Two North Coast community organisations are among 26 groups across Australia to share in $200,000 in grants aimed at bridging the digital divide in regional and rural communities.
Bellinger Community Communications Co-operative, which operates 2BBB FM in Bellingen, has received $9,918 through the Telstra Connected Communities Grant Program, administered by the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR). The funding will be used to upgrade digital equipment, improving the community broadcaster’s operations and ensuring services remain on air during emergencies.
The welcome funds come as the organisation is currently running on a temporary transmitter in Dorrigo, while fundraising for a new transmitter is a long way from the needed $34,000.
South West Rocks Maritime Precinct has also received $1,500 to purchase a laptop for administration and the digitising of its historical collection, improving community access to local history documents.
The grants, capped at $10,000 each, support not-for-profit organisations and community groups to improve digital connectivity and build the digital skills and confidence of people living in regional and remote areas.
FRRR Head of Granting Jill Karena said the program reflected how essential digital access had become for regional communities, particularly in emergencies.
“Communities need reliable connectivity and digital technology to navigate times of uncertainty, like when a disaster strikes, and we are pleased to be able to fund a number of initiatives that will provide the technology, tools and infrastructure they need to be more resilient and responsive to disruptions and emergencies.”
Karena said many people across regional Australia still lacked the equipment or confidence to access essential services online.
“Increasingly, essential systems and services require access to technology but many people, both young and old, do not have the digital equipment, capability or confidence to do so. Several of these grants address these challenges, with trusted local hubs and volunteer-led organisations stepping up to ensure vulnerable community members have access and are supported with day-to-day services like telehealth, government support or education and training.”
Telstra’s Regional Australia Executive Loretta Willaton said the program highlighted the practical ways community groups were solving real problems when given the right support.
“The organisations applying to this program are tackling very real challenges, remoteness, limited connectivity and infrastructure, digital exclusion and the growing need for digital skills.”
“What stands out is the way communities are stepping up with practical, locally-led solutions when they have the right support,” she said.
“They are improving access to essential services like telehealth, strengthening emergency communications, and creating opportunities for people to build their confidence and skills to engage online.”
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