- The Digital Indigenous Knowledge Centre on Mornington Island has officially opened and is the second facility of its kind in Queensland.
- The centres are helping to close the digital divide, boost digital literacy, and create more job opportunities for Indigenous communities.
- This initiative is funded as part of a $9 million Growing IKCs partnership between the Crisafulli Government and the State Library of Queensland.
The Crisafulli Government has delivered a new digital Indigenous Knowledge Centre on Mornington Island in Far North Queensland – the second of its kind in the State.
Marking 10 months of delivery under the Crisafulli Government, the Indigenous Knowledge Centre (IKC) represents a partnership between the Queensland Government, Mornington Island Shire Council, and the State Library of Queensland.
The Centre will provide every Mornington Island resident with access to digital devices and boost digital literacy in the remote community, supporting local job prospects, remote training, remote working, and micro businesses.
The facility gives residents access to iPads and laptops, digital camera kits, document and photo scanners, eSports kits, interactive digital screens, and sublimation printing.
The new community facility is part of the Growing IKCs project, which represents the Crisafulli Government's commitment to building resilient local economies, ensuring every Queenslander can navigate the digital world, and supporting regional communities abandoned by the Palaszczuk-Miles Labor Government.
Through new digital IKCs or refurbished existing facilities, the project enables First Peoples to use technology to digitally share their culture, language and stories.
The initiative is backed by the Crisafulli Government's $9 million Digital Inclusion program, run in partnership with the State Library of Queensland.
Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Fiona Simpson said the IKCs open doors to employment, education, health services, as well as access to online services including banking and social support.
"The Crisafulli Government continues to deliver for remote and discrete Indigenous communities, which were forgotten about under the former Labor Government's out-of-sight and out-of-mind approach during their decade of decline," Minister Simpson said.
"These Digital Indigenous Knowledge Centres are critical projects in addressing Closing the Gap targets in childhood development, learning potential, employment and education, economic participation, culture and languages, and access to information.
"This project, in collaboration with the State Library, partners with 16 Indigenous councils to boost digital inclusion in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
"I am pleased to officially open this fantastic new community facility on Mornington Island on behalf of the Crisafulli Government."
Minister for Customer Services and Open Data Steve Minnikin said the delivery of Indigenous Knowledge Centres would continue to provide opportunities for Queenslanders living in remote communities.
"I was delighted to open the first IKC in Kowanyama in July and see the immediate benefits that digital connectivity provided for local residents and businesses," Minister Minnikin said.
"The delivery of the Mornington Island IKC will continue to bridge the digital divide and create new employment and business opportunities for remote communities.
"I look forward to seeing the benefits IKCs have for remote communities as we continue to roll out other centres in the future."
Mornington Shire Council Mayor Richard Sewter said the opening of the Indigenous Knowledge Centre was a vital piece of infrastructure for the community.
"This is helping the community to keep up with the digital age we now live in and ensure Mornington Island won't feel left behind as an isolated community," Cr Sewter said.
"The advancement in technology is rapid, and this is a way we can ensure that our community gains access to tools and resources for ongoing learning and development.
"Special thanks to the Queensland Government for this initiative as we need this for our community's participation in digital developments, into the future."
State Librarian Vicki McDonald AM said she was excited to launch Queensland's second digital IKC, following the opening of the first centre in Kowanyama in July.
"State Library is committed to closing the digital divide to ensure Queensland communities like Mornington Island can enjoy the benefits of the digital economy," Ms McDonald said.
"State Library is delivering digital inclusion programs to ensure a stronger economy by expanding digital opportunities in regional and remote Queensland.
"The new digital Indigenous Knowledge Centre will enable community to create record and support the culture and history of Mornington Island."
