Narrowing the digital gap for First Nations communities
Free community Wi-Fi connectivity is being rolled out in up to 53 remote communities across the country as part of a Federal government initiative to narrow the digital divide for Indigenous Australians.
The Government’s $20 million First Nations Community Wi-Fi program will support better access to essential services like healthcare, education and training opportunities; promote greater cultural and community connection; and enable more equitable participation for First Nations people in digital life.
It includes more than $7.2 million to fund community Wi-Fi in 10 remote communities in Western Australia:
- Djugerari, Wangkatjungka, Looma, Pandanus Park, Yakanarra, Yungngora, Beagle Bay and Halls Creek in the Kimberley region
- Pia Wadjarri in the Mid-West region; and
- Warburton in the Ngaanyatjarra Lands.
The Western Australian Government will further boost connectivity in nine of these communities by co-investing an additional $9.1 million. This will go towards the community Wi-Fi and extend connectivity in up to 750 premises through VoIP phones and broadband access.
Additionally, the Shire of Halls Creek Council is contributing $25,000 to the Halls Creek community Wi-Fi project.
“We are working hard to boost digital inclusion for First Nations Australians as part of our ongoing work to Close the Gap,” Minister for Communications, Anika Wells said.
Minister for Communications Anika Wells.
“All Australians should be able to stay in touch with their family, access essential services and pursue education and training opportunities and this new program will help achieve that for some of our most remote First Nations communities.
The Government is providing a further $1.54 million to roll out community Wi-Fi to the Cape Barren Island community and Clarke Island community in Tasmania, and the community of Umoona near Coober Pedy in South Australia.
Further places in the Northern Territory and Queensland will be announced.
The program builds on the success of the existing NBN Community Wi-Fi Program which has already delivered free community Wi-Fi to 23 remote communities in Western Australia, South Australia, Queensland and the Northern Territory.
These initiatives are part of the Government’s $68 million package to support First Nations digital inclusion and advance our work towards Target 17 of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.
Minister for Indigenous Australians, Malarndirri McCarthy said access to reliable internet services can a real difference for remote First Nations communities.
“It helps people stay connected, access vital information and essential services,” she said.
“This $20 million program will go a long way in narrowing the digital divide and supporting fuller participation in digital life.
“I’m proud to work in partnership with the WA Government and local communities to make these Wi-Fi services reliable, sustainable, and fit for purpose.”
