The NBN Co has welcomed a $20 million boost from the Federal Government to expand its First Nations Community Wi-Fi Program to service a further 15 remote communities.
The program seeks to address the digital divide experienced by First Nations communities, particularly remote ones located in the Northern Territory, Western Australia, South Australia and Queensland.
With the increased funding, the program will provide free broadband in public spaces enabling access to essential online services such as telehealth, MyGov, online education and mentoring services; as well as opportunities to boost digital literacy, education and skills training.
Communities that have had their access activated as of 30 November include:
Northern Territory: Gan Gan and Wandawuy
South Australia: Pukatja, Amata, Kaltiji, Pipalyatjara and Mimili
Queensland: Pompuraaw
Western Australia: Mindi Rardi, Kurnangki, Loanbun, Junjuwa, Burawa, Bungtardi/Bungardi and Darlngunaya
Communities yet to come online include:
Northern Territory: Ampilatwatja, Arreyonga, Arewerr, Galiwin’ku and Mungkarta
Queensland: Kowanyama, Doomadgee and Hope Vale
“We are proud to have successfully activated the first 15 of 23 remote communities that we expect will benefit from the expansion of our Community-Wide Wi-Fi program,” Gavin Williams, Chief Development Officer – Regional and Remote at nbn, said.
“Driving digital inclusion requires us to address four key areas of awareness and education, connectivity, digital ability, and affordability.
“The program helps address all four of these areas by allowing more people equitable access to the opportunities that come with connectivity as well as the support required to make the most of it.
“This program is only possible through continued collaboration with communities, and a key part of the process is co-design with community leaders. We hope that this allows more First Nations people to experience first-hand the social and economic benefits that come with greater access to crucial online services.
“We look forward to continuing this journey and connecting more communities before the end of the year.”
The First Nations Community Wi-Fi program was developed out of recommendations made by the First Nations Digital Inclusion Advisory Group, formed to advise on how the Federal Government should meet Target 17 of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, regarding digital inclusion for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people by 2026.
The program is one of several initiatives released as part of the government’s $68 million commitment to support First Nations digital accessibility, including a First Nations Digital Support Hub with a network of digital mentors and enhanced national data collection.
“With remote First Nations communities comprising some of the most digitally isolated Australians, the Albanese Government is investing to close the digital divide,” Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP, said.
“Digital connectivity is essential for all Australians, whether they live in a city of millions, or a remote community of less than 100 people. It provides access to critical services, connection with family and friends, and better education, training and job opportunities.
“It’s fantastic to see free Wi-Fi available across these remote communities, with work underway to get even more communities connected.”
“Free and reliable Wi-Fi is a gamechanger for remote First Nations communities – opening up new social and economic opportunities and better access to important services,” Minister for Indigenous Australians, the Hon Malarndirri McCarthy MP, said.
“Importantly, this program is being designed and delivered in close consultation with communities. It’s an important step on our journey to narrow the digital divide for First Nations Australians.”
