Bay Islands online moderators invited to free digital safety training

Queensland Police Service (QPS) is inviting administrators and moderators of Facebook community and crime groups across the South Moreton Bay Islands (SMBI) to register their interest in free online training designed to help create safer online communities.

The Bay Islands are the latest region to be offered training through the Digital Champions ‘Training for Building Safe and Inclusive Digital Spaces’ as part of QPS’s commitment to strengthening online safety in Queensland communities.

QPS is looking for participants who live or work on Russell Island, Macleay Island, Lamb Island, Coochiemudlo Island, or North Stradbroke Island and who either manage or want to help manage a Facebook group.

Facebook community groups play an important role across the South Moreton Bay Islands, helping residents stay connected through ferry updates, severe weather alerts, local news, community events, lost pets, and neighbourhood safety information.

Managing these spaces comes with challenges. Volunteer administrators and moderators work tirelessly behind the scenes to combat misinformation, defuse heated discussions and protect members, often without formal training or support.

This training is designed to bridge the gap between QPS and online communities by providing participants with the skills, resources and confidence needed to create safer, more supportive and credible online communities.

Acting Superintendent, Community Safety Tracey Hartley said the training initiative empowered volunteers, ensuring they were better equipped to manage their groups effectively and contribute to safer online spaces for all Queenslanders.

“Policing has traditionally focused on a visible presence in our streets and neighbourhoods-but as our communities increasingly gather online, our approach must evolve to remain effective and responsive,” Acting Superintendent Hartley said.

“It is great to be rolling out this opportunity to the Bay Islands as the training represents an innovative approach to community safety, equipping local moderators with practical tools to address issues in real time, minimise harm, and share credible information.

“It’s an example of how collaboration can extend our reach-boosting our physical presence with digital partnerships to build safer and more connected neighbourhoods, including with our island communities.”

The program was co-designed in collaboration with the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) involving more than 300 moderators from across Queensland and has already delivered strong results through a pilot program.

The training includes beginner and advanced modules, a moderator handbook, shareable resources, and short, accessible videos, all tailored for busy volunteers.

Delivered online, the training allows moderators to learn at their own pace, build confidence, and immediately apply new strategies to their groups.

Moderators who completed the pilot program reported increased confidence in applying fair and lawful group rules, identifying and tracking misinformation, communication and strengthening privacy.

Research also showed a reduction in harmful content, more constructive discussions, and an increase in moderators directing members to credible safety information and official crime reporting channels.

If you are a Facebook community or crime group administrator or moderator on Russell Island, Macleay Island, Lamb Island, Coochiemudlo Island, or North Stradbroke Island and are interested in participating in the next phase of this initiative, you can now read more about the initiative and register your expression of interest.