A new project by State Library of Queensland is helping to increase digital inclusion for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples by providing access to IT equipment and digital skills.
Digital inclusion is more than just getting online; it means expanding digital access, affordability, and ability, all essential for improving lives and advancing community wellbeing. In Queensland, there remains a significant gap in digital inclusion for First Nations people, which widens with remoteness.
The project has seen the establishment of three new digital Indigenous Knowledge Centres (IKCs) in Doomadgee, Kowanyama, and Morington, and the delivery of digital programs in 25 existing centres across each First Nation Discrete Community in Queensland.
IKCs are a public information hub and library owned and operated by Indigenous Shire Councils, with assistance provided by the State Library of Queensland. The centres are the cultural heart of the community and a place of knowledge, sharing and learning. They play a crucial role in increasing digital inclusion.
Meeting community needs
The project also provides funding to the councils to purchase the technology needed to deliver generalist and specialist digital skills programs selected from State Library’s Digital Ideas Catalogue.
They include recording languages, digital art, fashion design, sharing stories via videos and podcasts, and researching family history.
“Our IKC strategy highlights how digital inclusion can be achieved through targeted initiatives and community engagement,” said Michelle Carter, Director, Digital Inclusion, State Library of Queensland. “With these three new digital centres each First Nation Discrete Community in Queensland now has internet access, digital devices and place based digital programs.”
“We are also running over 90 locally delivered digital workshops, ranging from digital storytelling to fashion design. Each is co-designed with the participating council, based on the needs of their individual communities.”
“I’m truly excited about seeing these digital workshops under way. There’s a real buzz in the community around them, and people enjoy the opportunity to use the new technology available.”
Michelle Carter, Director, Digital Inclusion, State Library of Queensland
Telling stories in a different way
“I’d describe this program as revolutionary,” said local artist Nathan who attended the Digital Storytelling workshop in the community of Arkai (Kubin) – Mua Island.
“You can start to tell stories in a new light in a different way. Digital seems to be the go [to] these days and when people see new graphic novels of just little stories – doesn’t matter if it’s traditional or not, or if it’s just personal or just fun little stories – then people can gravitate to that. I think that’s what makes this program so special, and I really like it. I highly recommend it.”
David, another artist, thinks the workshops offer a valuable outlet for young people to express themselves through digitally created content for social media platforms like TikTok.
“You never know what creativity the younger generation have in them, and I believe it’s the way forward for our community,” he said.
New ‘Digital and You’ app
The workshops can be booked via the new ‘Digital and You’ app, which lists all IKC workshops and provides access to other free digital skills workshops run by State Library.
“First Nations peoples in Queensland, like many Indigenous Australians, prefer mobile phones as their primary means of communication,” Michelle said. “The app is a good way to make everything we offer accessible and also provides behavioural prompts and self-paced learning. In areas without mobile service, workshops can still be booked directly at an Indigenous Knowledge Centre.
“This project is a major step forward in increasing digital inclusion and ensuring First Nations communities in Queensland have the digital access and skills they need to thrive,” she said, noting how the state’s public library network plays a crucial role in digital mentoring and upskilling.
“A sustainable approach to digital inclusion is supporting IKCs and libraries to be digital hubs for their community with IKC Coordinators and library staff supported to be their digital mentors,” Michelle added.
The project is supported through the Queensland Government’s Our Thriving Digital Future: Queensland’s Digital Economy Strategy 2023-2026
Learn more about the project here.