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