1. CLOSING THE GAP: NATIONAL PARTNERSHIP ON REMOTE INDIGENOUS PUBLIC INTERNET ACCESS Northern Territory Library DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, ENVIRONMENT, THE ARTS AND SPORT

2. RIPIA  The program is part of the Australian Government's response package to the Regional Telecommunications Review.  The response provides essential telephone services, basic public internet access facilities and computer training for many remote Indigenous communities.

3. RIPIA  “The Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, today welcomed the signing of a new agreement that will bring improved internet access and basic computer training to remote Indigenous communities.”

4. RIPIA  Commonwealth Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy.  Northern Territory Minister for Information, Communications and Technology.  The project steering committee: Department of Education and Training. Department of Business and Employment Department of Housing, Local Government and Regional Services  Project Managers: Northern Territory Library

5. RIPIA  Runs for four years  Each year is approved on history and plan  Year 1 – only 19 locations  Years 2,3,4 – all 40 locations covered  In each year New Infrastructure (first two years only) Maintain Infrastructure ›Training

6. RIPIA  Current Status ›Report for 2010-2011 finished – 9 sites failed. ›Plan for 2011-2012 with the Department of Broadband Communications & the Digital Economy awaiting approval. ›2011 – 2012 Strategic thinking underway ›40 sites to do ›Sustainability – pay for use internet will prop up the free internet? ›Community Stories ›Virtual library ›Expert Broadcasts

7. RIPIA – Sites https://ntlwiki.nt.gov.au/display/RIPIA/Sites

8. RIPIA

9. So many gadgets  The ideal IT support is standard devices, software and infrastructure  RIPIA is government, non government, windows, apple, linux (android, sugar …)  The project relies on the goodwill of many people and organisations  Community consultation, RIPIA needs to reach outward almost semi continuously  How do we fix things? Return to base, email support only, Wiki of FAQ

10. e-connect E-connect is an exciting project enabling Indigenous Communities access to the internet and communications services. In part, the program aims to provide valuable access to a wide range of activities and programs through online conferencing software. The current Interactive Distance Learning structure is limited by geography

11. e-connect  HOW CAN YOU BE INVOLVED?  The training for Connectors is being provided by NTL in an easy-to-follow, online program (ie two 1 ½ hour sessions),  Then the E-Connect program begins. This will involve Connectors participating in a series of Webex conferences with nominated community members, thus building confidence with the technology and providing mentorship.  The Communities will be able to access a variety of activities and programs over the weekly sessions.

12. RIPIA - infrastructure ›Computers which are setup for use in a 'library' location. Both the iMacs and the PC's are Community Stories ready and installed with current Microsoft software as well as web links to relevant sites The wireless hotspot comes with the Family Friendly filter, Web conferencing will open up communication between community members and the wider NT, One Laptop per Child XO's are a link between education and the wider community, Documenting, Multi Media, Internet and other technologies.

13. RIPIA - Training ›There is a significant training budget which begins with basic computer skills ›Email, internet sites, banks, library resources ›But can grow to becoming a ‘local star’’, helping your peers to use the internet ›Then we have mobile sound equipment and mobile image capture and training in those technologies

14. Today