Wester'ly - Digital Inclusion for Western Sydney

“72% of students from lower socio-economic backgrounds face digital inclusion challenges” - this is just one of the confronting datapoints in the “Digital Equity & Education” report from Western Sydney University & Whitlam Institute. ➡️ only 32% of Western Sydney based students have access to adequate digital devices for learning activities at home. ➡️ 37% of western Sydney based school children rely solely upon mobile phones to complete educational activities at home. ➡️ Only 5% of regional NSW based students receive adequate technical support at home. As articulated by Azadeh Dastyari, with participation in education so reliant upon technology, a lack of adequate digital access violates the basic human right to education. And sadly this digital inequity is impacting the groups for whom education is most critical to break the cycle of disadvantage. It was great to hear the wholehearted and passionate support of Minister Jihad Dib to address this issue as part of the forthcoming NSW Digital Inclusion Strategy. https://lnkd.in/gBBH9mhV

To effectively address digital inclusion in Australia, it is crucial to reinstate and refine the internet use question in the 2026 Census. Understanding household digital connectivity will inform targeted initiatives at local, state, and national levels, ensuring that resources are allocated to bridge the digital divide. This data is vital for addressing issues faced by vulnerable groups, such as low-income families, remote communities, and individuals with disabilities, as they navigate increasingly digital environments for essential services like healthcare, education, and employment. By collecting detailed information on internet access and usage, we can enhance the resilience and responsiveness of Australia's telecommunications infrastructure to meet the needs of all Australians.

Funding a dedicated Project Officer is essential for the successful implementation of digital inclusion initiatives in Western Sydney. This role will coordinate activities, liaise with stakeholders, oversee the roll-out of digital skills training and access to devices, and ensure efficient distribution of resources. By engaging with local communities, the Project Officer will tailor programs to meet specific needs, monitor progress, and provide ongoing support. Their work will bridge the gap between community needs and resources, ensuring timely, budget-efficient, and impactful solutions to reduce digital exclusion.

To bridge the digital divide in Western Sydney, it is crucial to provide targeted digital skills training to empower community members with the confidence and ability to navigate digital spaces safely. This training should address the foundational digital skills needed for everyday activities and more advanced skills required for employment and online safety. Tailored programs should also support vulnerable groups, including culturally and linguistically diverse communities, First Nations individuals, and people with disabilities. By enhancing digital literacy among residents and frontline staff, we can foster greater digital inclusion, mitigate risks, and enable full participation in social and economic opportunities.

To enhance digital inclusion in Western Sydney, it is imperative to improve the accessibility of government websites for non-English speakers by developing digital resources in multiple languages. This approach will ensure equitable access to essential public services for culturally and linguistically diverse communities, where over 75% of the population in certain areas speak a language other than English at home. Establishing a standard of language accessibility for all government resources and integrating advanced digital tools, such as AI for translations, can help overcome barriers faced by migrants and refugees. However, continuous efforts are needed to build trust and confidence in these services to ensure they are effectively utilised.

To bridge the digital divide in Western Sydney, we must enhance access to safe and secure public Wi-Fi networks. Increasing the availability of public Wi-Fi can strengthen digital connectivity and provide equitable access to digital services.

Western Sydney’s communities are disproportionately affected by digital exclusion. A Bold Solution: The National Device Bank We propose a collaborative effort involving national, state, and local stakeholders to create a national device bank. This initiative aims to provide refurbished devices to those in need, ensuring that no Australian is left behind in the digital age. Here’s how it would work: Collaboration and Coordination: Federal and state governments, along with local partners, would work together to manage and sustain the device bank. Distribution Network: Community organisations and advocacy groups would play a key role in distributing devices, leveraging their on-ground knowledge and trusted networks. Central Management: A central government department, such as Centrelink, would oversee the operation, ensuring efficiency and responsiveness to community needs. Establishing a national device bank is not just about providing technology; it’s about empowering people, fostering inclusion, and ensuring that every Australian can participate fully in our digital society. Let’s work together to bridge the digital divide and build a more equitable future for all.  

Are you Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and live in Western Sydney? We would like to know about your use (or non-use) of phones, computers and the internet. You can contact Azadeh Dastyari ([email protected]) or Wiradjuri Professor Corrinne Sullivan MAICD to set up a time for a chat (1-2hrs). Interviews can be done via zoom or in-person. Limited spaces available!

At Wester'ly, we are dedicated to addressing the critical issue of digital exclusion in Western Sydney. Our community members face significant barriers to accessing digital technologies, which restrict access to essential services, online education, employment opportunities, and staying connected with loved ones. Western Sydney has higher levels of digital exclusion compared to the rest of Sydney, highlighting the urgent need for action. Find our recommendations to tackle digital exclusion in Western Sydney in the Wester'ly Key Asks: Promoting Digital Inclusion in Western Sydney.

Wonderful to see the publication of 'Uncovering the Digital Divide in the Western Parkland City'. The report delivers findings from targeted research to measure digital inclusion across Western Parkland City and benchmark the digital divide between Western Parkland City and the rest of Greater Sydney. The report can be found here: https://lnkd.in/egbD4MD4  Please share the report with anyone who may be interested in this research.