Galiwin'ku, Wandawuy and Gan Gan to receive free internet in hopes of narrowing digital gap
Three sites in the NT will be some of the first remote Indigenous communities in Australia to get free Wi-Fi, helping locals access what most ‘take for granted every day’.
Northern Territory
Don't miss out on the headlines from Northern Territory. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Three sites in the Northern Territory will be part of the first 18 remote Indigenous communities across the country to receive free wi-fi, in hopes of narrowing the digital gap.
Galiwin'ku, Wandawuy and Gan Gan are currently working through a co-design process with the federal government and NBN Co, on track to be connected in the next six months.
The services will be provided through NBN’s satellite Sky Muster technology, with communities helping to decide service location, hours of operation, and any access controls.
Yalu Aboriginal Corporation director – and occasional TikToker – Cyril Bukulatjpi said the Galiwin'ku community felt a mix of excitement and disbelief at the prospect of getting connected.
“The reactions are really amazing in the community,” he said.
“And our work … we have a footprint across Arnhem Land so it would be really much better for us, to help with communication.”
Yalu chief executive Anahita Tonkin said free wi-fi would “genuinely change lives” in the community.
“Things that we take for granted every day like a simple phone call, sending an email, opening up a PDF, is incredibly, incredibly difficult for us,” she said.
“What this will allow us to do is for families to connect, to connect to culture, business to actually be able to flow quite easily, and simple things like entertainment.
“This will also allow Galiwin'ku to have access to critical information, things such as connecting to the ATO, and being ready for disaster management.”
NBN head of remote development Gavin Williams said the company’s satellite technology was one of its most reliable services, interrupted by only the most extreme rain events.
“It’s proven its efficacy right across the country through wind, fire and monsoonal rain,” he said.
As part of a $20m commitment made in February, 18 communities will receive the free services by the end of the year, including Kowanyama, Pormpuraaw and Doomadgee in Queensland, Loanbun, Kurangjo, Mindi Rardi, Bungtardi, Daringunaya, Burawa and Junjuwa in Western Australia, and Pukatja, Kaltjiti (Fregon), Mimili, Pipalyatjara and Amata in South Australia.
Federal communications Minister Michelle Rowland said First Nations communities remained some of Australia’s most digitally isolated.
“That’s why our free community wi-fi program will support these communities to get online in a safe way, guided by the priorities of the local community,” she said.
“I look forward to more communities joining the program over the coming months to ensure remote communities can access the same services enjoyed by Australians in our major cities.”
Minister for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney said the project would “open the door to training, jobs, businesses and information that may have previously been unavailable”.
More Coverage
Originally published as Galiwin'ku, Wandawuy and Gan Gan to receive free internet in hopes of narrowing digital gap
Uncle arrested in alleged domestic violence killing
The Top End community is reeling from the second suspected domestic homicide in just a week, as the major crime unit continues to investigate an alleged stabbing in a Malak backyard.
Crims could get up to 10 years jail for new NT ram raid offence
A Darwin supermarket has welcomed new laws after the store was allegedly targeted in a ram raid, which caused thousands of dollars worth of damage. WATCH THE VIDEO.