Digital boost for First Nations communities in regional and remote Queensland

• The Miles Government is investing $9 million to help bridge the digital divide impacting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders in regional and remote communities.
• Funding delivered through State Library of Queensland will improve the digital capability of 26 Indigenous Knowledge Centres (IKCs), with new digital IKCs for Doomadgee, Kowanyama, and Mornington Island.
• Regional councils in Cairns, Townsville, Paroo and Mareeba will be funded to deliver Deadly Digital Communities digital literacy programs.

The Miles Government is helping to close the digital divide experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders, with $9 million supporting a range of digital inclusion programs through the State Library of Queensland.

These 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.

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.

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.

Quotes attributable to the Minister for the Arts the Hon. Leeanne Enoch MP:

“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.

“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.”            

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Transport the Hon. Bart Mellish MP:

“This Partnership between the State Government, State Library of Queensland and councils across Queensland will help close the digital divide, a priority of Our Thriving Digital Future – Queensland’s Digital Economy Strategy.

“The Growing Indigenous Knowledge Centres initiative will help to develop IKCs’, communities’ and individuals’ digital capacity; and expand access to a digital model of IKCs in communities that do not presently have access to one.

“Deadly Digital Communities funding will support delivery of digital literacy programs for First Nations community members in partnership with Councils in Cairns, Townsville, Paroo and Mareeba; and the employment of Regional Digital Development Officers will support the opportunities for regional councils and communities to realise their digital potential.”

Quotes attributable to 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.

“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.

Explainer/fast fact and or further information:

• The 2023 Australian Digital Inclusion Index highlighted a considerable digital gap between First Nations and non-First Nations people in Australia, especially in remote and very remote locations.
• The $9 million package of digital Inclusion initiatives is supported through Our Thriving Digital Future: Queensland’s Digital Economy Strategy 2023-2026.
• The Growing IKCs initiative will support digital inclusion initiatives at IKCs in  Aurukun, Cherbourg, Hope Vale, Lockhart River, Mapoon, Napranum, Northern Peninsula Area, Palm Island, Pormpuraaw, Torres Strait Island Regional, Woorabinda, Wujal Wujal and Yarrabah Indigenous council areas.
• Councils being supported to co-design digital IKCs include Doomadgee, Kowanyama Aboriginal, and Mornington (under construction).
• Deadly Digital Communities brings together Queensland State Library, participating local government public libraries and First Nation communities, to deliver place-based, co-designed digital literacy programs.  
• Regional Digital Development Officers employed by State Library of Queensland will support access to new digital technologies among councils and communities in twenty-nine regional, remote and very remote local government areas.
• State Library recently launched its First Nations Strategy 2024-28, an advancement of its long-standing commitment to the First Nations people and communities of Queensland.

ENDS

Media contact –  Kim Sweetman 0457 600 237