New Aboriginal-led Digital Inclusion Hubs will soon be rolled out across NSW as part of a State Government-led pilot to help close the digital divide and connect communities to essential services.
The trial will support community-led spaces designed to meet the needs of local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) have been invited to apply for funding to establish and deliver these hubs, which will help people get online, build digital skills and stay connected to essential services.
Eligible ACCOs can apply for grants of up to $250,000 over 18 months to deliver services like digital skills training, targeted learning programs, access to devices, and connectivity support.
“Digital inclusion is a necessity for daily life, whether it’s accessing essential services, pursuing education, or staying connected with family, culture and community,” said Customer Service and Digital Government Minister, Jihad Dib.
“Access to the digital world shouldn’t depend on where you live or your background. These hubs will give Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities the tools, skills and support to connect and participate online.
“This is about backing community-led solutions. Aboriginal organisations know what works for their communities, and these hubs will be designed and delivered by them, for them.
“The hubs embody the vision of the NSW Digital Inclusion Strategy, giving everyone the confidence and access to use digital services.”
This NSW Government investment comes as the Australian Digital Inclusion Index shows Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people score 10.5 points lower than non-Indigenous Australians when it comes to getting online, affording internet and devices and using digital services confidently.
This gap widens further in regional and remote areas to 16.5 points lower, dropping to 22.8 points for very remote areas.
More than 40% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are considered to be digitally excluded or highly excluded – almost double the rate of the entire nation.
“Supporting Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations is how we make real, practical progress in improving peoples’ day-to-day lives,” said Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty, David Harris.
“The Digital Inclusion Hubs are about more than technology, they’re about self-determination, opportunity and ensuring communities can fully participate in today’s digital society.
“By backing Aboriginal-led, community-driven solutions, we ensure Closing the Gap outcomes truly reflect local priorities and needs.”
Funding will be delivered through the Closing the Gap initiative in partnership with BlaQ Aboriginal Corporation, ensuring programs are shaped by community priorities.
“The NSW Digital Inclusion Strategy is about ensuring people can participate fully in a digital society, and that starts with confidence, access and trust. By working in partnership with Aboriginal-led organisations, we’re supporting solutions that are community-owned, sustainable and responsive to real digital needs,” said Managing Director of Telco Authority, Kylie De Courteney.
“Digital Inclusion Hubs help remove barriers that place communities at risk of digital exclusion, supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to connect with essential services, education and opportunities in ways that are practical, relevant and sustainable.
“These hubs can help communities build confidence using digital tools, access online services and create pathways to education and employment, all in ways that work locally.”
Applications are open to eligible ACCOs in NSW until 15 May via SmartyGrants. More information is available at: https://digitalinclusionhubs.smartygrants.com.au/digitalinclusion.
