DANDENONG STAR JOURNAL
Home » Free NBN narrows ‘digital divide’

Free NBN narrows ‘digital divide’

A year of free National Broadband Network (NBN) service is being offered to families without internet.

The Federal Government’s $4.5 million School Student Broadband Initiative (SSBI) was about “narrowing the digital divide”, Bruce MP Julian Hill said.

“The pandemic demonstrated how important it is for local students to be connected at home so they don’t fall behind.

“I’m proud to be our community’s voice in a Government that takes digital inclusion so seriously.”

Up to 30,000 families will be identified for help by state education bodies, selected charities and community organisations, such as The Smith Family and Catholic Network Australia.

“Whilst many students can access the internet through school Wi-Fi, connecting the internet at home to support remote learning and homework is a serious affordability issue for some families,” Mr Hill said.

“This initiative will relieve some of the barriers to students fully participating in educational opportunities.

“I strongly encourage locals interested in this initiative to contact my office so we can help connect you to the community organisations participating in the program”.

Digital Editions


More News

  • What’s On

    What’s On

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 431626 Polymer Clay Workshop This beginner-friendly workshop will guide you through the process of shaping and designing your own unique clay creations. Perfect for…

  • Three accused of $24m drug smuggling attempt

    Three accused of $24m drug smuggling attempt

    Three men from Melbourne’s South East have been accused of allegedly trying to smuggle drugs with a street value of more than $24 million on an international flight into Australia.…

  • Looking Back

    Looking Back

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 142390 100 years ago 28 January 1926 OBSERVATIONS Dandenong citizens have received strict instructions from the ineffective and irritating Water Commission not to water…

  • Total Fire Ban declared ahead of scorching conditions

    Total Fire Ban declared ahead of scorching conditions

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 390909 A Total Fire Ban (TFB) has been declared for Saturday 24 January for all of Victoria as temperatures are set to soar in…

  • Soil clean-up wait continues

    Soil clean-up wait continues

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 522112 A giant asbestos-riddled soil mound in Bangholme’s Green Wedge still remains, despite an order for its removal by the end of 2025. In…