Tell us about Infoxchange?

Infoxchange is a not-for-profit social enterprise that has been delivering technology for social justice for over 30 years. With over 180 staff across Australia and New Zealand, we tackle the biggest social challenges through the smart and creative use of technology.

We work with community, government and corporate partners to solve issues around homelessness, family violence, mental health and disability, as well as supporting Indigenous communities, women, youth and families.

Our products and services are used by over 25,000 government and community services. We provide the right tools to improve efficiency and deliver greater impact – from nation-wide service coordination systems to IT advice for individual organisations.

And through our work in digital inclusion and social innovation we use technology to empower people experiencing disadvantage, driving social inclusion and creating stronger communities. We believe no-one should be left behind in today’s digital world.

How does shared value inform your work? 

Shared value forms a central part of Infoxchange’s work. A great example is our Top-up program with Telstra, which provides a complimentary $40 mobile credit recharge to those who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness, family violence or impacted by natural disasters.. Both Infoxchange and Telstra recognise the importance of staying connected, especially when times are tough.

The program is available through Infoxchange’s client and case management systems to housing and family or domestic violence service providers, as well as community organisations providing emergency relief to people affected by natural disasters such as the recent bushfires. With over 6,000 organisations nationally using our client and case management system, partnering with Telstra to offer free mobile credit is a direct and impactful way to support people experiencing disadvantage. They simply meet with their case worker, who can automatically send credit to their phone if they’re running low.

What have you learned in pursuing this initiative?

Ensuring people are connected in times of crisis is essential for their wellbeing. Whether that be to make a phone call to a friend who can help, to find support through a website such as Ask Izzy, or to speak with their case worker or employer, connectivity plays a powerful role in helping people get back on their feet.

Infoxchange’s client and case management system traditionally provides a central place for service providers to store case notes and important information about their clients. However, we did not offer additional, immediate support for people in need. The Telstra top up program has changed that, and has demonstrated how we can better support people through technology and partnerships.

What are some of the most pertinent issues in Australia that could be solved through creating shared value?

Digital inclusion is a real problem in our society. Today, over 2 million people in Australia are not online, however accelerating digital transformation continues to change the way we live, work and play and we are seeing a stark digital divide.

We know that people with low levels of income, education and employment – along with older Australians, people with a disability, remote Indigenous communities and people in regional areas – are more likely to be digitally excluded.

Digital inclusion is based on the premise that everyone in Australia should be able to make full use of digital technologies – to manage their health and wellbeing, access education and services, organise their finances, connect with friends and family, and the world beyond.

In a sentence, why do you believe shared value is important today?

We all have a role to play in creating a thriving and supported community, and coming together to tackle some of Australia’s most pressing social challenges is the only way we’ll start to solve them.

And finally, please describe why you’ve joined the shared value community?

Infoxchange has been using technology to improve the lives of people experiencing disadvantage and the organisations that support them for over 30 years, We have played an important role in supporting many people and organisations, however we are now focusing our efforts on solving some of these challenges. We know we can’t do this alone, so are excited by the prospect of joining a community of like-minded organisations who want the same change we do.