A total of 15 remote First Nations communities in the Northern Territory, Western Australia, South Australia and Queensland are the first to benefit from the expansion of nbn’s Community-Wide Wi-Fi program.
The Federal Government initiative aims to provide (via a retail provider or providers) free nbn® broadband across public spaces in the communities, helping to enable access to essential online services, such as telehealth, MyGov, online education and mentoring services.
This program is supported by the creation of Digital Champions – local residents who can help the community with technical troubleshooting of the wi-fi service and help other community members to get online and improve their digital skills.
nbn said it is proud to support the successful activation of public space community wi-fi in remote First Nations communities, and this milestone supports nbn’s commitment to connecting communities and increasing digital inclusion for First Nations people.
The expansion marks a step forward in helping to bring affordable internet access to remote First Nations communities across Australia, with another four communities due to be activated by the end of 2024.
Communities activated as at end-November 2024:
- Northern Territory: Gan Gan and Wandawuy
- Western Australia: Loanbun, Kurangjo, Mindi Rardi, Bungtardi, Darlngunaya, Burawa and Junjuwa
- South Australia: Pipalyatjara, Kaltjiti, Amata, Pukatja and Mimli
- Queensland: Pormpuraaw
These services are free to use for community members. They use meshed wi-fi systems to make internet available across public spaces and in some community buildings, helping to enable greater access to support services, education, health services, entertainment, and keeping in touch with family and friends.
nbn Chief Development Officer – Regional and Remote, Gavin Williams, said, “We are proud to have successfully activated the first 15 of the 23 remote communities that we expect will benefit from the expansion of our Community-Wide Wi-Fi program.
“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 firsthand 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.”
nbn Executive Manager Indigenous Affairs, Che Cockatoo-Collins, said, “Beyond connectivity and essential services, we’re hearing positive feedback from these communities as Digital Champion roles are being established to help others in their community, as well as general technical troubleshooting of the services.
“These local community members are acting as digital ambassadors to empower their entire communities to get online and enhance the digital skills of themselves and the people around them.
“The dedication and enthusiasm of these champions is already making a major difference to fostering a more connected and inclusive future.”
Featured image: Di Vincenzo/shutterstock.com
