Wadeye is a large coastal community in the West Daly region of Northern Territory, close to the Hyland Bay and Moyle River floodplain. It is located approximately 420kms south-west of Darwin by road. Formerly known as the Port Keats mission, Wadeye became an Aboriginal community with local governance in 1978. During the wet season road access is often cut by flooding, with reliance on aircraft and coastal barges for transport and provision of supplies.

The traditional owners of the township are the Dinnuman people, however there are 19 traditional owner groups within the Thamarrurr region. Murrinh Patha is the primary language, spoken by 77.8% of Wadeye residents, with 4.4% speaking other Aboriginal languages (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2021). According to the 2021 census, Wadeye’s population is estimated as 1,9241 with 85.8% identifying as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and 3.3% not stated (ABS, 2021). Outside of Wadeye and Peppimenarti, there are about 30 homelands and outstations within the Thamarrurr region.

Wadeye is a well-serviced modern community with an airstrip, medical centre, police station, school, supermarket and local businesses. Thamarrurr Development Corporation provides economic development programs including housing, Community Development Program and youth, sport and recreation programs.

The researchers' first research visit to Wadeye was undertaken from 8th to 12th August 2022. The team had a highly productive week, working with community research partner Thamarrurr Development Corporation (TDC) and co-researchers Marcus Kinthari, Veronica Munar and Mary Munar, with support from Corporate Services Manager Tracey Leo and TDC ranger Mark Crocombe.

Based on 75 surveys and 14 interviews with residents and stakeholders, this report outlines the findings from the initial visit and highlights the current access and use of media, communications and online services and the digital inclusion challenges in Wadeye and the surrounding homelands.

The report outlines key barriers to digital inclusion in Wadeye and proposes community-led strategies to address identified obstacles through a local digital inclusion plan. The report will be updated following research visits in 2023 and 2024.