Senator the Hon Helen Coonan was Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts from 18 July 2004 to 3 December 2007. This site is available for archival purposes only.

Senator Stephen Conroy is the current Minister for the Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy

Thursday 6 September 2007

Funding to improve telecommunications in remote Indigenous communities

The Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, Senator Helen Coonan, today announced 35 projects totalling $1.9 million under the $36.6 million Backing Indigenous Ability telecommunications program.

“The program, part of the $1.1 billion Connect Australia package, is designed to give remote Indigenous communities access to better telecommunications services,” said Senator Coonan.

“I am pleased to announce that 35 applications for assistance under round one were successful.”

The projects will assist more than 130 remote Indigenous communities around Australia, like Warburton in Western Australia, Milingimbi in the Northern Territory and Boigu Island in the Torres Strait.

An important aim of the program is enabling communities to develop cultural and social online content in their own language.

“The projects will help people in their community to preserve and promote their culture, stay in touch with family and friends, improve their access to government services and improve their computer skills,” said Senator Coonan.

“Communities that have been disadvantaged by a lack of telecommunications resources will now have better access to health, education, legal and employment services online.

“In addition, communities with entrepreneurial flair will be able to join the e-business world through their own business portals.”

Eighty four public internet access packages have been allocated among 21 applicants, to be spread across their communities. Each package comprises hardware, software and content filters, and financial support to help meet running and maintenance costs till the end of June 2010.

The program will also support a range of training, from the most basic to nationally accredited courses, in 29 remote Indigenous communities across Australia.

This funding will help communities develop their own Indigenous online content, including websites and business portals.

The Backing Indigenous Ability telecommunications program provides assistance with internet access, videoconferencing, IT training and skills development and Indigenous online content development. Applicants were able to apply for one or more of the different program elements depending upon the needs of their communities.

A second call for applications under the program will be made shortly, and eligible applicants not funded under round one are encouraged to reapply. Further information on the Backing Indigenous Ability telecommunications program is at www.dcita.gov.au/bia or by calling 1800 355 014. A list of all round one successful projects is attached.

BIA telecommunications program round one successful applicant organisations

Applicant organisation	State	Elements of program funded
Griffiths Skills Training Centre Inc.	NSW	Training and skills development
Murdi Paaki Regional Enterprise Corporation Ltd	NSW	Training and skills development
Murrin Bridge Local Aboriginal Lands Council	NSW	Internet access
Alawa Aboriginal Corporation	NT	Internet access Training and skills development
Aputula Housing Association Inc.	NT	Internet access Videoconferencing Training and skills development Indigenous online content
Association of Northern, Kimberley and Arnhem Aboriginal Artists (ANKAAA)	NT	Training and skills development
Canteen Creek Owairtilla Association	NT	Internet access Training and skills development
Desart Inc.	NT	Training and skills development
Ikuntji Community Council	NT	Internet access Training and skills development
Indigenous Remote Communication Association (IR CA)	NT	Training and skills development
Indigenous Remote Communication Association (IR CA)	NT	Indigenous online content
Kaltukatjara Community Council (Aboriginal Corporation)	NT	Internet access Videoconferencing Training and skills development Indigenous online content
Local Government Association of the Northern Territory	NT	Training and skills development
Milingimbi Community Inc.	NT	Internet access Videoconferencing Training and skills development
Mutitjulu Community Aboriginal Corporation	NT	Training and skills development
Ngaanyatjarra Media Aboriginal Corporation	NT	Internet access Videoconferencing Training and skills development Indigenous online content
Ntaria Council (Hermannsburg) Inc.	NT	Videoconferencing Indigenous online content
Numbulwar Numburindi Community Government Council	NT	Internet access
Nyirranggulung Mardrulk Ngadberre Regional Council	NT	Internet access Training and skills development
Papunya Community Council	NT	Internet access Training and skills development
PAW Media and Communications	NT	Internet access Training and skills development Indigenous online content
PY Ku - PY Media	NT	Videoconferencing Training and skills development
Ramingining Community Council Inc.	NT	Internet access Training and skills development
Skinnyfish Music Pty Ltd	NT	Training and skills development
Wallace Rockhole Community Government Council	NT	Internet access Training and skills development Indigenous online content
Boigu Island Council	QLD	Internet Access Training and skills development
Erub Island Council	QLD	Internet access Videoconferencing Training and skills development
Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire Council	QLD	Internet access Videoconferencing Training and skills development
Lockhart River Aboriginal Shire Council	QLD	Internet access Training and skills development
New Mapoon Aboriginal Council - Library	QLD	Training and skills development
New Mapoon Aboriginal Council – Remote Indigenous Broadcasting Service	QLD	Training and skills development
Pormpuraaw Aboriginal Shire Council	QLD	Internet access Training and skills development
Seisia Island Council	QLD	Internet access
University of South Australia	SA	Internet access Training and skills development Indigenous online content
Warlayirti Artists Aboriginal Corporation	WA	Indigenous online content

Media Contact: Katherine Meier 0417 441 141