The Broome Community Resource Centre (CRC) has been supporting the local community since 1991. As part of their mission, they aim to provide high quality, modern and up-to-date technology for use by all members of the community, with friendly staff on hand to help with anything people are unsure of how to do themselves.

However, the CRC’s technology and equipment was becoming dated and obsolete, and would soon be no longer fit-for-purpose. The CRC set in place an asset replacement plan to phase out the old computers and replace them with new technology to meet the community’s needs and expectations.

They received a $10,000 Telstra Connected Communities grant from FRRR that went towards purchasing ten new PCs. Funding from other sources enabled the CRC to also upgrade their video-conferencing equipment and peripherals for use with the new Windows 11 machines.

Franky O’Connor, who coordinated the grant on behalf of the Broome CRC said that it seemed like the replacement of the old PCs was just in time!

“In the lead up to the project, we were starting to find them lacking in speed and performance and even receive negative comments about them. The new PCs are much more fit for purpose and will serve our needs for several years to come. We have had a very positive response from our customers, and the new equipment makes our work much easier.

“We were thrilled to receive this grant from FRRR with Telstra’s Connected Communities. Our project was essential to our ongoing services, and with the grant funding from FRRR, as well as the other programs involved, we were able to complete the full project and upgrade our Centre without compromising on equipment specifications in any way. That is so gratifying and ensures our technology platform will serve us and the community well for quite some years.”

Locals can now access the new technology for social, educational and economic purposes, and the computer training courses and workshops that the CRC runs for community members are now using the latest and current operating systems and software.

FRRR, in partnership with Telstra, has awarded $200,000 via 27 grants to not-for-profit organisations (NFPs). The projects will enhance the liveability of these remote, rural and regional communities by embracing new technologies and ways of working to build social capital and digital capabilities.

Funded through Telstra’s Connected Communities Grant Program, these grants will fund community-led initiatives that provide access to information, technology, education and facilities to build connected communities that are resilient, sustainable and liveable.

The projects are spread across the country and grants range from $953, which will be used to purchase back-up drives for the computers of staff at Hughenden Kindergarten in Queensland, through to $10,000 for projects like the Kimberley Digital Discovery Program, which will provide innovative digital learning kits and training to students in remote regions of Western Australia.

Loretta Willaton, Regional Australia Executive at Telstra, said Telstra’s Connected Communities Grant Program continues to meet rural Australia’s ongoing need for improved education and access to digital connectivity.

“We launched last year knowing that there was a strong demand for funding to support digital connectivity. This was confirmed by the high levels of interest and we saw similar demand this year, confirming the need for this program.

“We’re proud to be able to support these groups and their grassroots initiatives, which are improving community disaster preparedness, implementing more effective environmental practices and boosting social connection,” Ms Cliffe said.

Natalie Egleton, FRRR’s CEO, said that grant programs, like Telstra’s Connected Communities Grant Program, are key when it comes to enhancing the liveability of remote, rural and regional Australia.

“These grants aren’t just about getting people online; ultimately they’re about providing equitable access to services and boosting the overall liveability of non-metro communities across Australia – particularly remote places where there is often very limited access to digital connectivity. Digital skills and reliable connectivity improve the quality of life for people living in any city or town – it’s no different for people living in remote Australia.

“The positive knock-on impacts that these community initiatives will have when it comes to economic development and social connectedness shows us why funding for these kinds of projects is vital for a vibrant, sustainable remote, rural and regional Australia.

“These grants also highlight the critical need for accessible technologies and digital connectivity to support vulnerable people and places, especially when responding to, recovering from or preparing for disaster or crisis.

“A great example of this is Iluka Community Organisation Planning for Emergencies Inc’s Digital Resilience Initiative. This regional NSW community project will build local resilience and communication by upgrading digital equipment to improve the community’s evacuation procedures and enhance preparedness training,” Ms Egleton said.

The full list of grant recipients and their projects are below.