When it comes to making the internet a safer place, Sarah Barnbrook walks the talk. Based in the regional Victorian town of Seymour (more famous for cattle saleyards than digital policy), Sarah is the brains behind Away from Keyboard (AFK), a not-for-profit helping kids, families and communities navigate the online world with confidence and safety.

“AFK is the result of both personal experience and community need,” Sarah tells Business Builders.

“As someone who has experienced harm online, I saw the invisible risks and emotional toll that digital life can bring, especially for children and families in regional Australia.”

While many of us feel a little helpless when it comes to online safety, especially for our kids, Sarah decided to do something about it. What started as an idea based on lived experience, has grown into a national and international force for good.

The big idea born in the bush

There wasn’t a single “aha” moment that sparked AFK. Sarah says it was more like a rising tide of concern.

“I watched young people in my community struggle with anxiety, isolation, and exposure to online risk. I knew we needed honest conversations, practical support, and prevention-focused solutions, delivered with empathy.”

So that’s exactly what she built. Today, Away from Keyboard provides education, resources, advocacy, and support for digital wellbeing and online safety. They run workshops, publish research-informed resources, and create community campaigns that make the complex topic of digital harm not only understandable but fixable.

“We empower children, young people, carers and communities to navigate technology with confidence, resilience and safety,” says Sarah.

And it’s not just talk, AFK is influencing national policy and has even delivered workshops at the United Nations.

Bridging the city-centric gap

One of the biggest issues Sarah identified early on was the city-centric mindset embedded in most digital safety programs.

“There was a lack of practical, inclusive resources and advocacy that truly addressed the realities of regional life,” she says.

In regional towns like Seymour, patchy internet, social isolation and limited services make online risk feel even more overwhelming.

“AFK was created to fill that gap. We’re building local capacity and ensuring that every family, regardless of where they live, can access the tools and knowledge they need to stay safe online.”

Regional challenges?

Running a not-for-profit from a regional postcode comes with its own bag of spanners.

“Everything from digital connectivity and distance to finding funding and building trust,” says Sarah. But she and the AFK team have adapted by being resourceful and community-focused.

“We’ve learned to be flexible and inventive. Travelling to remote towns, using hybrid models for workshops, and working closely with local schools, service providers, and councils. Building trust is a marathon, not a sprint, but we’ve tackled it by showing up, listening, and adapting for each community.”

That focus on local context is what makes AFK different. It’s never one-size-fits-all, and it’s always personal.

A child is engrossed in online activity. Image supplied

Big wins, small towns

AFK may be headquartered in regional Victoria, but its reach is global, and growing fast.

“There have been so many proud moments,” Sarah reflects. “Delivering my ‘Unsafe by Design’ workshop at the United Nations was an extraordinary opportunity to put regional Australian issues on the global stage.”

That workshop addressed the deeper issues in how online platforms are built, as many of them lack safety at their core. Sarah’s talk made waves for its honesty and the way it elevated rural experiences to a global audience.

Then there was the moment a very regal letter landed in her mailbox.

“Receiving a personal letter from His Majesty King Charles III, recognising my work and wishing AFK success, was both humbling and affirming.”

But it’s not just the international recognition that drives Sarah.

“I’m proud every time I hear from a child, parent or teacher who says our work helped them feel safer or more empowered online.”

Local and global

Living in regional Australia has informed Sarah’s work with Away from the Keyboard.

“Living in regional Australia has taught me the value of adaptability, humility, and strong relationships. It’s shaped AFK’s focus on collaboration, practical solutions, and accessibility, because I know first-hand that support can’t just exist in theory; it has to reach people where they are.”

And that “where” isn’t always online.

“Sometimes the most important work happens around a kitchen table. I always make time for a cuppa and a chat,” she says.

That philosophy has helped Sarah build trust in communities across the country. Whether it’s a school in a remote outback town or a group of parents in a footy club, AFK meets people where they’re at, in every sense.

Real-world impact

AFK’s work is about more than awareness around cybersafety. The not for profit is changing lives and the system.

“We’ve provided local jobs and volunteering opportunities, delivered workshops and community events, and sparked important conversations around digital harm, mental health, and online safety.”

They’ve become a trusted voice in the room for regional communities, influencing local councils, schools and even national organisations.

“Our advocacy ensures regional voices are heard at every level, including in policy development and international forums.”

And they’ve done it all while remaining laser-focused on their community. “This recognition as a Regional Heroes finalist is for our whole community. Proof that regional voices matter and can have an impact far beyond postcode or geography,” Sarah says. “

So, what’s next?

Big things. Huge, actually.

AFK is ramping up its national and international work, including the launch of new programs for girls in STEM and digital leadership. Sarah’s also working with the eSafety Commissioner as part of the Social Media Roundtable, helping shape national responses to online harm.

“We’ll continue to advocate, innovate, and partner with others committed to safer digital spaces for all,” she says.

Her advice to other regional changemakers?

“Start with your why. Trust your instincts, build your community, and don’t be afraid to ask for help, ” says Sarah.

“Regional Australia is full of passionate, innovative people—your perspective matters, and your impact can be greater than you imagine.”

She also adds a very practical dose of wisdom: “Be patient. Change takes time, but the rewards are worth it.”

A movement built on kindness

Sarah’s not shy about giving credit where it’s due. “I’m endlessly grateful to the teachers, parents and young people who believed in AFK when it was just an idea,” she says. “And our local Soroptimist clubs have been unwavering in their support.”

She’s also quick to celebrate her team of dedicated volunteers. “They are the true heart of our movement.”

From kitchen tables in Victoria to podiums at the United Nations, Sarah Barnbrook is proof that big change can come from small towns. Away from Keyboard has spawned a movement that’s creating safer, kinder digital spaces and reminding us all to log off once in a while and reconnect where it really counts.

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