Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
The First 5 Forever program is available through the Cassowary Coast Libraries. Photo supplied
Residents of Kurrimine Beach and Tully Heads are now benefiting from improved digital access following the successful rollout of free community WiFi through Cassowary Coast Library & Museum Services. At Kurrimine, Mayor Millwood and Councillor Trudy Tschui were both in attendance of the rollout announcement, and at Tully Heads Councillor Chis Littlemore and Mayor Millwood where in attendance.
Funded through the Digital Starter Grant Program, part of State Library of Queensland's Regional Digital Development project, the initiative has delivered free community WiFi at both community halls while expanding access to library services, technology support and digital learning opportunities in two of the region's coastal communities.
The project was celebrated through Community WiFi Launch and Library Outreach Days held at Kurrimine Beach Progress Hall and Tully Heads Community Hall, where local residents gathered to explore the new service, connect with library staff and learn more about the wide range of digital resources available through the library.
Families enjoyed Cassowary Kids early literacy sessions, while community members took advantage of one-on-one technology assistance, support accessing online Council services and demonstrations of free eBooks, audiobooks, online learning platformsand other digital resources available through the library.
The initiative was developed in response to the connectivity and access challenges often experienced in smaller coastal and regional communities, where reliable internet access and digital support services can be more difficult to access.
Importantly, the project delivers much more than internet connectivity. Funding has also enabled the creation of a roaming digital outreach kit, allowing Cassowary Coast Library & Museum Services staff to deliver technology programs, digital literacy assistance and library outreach activities beyond traditional library buildings.
The mobile technology will support ongoing outreach in communities with limited connectivity or reduced access to services, including Jumbun and other locations across the Cassowary Coast.
As more everyday services move online, digital inclusion has become increasingly important for community participation. Accessing government services, completing online forms, applying for jobs, communicating with family and friends, managing personal affairs and pursuing lifelong learning all rely on confidence with technology and reliable internet access.
The project aims to improve both access and confidence by providing residents with practical support close to home. Through free community WiFi, local technology assistance and regular outreach visits, community members are empowered to develop digital skills in a welcoming and supportive environment.
The launch events also marked the beginning of ongoing monthly outreach visits to both Kurrimine Beach and Tully Heads. These regular sessions will continue to provide technology support, digital literacy assistance, access to library resources, help navigating online services and opportunities for community connection.
The success of the initiative demonstrates the value of targeted investment in regional communities and highlights the important role libraries play in fostering digital inclusion. By combining infrastructure, outreach and personalised support, the project creates lasting benefits that extend well beyond the installation of WiFi equipment.
Cassowary Coast Library & Museum Services would like to thank State Library of Queensland for its support through the Digital Starter Grant Program and looks forward to continuing to build digitally connected, informed and resilient communities across the Cassowary Coast.
This new service has been made possible through the Digital Starter Grant Program, part of State Library of Queensland’s Regional Digital Development project, supported by the Department of Customer Services, Open Data and Small and Family Business.
(Contributed with thanks by Veronica Ferguson, Tully Library Supervisor of the Cassowary Coast Regional Council)
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