to take on the role of President and look forward to working with our Committee and volunteers to build on the strong foundation she has helped create.”
Joining Ian on the Committee are Brett Ingelton as Vice President, Lyn Dixon as Office Manager, John Heath as Treasurer, Mandy Turner as Secretary, Vincent Ngo as Tutor & Technology Coordinator, Cathy Pham as Marketing Coordinator, and Sandy Heath as Social Coordinator.
Together with SOTN’s dedicated tutors, receptionists and volunteers, the new Committee will build on the organisation’s strong foundation while continuing to develop services, learning opportunities and community connections for Gold Coast seniors.
Celebrating the people behind SOTN
While the AGM looked back on a successful year and ahead to new opportunities, it was also an occasion to recognise the volunteers whose commitment and contribution have made SOTN what it is today.
From delivering lessons to welcoming members, managing bookings, supporting events and keeping the organisation running day to day, our volunteers are at the heart of SOTN’s work in the community.
Thank you to everyone who has contributed to another successful year for Gold Coast Seniors On The Net.
