A new scheme is aiming to narrow the digital gap experienced by many First Nations Australians.
With the support of a $20 million Federal Government investment, First Nations Community Wi-Fi program is being rolled out in up to 53 remote communities across the country - part of the Government's $68 million package to support First Nations digital inclusion and advance towards Target 17 of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.
The latest announcement includes more than $7.2 million to fund community Wi-Fi in 10 remote communities in Western Australia, including 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.
Federal Minister for Indigenous Australians, Malarndirri McCarthy, said she was proud to partner with the Western Australian Government and local communities to make Wi-Fi services more reliable, sustainable, and fit for purpose.
"Access to reliable internet services makes a real difference for remote First Nations communities," Ms McCarthy said.
"It helps people stay connected, access vital information and essential services.
"This $20 million program will go a long way in narrowing the digital divide and supporting fuller participation in digital life."
The Western Australian Government will also boost connectivity in nine communities throughout the state by co-investing an additional $9.1 million, which will support both 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.
Western Australian Minister for Regional Development, Stephen Dawson, said the Western Australian Government is proud to invest in expanding digital access for First Nations communities.
"This initiative is an important step towards bridging the digital gap in our regional and remote areas," Mr Dawson said.
"Through working closely with the Australian Government, this initiative will work to deliver lasting benefits for families and local businesses across our state along with new opportunities for education, health and economic development."
Federal funding of a further $1.54 million is set to provide Wi-Fi connectivity to the Cape Barren Island community and Clarke Island community in Tasmania, and the community of Umoona near Coober Pedy in South Australia, with additional places in the Northern Territory and Queensland soon to be announced.
Federal Minister for Communications, Anika Wells, said the Government is working to boost digital inclusion for First Nations Australians as part of our ongoing work to Close the Gap.
"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," Ms Wells said.
"I look forward to seeing this $20 million program continuing to roll out to communities across Australia, bringing us another step closer to narrowing the digital divide in line with target 17 of Closing the Gap."
The program builds on the existing NBN Community Wi-Fi Program, which has previously delivered free community Wi-Fi to 23 remote communities in Western Australia, South Australia, Queensland and the Northern Territory.
The government said the programs will also support better access to essential services such as healthcare, education and training opportunities; promote greater cultural and community connection; and enable more equitable participation for First Nations people in digital life.
