Presenter: Daniel Featherstone

Indigenous Remote Communications Association

SEGRA Conference 8-9th October 2014

About IRCA

IRCA represents and resources the remote Indigenous media

and communications sector to be a powerful and connected

voice for remote Indigenous Australia

IRCA supports remote Indigenous media organisations to

provide employment, skills, media platforms, relevant news &

content, language and cultural maintenance, self–

representation, and community wellbeing

IRCA is committed to advocating for access to essential

communication services, digital inclusion and social and

economic development for remote Indigenous people

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Pilbara and

Kimberley Aboriginal

Media

Top End Aboriginal Bush

Broadcasting Association

Pitjantjatjara

Yankunytjatjara

Media

Central Australian

Aboriginal Media

Association

Pintupi Anmatjerre

Warlpiri Media

Ngaanyatjarra

Media

Torres Strait Islands

Media Association

Queensland Remote

Aboriginal Media

Remote Indigenous Media Organisations

“A digital divide exists between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australia.” (Finding 2.11, Regional Telecommunications Review 2011-12)

National Broadband Network – satellite delivery in remote Australia, LTSS

due for launch late 2015

Northern Australia policy focus – communications is a critical enabler

New Indigenous Advancement Strategy – focus on employment, school

attendance and community safety

States/territories responsible for essential and municipal services in remote

Indigenous communities

Mobile Black Spots Program, & mobile programs in WA and NT

The Context

NBN satellite (for launch late 2015)

Mobile Telephony expansion

Smartphones, tablets and apps

Social media

Community online access centres

WiFi last-mile distribution and media servers

Videoconferencing

Online service delivery- eGov, tele-health, education etc

Online enterprise, sales and fundraising

The Opportunities

The sustainability of remote Indigenous communities increasingly relies on

effective communications infrastructure and services

Unmet demand for basic telephony services

Very low home internet access and IT equipment

Mobile telephony most appropriate form of telecoms mode, but not enabled

by NBN

Existing legacy fibre networks not linked into the NBN

Market model of NBN breaks down in remote Australia

Satellite latency and asymmetry limits two-way applications

The Challenges

Affordability Accessibility

Appropriateness Awareness

Digital Inclusion

The enablers

Relevant content

Local strategies

Training and support

Last-mile delivery

Access facilities

Relevant applications

Case Study: Ngaanyatjarra

Lands Telecommunications

Project

IndigiTUBE website- video, radio, music, podcasts; link to sales

Black Star radio network- using IP-WAN for regional distribution

PY Media Community Journalists- using iPhones & iOS app for recording, editing

and uploading community radio stories and OBs via 3G or WiFi

Ng Media Visual Network & Community Broadcast Systems – content to clinic, office

& school in 14 communities; real-time videocon training

Ara Irititja Archival Project- cloud-based regional archive project

Language apps and eBooks e.g. IAD, iSee-iLearn, site mapping, Living Archive of

Aboriginal Languages Project (CDU)

Social media for communication, sharing media and language maintenance

The applications

On-line sales of DVDs/ CDs/ merchandise e.g. CAAMA, NG Media, PAW

Media

Art Centre sales- Warlukurlangu Artists, Warakurna Artists

Community enterprise promotions- tourism ventures, bush foods, craft

products, Enterprise Learning Project

PAW Media ‘Bush Mechanics’ Animation –Pozible crowd sourcing funding

for post-production; Raised $11,146 (aimed for $10,000)

Media campaigns via radio, TV, Indigenous websites or social media

Virtual enterprise and employment

The enterprises

NBN is only one part of the solution

Regional and state-based solutions still needed

Regulatory measures needed to ensure pricing

equity and address market failure

The solutions

The uptake

Broadband for the Bush Alliance

Aims:

Promote and represent the digital aspirations and

priorities of remote and rural regions

Advocate for effective communications infrastructure

and services for remote Australian communities,

businesses and dwellings

Coordinate a research network to address knowledge

gaps in remote communications needs

Build capacity of stakeholders to participate in the

digital economy

Share knowledge and experience

Facilitate and support trials and projects aimed at

achieving improved digital outcomes