146/05
21 December 2005

IT training and technical support in the Northern Territory

The Australian Government will commit more than $1.2 million to provide IT training to around 1500 Indigenous people in the Northern Territory as part of the second round of the IT Training and Technical Support Program, the Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, Senator Helen Coonan, announced today.

As part of the Government’s response to the Estens Inquiry, more than $10 million has been invested to help first-time computer users in the most remote parts of Australia access online banking facilities, communicate by email and use the internet.

“The Local Government Association of the Northern Territory will receive $1.22 million to help build the IT skills and capacity of 1500 Indigenous people living in 32 very remote communities as part of the second funding round of this program,” Senator Coonan said.

The following communities in the Northern Territory will benefit:

Elliot, Dagaragu/Kalkaringi, Timber Creek, Mataranka, Duck Creek, Beswick, Borroloola, Ngukurr, Alyangula, Angurugu, Maningrida, Galiwinku, Numbulwar, Daly River, Palumpa, Wadeye/Port Keats, Gapuwiyak, Ramingining, Oenpelli, Nhulunbuy, Yirrkala, Millingimbi, Warruwi, Minjilang, Milikapiti, Pirlangimbi, Nguiu, U mbakumba, Peppimenarti, Barunga, Yarralin, and Binjari.

This project extends work already undertaken as part of the Networking the Nation program where the Local Government Association worked closely with Indigenous Community Councils in the Northern Territory to establish online services and facilities.

The Council and the Local Government Association will now provide basic IT training and technical support to the 32 communities.

This second funding round focused on supporting very remote communities north of Tennant Creek in the Northern Territory.

“This project will complement the organisations funded in the NT under Round 1—Desart Inc (Remote Indigenous Art Centres) and Warlpiri Media Association which provides IT training and technical support to communities south of Tennant Creek,” Senator Coonan said.

More information on the program is available at 1800 674 058, ITSupportProgram@dcita.gov.au or www.dcita.gov.au