Improved telecommunication services, opportunities to boost community digital literacy and growing industry partnerships were on the agenda of an Indigenous Innovation Tour in Sydney this week.
Around 20 indigenous Queensland local government mayors, deputy mayors, CEOs and council staff took part in the tour which aimed to demystify digital trends and buzzwords.
The group visited the Telstra Customer Insight Centre, Microsoft head offices, the NRL Bunker and the National Centre for Indigenous Excellence.
LGAQ Policy Executive member and Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Mayor Alf Lacey said the innovation roadshow showed that indigenous culture and the digital futures of young people can co-exist – as well as enhance each another.
“It’s important to continue to widen our understanding of what a digital future might mean for our communities,” he said.
LGAQ General Manager of Advocacy Sarah Buckler said the two-day program was an opportunity for councils to unleash their innovation potential.
“The interaction between culture, tradition, business and innovation was the focus,” Ms Buckler said.
“Touring the NRL Bunker highlighted how the combination of technology and data can transform decision-making and community engagement.”
Attendees heard from National Rugby League CEO Todd Greenberg, who encouraged councils to think big.
He also highlighted the high representation of indigenous players in Rugby League - 17% of NRL players have indigenous heritage, drawn from a national population base of just 3%.
LGAQ Innovation Executive Lou Boyle said Queensland’s indigenous councils were among the first to adopt technologies such as smart lights and CCTV, and are using bio-metric technology for access to secure areas on council sites.
“However, there is still work to do improving understanding and awareness about what is possible in the digital world, as well as continuing to fight for improved telecommunications infrastructure in some indigenous communities,” he said.