- The Miles Government has today announced funding for two initiatives for First Nations innovators, business owners and students.
- The Yarrabah Innovation and Technology Hub will offer First Nations business owners and innovators training in digital skills, including coding and programming, graphic design and digital marketing.
- Under the Deadly Coders Program, 4000 First Nations students from across Queensland will be able to learn the new and enhanced digital skills they will need for the jobs of tomorrow.
The Miles Government has today launched two initiatives to help develop digital skills in First Nations communities and create pathways for Indigenous owned and led businesses in Far North Queensland.
The Yarrabah Innovation and Technology Hub will provide training in fundamental computer skills, call management and software applications, laying a solid foundation for digital proficiency. The aim is to create local capability to access and capitalise on the digital economy.
The hub will also offer advanced digital skills training, including coding and programming, graphic design, and digital marketing, giving local First Nations businesses and innovators the tools they need to turn their ideas into reality, building wealth and creating jobs within the community.
Digital safety and cybersecurity will be integrated into the training, ensuring the community can navigate the digital landscape securely.
The funding for training through the hub is a direct result of extensive community consultation with the Yarrabah Leaders Forum. It was designed specifically to provide consistent, local business support to transfer skills and knowledge for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to establish, succeed and grow their businesses for future sustainability.
The Deadly Coders program will raise awareness and interest in STEM, ignite enthusiasm for digital technology and help build digital skills for 4,000 First Nations students from across Queensland, giving them skills today for the jobs of tomorrow.
The program will consist of eight workshops in the areas of coding, design, robotics, app development, entrepreneurship and cyber security, equipping First Nations students with the skills needed to thrive in the future digital economy.
Both initiatives are jointly funded by Department of Environment, Science and Innovation Deadly Innovation Strategy and Quantum Strategy and Department of Transport and Main Roads through the Queensland Government Customer and Digital Group, with an investment of more than $750,000 over two years.
As stated by the Minister for Science and Innovation, Leanne Linard:
"The Miles Government is doing what matters for Queenslanders by investing in training opportunities which will give our young people the skills they need to obtain good jobs in the technology sector.
"The two initiatives I am announcing today as part of the Tropical Innovation Festival will give First Nations innovators, business owners and students skills they need for the jobs of the future.
"While the number of people working in the technology sector is continuing to increase, in many cases, First Nations Australians are being left behind.
"The Yarrabah Innovation and Technology Hub has already proven critical for innovators and aspiring business owners in Yarrabah and the government is proud to partner with it.
"The hub has helped over 135 individuals to make business and professional connections, access training and development opportunities, navigate current business practices and cultivate long-term networks and Partnerships."
As stated by the Minister for Transport and Main Roads and Minister for Digital Services Bart Mellish:
"The Queensland Government is committed to improving opportunities for First Nations communities to participate and prosper in the digital economy.
"We are pleased to support important community initiatives such as "Deadly Coders," which provide opportunities for young indigenous people to boost their digital skills and improve access to digital career pathways."
As stated by Yarrabah Elder and founder of Deadly Cultural Services, Dr Darryl Murgha:
"I'm grateful for the partnership with the hub where tradition meets innovation, fostering growth that honours the past while embracing business of tomorrow."
As stated by Deadly Coders chief executive officer, Grant Maher:
"We are thrilled to collaborate with the Queensland Government on this vital initiative to enhance digital skills among First Nations communities.
"At Deadly Coders we are dedicated to empowering our youth and entrepreneurs with the knowledge and tools they need to thrive in the digital age.
"This partnership is a significant step forward in creating opportunities and fostering innovation within our communities."
