Govt offers grants to boost First Nations digital inclusion

The Australian Government is working to close the digital divide for First Nations people and communities, with three new programs aimed at boosting First Nations digital inclusion now accepting applications.

The programs are part of the government’s $68 million investment in First Nations digital inclusion measures announced in the 2024–25 federal Budget and will contribute to achieving equal levels of digital inclusion for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people under Target 17 of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap. They have been established on the recommendation of the First Nations Digital Inclusion Advisory Group, which has provided an initial report and Roadmap to Government on ways to close the digital divide.

The $20 million First Nations Community Wi-Fi Program will fund eligible projects to roll out free community Wi-Fi solutions in remote and very remote First Nations communities, enabling improved access to online services, digital literacy, education and training opportunities. Successful grantees will be required to work closely in consultation with communities to deliver place-based solutions for a minimum period of five years.

A total of 23 communities from the Northern Territory, South Australia, Queensland and Western Australia have already signed up for free community Wi-Fi through Round 1 of the program, 15 of which had come online as of December last year. Applications for Round 2 of the program close on 24 April and can be made here.

Applications are also being sought for the First Nations Digital Support Hub Program and Network of Digital Mentors Program, which will support First Nations Australians to be online safely and effectively, and determine which connectivity options are best for them.

A total of $4 million over two years is available for the development and delivery of a Digital Support Hub to provide national assistance online and over the phone to First Nations peoples and communities to help them develop their digital and connectivity literacy.

The Digital Support Hub is complemented by $18 million in funding over three years to support the establishment of a Network of Digital Mentors, delivered in remote First Nations communities. The Digital Mentors will provide mentorship and training to improve digital literacy and assist community members to safely participate in the digital economy.

Applications for the First Nations Digital Support Hub and Network of Digital Mentors Programs close on 13 March 2025 and can be made here.

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