A remote community in Western Australia's Kimberley has been connected to high-speed internet for the first time, with free services installed across 14 homes south-east of Fitzroy Crossing.
The pilot, delivered in Ngalingkadji, has brought internet access to about 50 residents — many of whom had never been able to make video calls, use telehealth, or reliably access online services.
Marra Worra Worra Aboriginal Corporation, a Fitzroy Valley service provider, says the change has been immediate.
"With many of our clients living in remote communities where phone and internet access is limited or unaffordable, this support has helped reconnect vulnerable people with essential services," said Marcel Sithole, the organisation's Kirrayili and Financial Counselling Services Manager.
"The free SIMs have been critical for basics like banking, government services and digital literacy support."
The project was delivered by The Concordia Initiative, as part of its Digital Access Program, working with social-enterprise provider Maslow Telecom.
For residents, the connection has meant access to everyday services often taken for granted elsewhere — from medical appointments to schooling and staying in touch with family.
Mr Sithole said the program proved especially important after flooding in the Fitzroy Valley.
In late 2022 and early 2023, Fitzroy Crossing was devastated by flooding caused by ex-tropical cyclone Ellie, which triggered record water levels along the Fitzroy River.
Hundreds of residents were displaced, homes and infrastructure were damaged or destroyed, and access to basic services — including communications — was severely disrupted across the Fitzroy Valley.
"One standout example was helping flood-affected residents get reconnected after losing their belongings during ex-tropical cyclone Ellie, when they otherwise had no way to make contact," he said.
"That support removed a major barrier for families already under financial pressure."
The Concordia Initiative was founded by Peter Marchiori, who has personally contributed more than $500,000 to its digital inclusion work since April 2024, including the Ngalingkadji pilot.
Mr Marchiori said visits to other remote communities had shown government-funded connectivity was often unreliable.
"If a small charity can deliver faster and more effective solutions than billion-dollar telcos and government programs, it raises serious questions about how these services are being rolled out," he said.
More than 20 per cent of Australians are considered digitally excluded, with rates far higher among First Nations communities, people experiencing homelessness and those living in public housing.
