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Device banking for First Nations communities boosts digital connectivity

ACCAN

A new model of device donation, training and community-led support is promising to help bridge the digital divide, a report of a device bank project pilot run by WorkVentures, supported by the First Nations Digital Inclusion Advisory Group and NBN Co., and funded through the ACCAN Independent Grants Program, has found.

Work Ventures has presented early findings from the First Nations Device Bank proof of concept in a new Social Impact Report: First Nations Device Bank, published today.

Digital inclusion is essential for all Australian communities. We all rely on being connected to the digital world to access critical services including health, education, work, and safety.

The pilot shows that closing the digital divide requires more than getting a device into someone's hands. Access delivered through trusted community partners, culturally responsive co-design, and ongoing support are what turn a refurbished laptop, tablet or phone into meaningful digital participation.

Insights from this pilot will inform the development of the National Device Bank, a collaboration between WorkVentures and Good Things Australia, together with the First Nations Digital Mentors network and the First Nations Tech Support Hub (when launched). The focus now needs to be to adopt the model at scale, with adequate resourcing and appropriate governance.

The National Device Bank is a social infrastructure program that refurbishes corporate and government  devices and redirects them into digitally excluded communities. Higher quality laptops, tablets and mobiles are refurbished with required software, technical support and warranties and redistributed via a network of accredited community organisations. Devices less suitable devices for community distribution are resold to help fund the program.  At present the National Device Bank currently has requests for almost 16,000 devices and is seeking further device donations to meet this need.  

Quotes from project partners:

Carol Bennett, CEO of the Australian Communications Consumer Action Network, said:

“This pilot has demonstrated the viability of this device bank model. Devices are reaching communities, and the refurbished devices, when set up appropriately for each community context, are helping people who may have encountered barriers to digital access in the past.

“With governments investing heavily in community Wi-Fi for remote First Nations communities, the foundation has been laid for digital access – now it’s a matter of best setting up these consumers to succeed in their digital access.”

“We are proud to support this important work through our Independent Grants Program, and thank the project partners.”

Caroline McDaid CEO of WorkVentures, said:

“First Nations communities are among the most digitally excluded in Australia. In remote communities 45.9% of the population are highly digitally excluded compared to 9.4% nationally. Access to appropriate devices, backed by digital support and coaching are crucial to closing this gap.

This pilot shows that when communities can engage with trusted partners in a coordinated program, they can make real gains in digital capability. Expanding this program would build on government investment in remote community Wi-Fi, the First Nations Digital Mentors network and the First Nations Tech Support Hub.”

Dot West OAM and Professor Lyndon Ormond-Parker, Co-Chairs, First Nations Digital Inclusion Advisory Group, said:

The Advisory Group is pleased to see the work underway to close the digital divide by ensuring access to devices such as laptops and mobiles. In line with the recommendations in the First Nations Digital Inclusion Roadmap, the device bank model is a great way of ensuring devices get to where they are needed most, particularly when delivered through partnerships with community organisations. We look forward to seeing further progress on this important element of digital inclusion for First Nations Australians.

About us:

The Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) is Australia’s peak communication consumer organisation. The operation of ACCAN is made possible by funding provided by the Commonwealth of Australia under section 593 of the Telecommunications Act 1997. This funding is recovered from charges on telecommunications carriers.

Contact details:

Alec Bennetts
Mobile: 0490 540 444
Email: [email protected]