First Nations Community Wi-Fi Program – draft Grant Opportunity Guidelines

Closing the gap in digital inclusion is critical to supporting First Nations people and communities to:

• access essential online services such as telehealth, Centrelink and online learning; and
• fully participate in and enjoy the economic and social opportunities that come with using digital technologies.

Following recommendations from the First Nations Digital Inclusion Advisory Group (Advisory Group) in their initial report October 2023, the Australian Government announced funding for the First Nations Community Wi-Fi Program. This program is one of the practical measures the Government is taking to support digital inclusion for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities, by investing $20 million (GST exclusive) over three years to fund eligible projects to deliver free community Wi-Fi solutions in remote and very remote communities.

Further information can be found at www.infrastructure.gov.au/FNDI.

Under the draft Guidelines this funding will be awarded to suitable applicants through an open competitive grants process and will target First Nations communities in remote locations with poor levels of connectivity and digital inclusion to provide them with sustainable, place-based solutions, that meets their needs.

The grant opportunity is expected to open for applications in January 2025, following the consultation period.

We’re seeking feedback on:

• The draft Guidelines
• Communities that would benefit
• How the needs of communities should be considered 

Relevant documentation

Draft Grant Opportunity Guidelines for First Nations Community Wi-Fi Program