028/05
5 April 2005
New online access projects for remote Indigenous communities
Thirteen new projects in remote communities will improve access for Indigenous people to online information and services tailored to their needs, the Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, Senator Helen Coonan, announced during a visit to Alice Springs today.
The Australian Government launched the Indigenous Communities Online Program (ICOP) last year as an initiative under its $8.3 million Telecommunications Action Plan for Remote Indigenous Communities (TAPRIC).
As well as developing online information and services, ICOP supports increased online participation by remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and helps to create opportunities for social and economic growth.
"Five of the successful bids are from the Northern Territory, with others from Queensland, Western Australia, New South Wales and South Australia," Senator Coonan said.
"The approved projects will generate online content that ranges from software development to improved website performance.
"They will provide access to government services, cultural and business opportunities, health and educational programs, economic development, information on essential medical services and Internet banking."
The projected expenditure on the latest round of ICOP projects is $325,340.
"The number of applications we have received for ICOP grants has highlighted the demand among Indigenous communities for online services that relieve some of the difficulties imposed by isolation," Senator Coonan said.
The Government launched TAPRIC in mid 2002 in response to priorities identified by the Telecommunications Services Inquiry and later re-confirmed by the Regional Telecommunications (Estens) Inquiry.
In addition to improved take-up and effective use of Internet services, TAPRIC provides funding for a range of initiatives aimed at achieving improved and sustained take-up and use of telephone services, improved provision and viability of broadband services for community service delivery and development and increased awareness of telecommunications opportunities and rights.
Communities interested in further information about TAPRIC can find it at www.dcita.gov.au/tel/indigenous_telecommunications or by using the free call number 1800 883 488.
A list of organisations to receive the ICOP grants is attached.
Indigenous Communities Online Program
|
Northern Territory |
Gap Youth Centre Aboriginal Corporation |
Alice Springs |
An easy to use "website maker" content management system that will be available freely to users of the dEadly mOb website. Provide associated training to 10 communities in Central Australia. |
$98,660 |
|
|
Aboriginal Resource and Development Services Inc (ARDS) |
Arnhem Land |
Make available on the internet both audio and text material in the Yolngu Matha language to explain legal terms and court processes for Yolngu interpreters, council members and Yolngu people in general. |
$48,610 |
|
|
Central Australian Aboriginal Congress |
Alice Springs |
Develop online health promotion information in a culturally appropriate way using Indigenous languages and comical graphical characters. |
$27,300 |
|
|
Ngkarte Mikwekenhe Inc Community Association |
Central Australia |
A website focusing on the cultural, health, education and employment needs of Eastern and Central Arrernte families, their communities and outstations. |
$18,000 |
|
|
Tiwi Art Network Aboriginal Corporation |
Tiwi Islands |
Redevelop the existing Tiwi Art website to enhance the online marketing of artworks. |
$17,950 |
|
Queensland |
Positive Reaction Pty Ltd |
Townsville |
Develop a website to act as a community justice intervention strategy by providing learning materials targeted at Indigenous youth at risk of re-offending; use the site to inform and educate the community about cultural and social issues and as an online 'gathering place' for the community to archive history, culture and language materials. |
$20,000 |
|
|
Spilled Ink Pty Ltd, trading as Torres News |
Thursday Island |
Online publication of Torres News and a Community Business Directory for the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula area of Qld and establish a website for arts and crafts sales. |
$16,300 |
|
|
Yarrabah Aboriginal Council |
Cape York |
Develop website for Yarrabah Aboriginal Community. |
$5,620 |
|
New South Wales |
CTC @ Condobolin & Wiradjuri Arts Group |
Murdi Paaki region |
Develop a community website to showcase and market Wiradjuri artists. |
$16,800 |
|
|
Dharriwaa Elders Group and Walgett Aboriginal Medical Cooperative |
Murdi Paaki region |
Develop a website to promote the community service activities and achievements of the Dharriwaa Elders group in Walgett. |
$4,500 |
|
Western Australia |
Ngaanyatjarra Media Aboriginal Corporation |
Ngaanyatjarra Lands |
Establish a regional website for Ngaanyatjarra Council, its service agencies and the 12 remote Ngaanyatjarra communities. |
$25,300 |
|
|
Pia Wadjari Aboriginal Council |
Yalgoo |
Develop website for the remote community of Pia Wadjari. |
$8,300 |
|
South Australia |
Port Lincoln Aboriginal Community Council |
Port Lincoln |
Add e-business functionality to the existing website, including establishing an online database of artworks and an e mail ordering system to promote art sales. |
$18,000 |
|
Total: |
|
|
|
$325,340 |