First Nations Community Wi-Fi Program – Open Competitive Grant Opportunity
Tender ID: 579034
Tender Details
Tender Description
The First Nations Community Wi-Fi Program is an open competitive grant opportunity that will fund projects to provide free community Wi-Fi solutions in eligible remote and very remote First Nations communities. The program aims to improve and expand the level of digital inclusion for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples by providing accessible, place-based solutions that are tailored to the needs of individual communities now and into the future. Accessibility, affordability and sustainability are key features of the program.
The objective of the Grant Opportunity is to:
· deliver place-based Community Wi-Fi solutions in remote and very remote First Nations communities, by 30 June 2027, that respond to local priorities and community needs, and is reliable, sustainable, stable, accessible, and free for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in those communities.
The First Nations Community Wi-Fi program grant opportunity will be delivered through an open competitive grants process administered by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts (the department) in accordance with the Commonwealth Grants Rules and Principles 2024 (CGRPs).
Eligibility:
You must satisfy all the eligibility criteria and be deemed eligible by the department to then be invited to submit a full application.
To be eligible you must:
· have an Australian Business Number (ABN), or be able to provide evidence of exemption
· be registered for the purpose of GST, or be able to provide evidence of exemption
· have an account with an Australian financial institution
· be a legal entity with the capacity to enter into a legally binding agreement or contract
· be a legal entity, able to enter into a legally binding agreement
and be one of the following entity types:
· a licensed telecommunications carrier under the Telecommunications Act 1997
· owner or intended owner of the Proposed Solution infrastructure who holds or intends to hold a Nominated Carrier Declaration (NCD) under the Telecommunications Act 1997 in relation to the infrastructure to be build improved/upgraded
· a joint (consortia) application, with a lead organisation, where at least one organisation must be a licensed telecommunications carrier or infrastructure owner who holds or intends to hold an NCD in relation to the infrastructure to be built, improved or upgraded.
More information on eligibility can be found at section 6 of the Guidelines.
Grant Activity Timeframe:
Successful applicants must complete all capital works by 30 June 2027.
Following this period, successful applicants will be expected to maintain and upgrade (as required) the Funded Project, and provide free Community Wi-Fi services and project reporting for the Operational period (five (5) years), as defined in section 5.3 of the Grant Opportunity Guidelines.
This grant opportunity is part of a non-ongoing program and no further funding will be required.
Total Amount Available (AUD):
$22,000,000.00
Estimated Grant Value (AUD):
From $0.00 to $22,000,000.00
Instructions for Application Submission:
Before you start, please read the First Nations Community Wi-Fi Program Grant Opportunity Guidelines (the Guidelines), and the Applicant Eligibility form available on GrantConnect at www.grants.gov.au.
The application process involves two stages:
· Stage One is the Applicant Eligibility check
o Applicants must first complete and submit an Applicant Eligibility Form (FORM 1).
· Stage Two is the Full Application phase
o Only applicants who are assessed as eligible through Stage One will be invited to submit a Full Application and sent an Application Pack (including a Deed of Confidentiality) by the department.
Submit your application/s to FirstNationsDigitalInclusion@infrastructure.gov.au by 5.00 PM (AEST) Thursday 24 April 2025.
Further details are available at sections 7 and 10 of the Guidelines.
Other Instructions:
In applying, applicants are responsible for ensuring that your application is complete and accurate. If you find an error in your application after submitting it, you should contact us immediately at FirstNationsDigitalInclusion@infrastructure.gov.au. We do not accept any additional information, or requests from you to correct your application after the closing time.
You cannot change your application after the closing date and time.
Location
New South Wales : Central West : Far North Coast : Far West : Hunter : Illawarra : Mid North Coast : Murray : New England : Orana : Riverina : Southern Highlands : Sydney
Queensland : Cairns & Far North Queensland : Gladstone : Mackay Whitsunday Region : Mount Isa & North West Region : Rockhampton : South East Queensland : South West & Darling Downs : The Central West : Townsville : Wide Bay Burnett
Victoria : Barwon South West : Gippsland : Grampians : Hume : Loddon Mallee : Melbourne
South Australia : Adelaide : Eyre & Western : Far North : Fleurieu & Kangaroo Island : Limestone Coast : Murray & Mallee : York & Mid North
Northern Territory : Barkly : Big Rivers : Central Australia : East Arnhem : Greater Darwin : Top End
Tasmania
