Across remote First Nations communities in Australia, reliable internet access is transforming lives. Thanks to the NBN Community Wi-Fi Program, communities like Gan Gan, Fitzroy Crossing, and Mungkarta are experiencing new opportunities in education, connection, and everyday life.
Before the program, many regional and remote First Nations communities faced significant barriers to affordable and reliable broadband connectivity. This limited access affected everything from schooling and health services to staying in touch with family. The NBN Community Wi-Fi Program, funded by the Australian Government, is helping to close this gap by providing fast, free Wi-Fi in public spaces across 23 communities.
In Gan Gan, NT, the Wi-Fi service enabled residents to participate in the Laynhapuy Homelands Aboriginal Corporation Annual General Meeting remotely, saving them a 398km round trip on difficult roads.
In Fitzroy Crossing, WA, school attendance has increased by 20 percent since the service was introduced Meanwhile, in Mungkarta, NT, students are now able to access online English and Maths lessons, and elders are gaining confidence in using digital technologies.
Mungkarta based NT Digital Champion Josiah said the new Wi-Fi service has created many positive changes in communities.
"Since the Wi-Fi was set up late last year, I've seen a real difference in the community. People are keeping in touch with family more easily, and we’re missing fewer important appointments now that we don’t have to rely on the public phone,” he said.
He has seen that the changes have impacted life for many residents in his community.
“It also really helps the students at the Mungkarta school to do their online learning programs. It’s made everyday life a lot smoother, especially when it comes to things like shopping and managing our power cards," he said.
Wesley, a Digital Champion in Galiwin’ku, NT, has seen firsthand how the program is helping people connect with loved ones and manage daily tasks more easily. He provides hands-on support, troubleshooting, and guidance to ensure everyone can benefit from the service.
“[This service] is going to make it easier for the community to enjoy and connect with their families far and near. I wanted to thank them for giving us this great opportunity to make life easier, thank you,” said Wesley.
The Program is a $20 million Commonwealth-funded initiative that aims to promote digital inclusion by addressing connectivity and affordability gaps in remote communities. The service provides unlimited access to web browsing, social media, streaming, and essential services like health, education, and e-Government. Each community also benefits from a locally employed Digital Champion who offers basic connectivity support and helps residents build digital confidence.
In September 2025 alone, across 23 NBN Community Wi-Fi connected communities, 17,500 devices connected and consumed 50 terabytes of data. Communities report improved access to education, reduced travel for meetings, increased school attendance, and even a decrease in youth-related property damage.
For communities like Gan Gan, Fitzroy Crossing, and Mungkarta, the NBN Community Wi-Fi Program is more than just internet access—it’s a gateway to opportunity, connection, and empowerment.
“When the kids can do their homework online and elders can manage their power cards without leaving home, it shows how far we’ve come. It’s helping us all move forward together,” said Josiah.
The NBN Community Wi-Fi Program contributes to Closing the Gap target 17, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have equal levels of digital inclusion.
Students at Mungkata School using the community Wi-Fi
Galiwin’ku Digital Champion Wesley with Che Cockatoo-Collins