Growing Indigenous Knowledge Centres

Our digital inclusion project will enable 16 Indigenous Shire Councils in Queensland to have their own Indigenous Knowledge Centre (IKC). Technology and place-based digital skills programs will be delivered, co-designed by communities to meet local interests. They will include technology for recording languages, creating digital art, sharing stories via podcasts, and researching family history.   

The program focuses on developing basic digital skills and enabling access to digital services. This is particularly important as more government services move online. Digital literacy is crucial to prevent individuals and communities from being left behind.  

First Nations digital inclusion is a key part of the federal government’s Closing the Gap target. It ensures Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have access to information and services that enable participation in the digital economy.   

State Library of Queensland is helping to close the digital divide in some of the state’s most remote communities by working with the Queensland Government’s Our Thriving Digital Future: Queensland’s Digital Economy Strategy 2023-2026, which is funding the project. 

This initiative supports the establishment of new IKCs in Doomadgee and Kowanyama, along with programs that build digital capability in 16 Indigenous Shire Councils across Queensland.  

IKCs are public information hubs and libraries owned and operated by Indigenous Shire Councils in partnership with State Library and local councils. They play a key role in increasing digital inclusion by providing access to the internet and technology as well as digital skills building in regional areas.