The Queensland Government has pledged $9 million to support a range of digital inclusion programs through the State Library of Queensland to help to close the digital divide experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders.
The proposed programs will enhance the digital capability of Indigenous Knowledge Centres (IKCs), support creation of new IKCs and new jobs and boost digital literacy in regional and remote communities, said State Librarian and CEO, Vicki McDonald AM.
“State Library is committed to closing the digital divide to ensure all Queenslanders can enjoy the benefits of the digital economy,” said Ms McDonald.
“State Library’s digital program offers a range of initiatives that empower the community to share their culture, truth, and stories through digital technology including the use of augmented reality, coding and digital story telling.
“We are proud to work with local councils to support IKCs to be the digital hub of their community and enable First Nations people to participate in digital programs that strengthen social connection, enable lifelong learning, and nurture memory keeping in remote communities.”
The Growing Indigenous Knowledge Centres program will support 16 First Nations councils in some of the state’s most remote communities with nearly $3.5 million over two years to acquire IT equipment and employ additional staff to deliver place-based digital technology programs through their IKCs.
The program will also support communities that do not currently have IKCs, with $320,000 allocated over two years each to councils in Kowanyama, Doomadgee and Mornington Island to establish digital models of IKCs.
Additional investment of nearly $180,000 is supporting set-up of the Doomadgee and Kowanyama IKCs, refurbishment of the IKC on Mabuiag Island in the Torres Strait, and re-establishment of the Wujal Wujal IKC following the devasting impacts of Tropical Cyclone Jasper.
“Indigenous Knowledge Centres have are important places for people to come together to share stories and creativity and support the maintenance and preservation of history, language and culture,” said Minister for the Arts, Leeanne Enoch.
“In many communities, the IKC offers access to vital digital services and opportunities that are taken for granted by people living in larger centres.
“The Queensland Government is investing to boost the digital capability of IKCs through the State Library of Queensland’s Digital Inclusion program, to help bridge the digital divide experienced by people living in some of Queensland’s most remote communities.”
The Deadly Digital Communities program will co-design digital literacy activities with regional councils in Cairns, Townsville, Paroo and Mareeba, who will share in a total $180,000 to boost digital capability among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents.
The program is also supporting State Library of Queensland’s engagement of Regional Digital Development Officers in regional centres, who will deliver opportunities for regional communities to realise their digital potential.
The funding and programs support delivery of Our Thriving Digital Future: Queensland’s Digital Economy Strategy 2023-2026, and the strategy’s 2023-26 Action Plan priority aimed at closing the digital divide impacting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders.
