As part of a federal government digital inclusion program, First Nations communities in the Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia are hooking up to free Wi-Fi.
These include:
- Gan Gan and Wandawuy in the NT
- Pompuraaw in Qld
- Pukatja, Amata, Kaltiji, Pipalyatjara and Mimili in SA
- Mindi Rardi, Kurnangki, Loanbun, Junjuwa, Burawa, Bungtardi/Bungardi and Darlngunaya in WA.
The communities are receiving free broadband through the First Nations Community Wi-Fi Program developed to improve access to online services and boost digital literacy.
“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 Michelle Rowland said.
The First Nations Community Wi-Fi Program was informed by the First Nations Digital Inclusion Advisory Group established to deliver digital connectivity to Aboriginal and Torres Islander populations by 2026.
“Digital connectivity is essential for all Australians, whether they live in a city of millions, or a remote community of less than 100 people,” Rowland said. “It provides access to critical services, connection with family and friends, and better education, training and job opportunities.”
In all, 23 remote communities have applied for free Wi-Fi. Other communities scheduled to come online include:
- Ampilatwatja, Arreyonga, Arewerr, Galiwin’ku and Mungkarta in the NT
- Kowanyama, Doomadgee and Hope Vale in Qld.
“Free and reliable Wi-Fi is a gamechanger for remote First Nations communities,” said Minister for Indigenous Australians Malarndirri McCarthy.
Providing digital connectivity to remote communities is one of the key goals of the advisory group’s First Nations Digital Inclusion Roadmap.
As well as delivering free Wi-Fi, the roadmap recommends establishing a First Nations Digital Support Hub, and a national network of digital mentors.
Two years in the making, the roadmap has been informed by extensive engagement with First Nations people. “This program is being designed and delivered in close consultation with communities,” said McCarthy. “Importantly, the roadmap provides a way forward to not only narrow the digital divide but support First Nations people to innovate and thrive online by having access to the opportunities enabled by digital inclusion.”
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