Fifteen remote First Nations communities are benefitting from free community-wide Wi-Fi thanks to a $20 million program by the Albanese Government to boost connectivity and bridge the digital divide.
The First Nations Community Wi-Fi Program is providing communities in the Northern Territory, South Australia, Queensland and Western Australia with improved access to online services, digital literacy, education and training opportunities.
These include:
Northern Territory: Gan Gan and Wandawuy
South Australia: Pukatja, Amata, Kaltiji, Pipalyatjara and Mimili
Queensland: Pompuraaw
Western Australia: Mindi Rardi, Kurnangki, Loanbun, Junjuwa, Burawa, Bungtardi/Bungardi and Darlngunaya
Locals and visitors can enjoy free and reliable broadband access across community spaces, powered by the NBN Co Sky Muster Plus Premium satellite service.
In total, 23 communities have signed up for free community Wi-Fi through the program.
Additional communities to come online include:
Northern Territory: Ampilatwatja, Arreyonga, Arewerr, Galiwin'ku and Mungkarta
Queensland: Kowanyama, Doomadgee and Hope Vale
The Albanese Government has opened an online Project Noticeboard where suggestions for potential new projects and locations can be submitted. Community organisations, government representatives and parliamentarians are encouraged to work alongside First Nations communities to suggest projects.
To view the Project Noticeboard, or to make a submission, please visit: https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/media-communications-arts/first-nations-digital-inclusion/first-nations-community-wi-fi-program-project-noticeboard
The First Nations Community Wi-Fi Program was informed by the First Nations Digital Inclusion Advisory Group, established by the Albanese Government to advise on progressing Target 17 of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap: which aims for equal levels of digital inclusion for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people by 2026.
It is part of the Albanese Government's $68 million package to support First Nations digital inclusion, which includes a First Nations Digital Support Hub a network of digital mentors, as well as improved national data collection.
