The free, independent phone and internet advice service that helped hundreds of thousands of rural Australians has closed, after the National Farmers’ Federation failed to secure funding to keep it running.
The Regional Tech Hub launched in December 2020 and provided practical connectivity advice to people across rural, regional and remote Australia. Over its life it gave one-on-one assistance to more than 80,000 households.
In 2025 alone, more than 28,000 regional Australians received direct connectivity support, averaging more than 75 people every day. The Regional Tech Hub website was visited 327,254 times, its helpdesk fielded 7,877 contacts, and 3,480 people received in-person help at events.
Australian Government funding for the program ended on 30 June, and the NFF explored alternative funding streams and delivery models before deciding the direct support service could not continue without a viable funding source.
NFF Chief Executive Officer Michael Guerin said the closure was a deeply disappointing outcome for regional Australia.
“The Regional Tech Hub has been one of those rare services that solved real problems for people every single day,” Mr Guerin said.
“It helped families connect to telehealth and education, farmers adopt new technology, small businesses keep operating and communities navigate everything from the 3G shutdown to Triple Zero outages.
“We are deeply disappointed the program was not re-funded. At a time when telecommunications technology is becoming more complex and major changes such as the Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation are approaching, rural and regional Australians need independent, plain-English support more than ever.
“The Government is investing significantly in regional telecommunications infrastructure, but infrastructure alone is not enough. People still need help to understand what is available, choose the right option and make it work where they live.”
Regional Tech Hub General Manager Kristen Coggan said the team understood that connectivity in the bush was rarely simple.
“People do not need another generic call centre, they need someone who would listen, understand their circumstances and stay with the problem until there was a practical way forward,” Ms Coggan said.
“I am enormously proud of what our small and dedicated team achieved. Their technical expertise was second to none, but what truly set them apart was they treated every enquiry as a person, not a ticket.”
Ms Coggan thanked telecommunications providers, community organisations, councils and regional advocates, particularly the Better Internet for Rural, Regional and Remote Australia group, for helping the service reach people right across the country.
Direct Regional Tech Hub support services officially closed on 30 June, and existing information and resources will shut down from 31 August.
Mr Guerin said the NFF still believed in the program and would welcome the chance to bring it back if a sustainable funding opportunity emerged in the future.
Something going on in your part of the North Coast people should know about? Let us know by emailing newsdesk@nctimes.com.au