A new initiative delivering high-speed public Wi-Fi to outback towns will help transform healthcare access for residents, workers and visitors in remote South Australia.
The partnership between the Outback Communities Authority (OCA) and the RFDS is bridging the digital divide between city and country through the installation of world-class satellite and cyber security technology.
Fowlers Bay, William Creek and Marree were the first towns to be connected under the pilot project – funded by a grant from the Federal Government – as they collectively represent a cross-section of outback communities with variations in population size and seasonal visitor numbers.
RFDS SA/NT Chief Information Officer Ryan Klose said access to high-speed internet in the bush has historically been an unsolved puzzle.
“Reliable internet is no longer a luxury, it’s a lifeline,” Mr Klose said.
“By bringing high-speed connectivity to remote areas, we’re enabling people to access care via telehealth without the need to travel hours for consultation.
“Imagine living hundreds of kilometres from the nearest GP or allied health clinic, but still being able to connect with healthcare professionals who can provide safe and high quality care from anywhere in Australia to you, in your home.”
The outback tourist town of William Creek, 800 kilometres north of Adelaide, welcomes more than 26,000 visitors every year en route to explore unique landscapes and the natural wonder of Lake Eyre.
The town’s RFDS Virtual Emergency Centre launched in 2024, enables 24/7 emergency care and will now be backed by the stability of the high-speed connectivity.
"Our modern facility in William Creek is already saving lives and improving health outcomes,” Mr Klose said.
“We’ve had multiple travellers experience medical emergencies and at the touch of an intercom, access the safe space to immediately connect with a doctor for diagnosis, treatment and, if needed, aeromedical retrieval.
“We will continue to take this model and develop it. Whether face-to-face or via digital technology, we’re committed to advocating for 24/7 healthcare support for all Australians.”
Ryan Klose, RFDS
Beyond health care, the Wi-Fi project is supporting local education, businesses, as well as opportunities for community connection, tourism and economic growth.
“Providing services in the outback that match what is available in urban centres always presents a challenge, but this project shows that innovative solutions can arise when strategic investment and new partnerships are combined,” OCA Presiding Member Jan Ferguson OAM said.
“Having free high-speed Wi-Fi in these towns will no doubt be of benefit to residents, business and visitors, and it introduces opportunities for innovative digital services as well.”
The pilot project has been well received by both residents and visitors in the three towns, with usage data showing a strong uptake of the service.
The monthly usage average across the three towns has exceeded 550 gigabytes, with high uptake of the service by visitors during holiday and high-tourism seasons, and consistent use by residents.
“It is wonderful to see the outback community of South Australia come together to advocate for improved connectivity in the region, with this project already delivering results for locals and tourists alike,” Senator for SA the Hon Karen Grogan said.
The SA Government has also welcomed the initiative.
“Whether they live in William Creek or on King William Street, South Australians should have the same access to the internet, and that is why programs like these are so important,” SA Minister for Local Government Joe Szakacs MP said.
OCA and the RFDS aims to replicate the success of the pilot project, extending high-speed connectivity to more outback communities in the near future.
The RFDS would like to acknowledge the Federal Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program and the innovation team behind the Wi-Fi project: AirBridge, Fortinet, Vocus Communications, Outback Communities Authority, the communities of Maree, William Creek and Fowlers Bay, and the RFDS Team.
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