This report outlines updated findings from a second research visit to Wilcannia, situated on the banks of Baarka (Darling River) in western New South Wales. Located in Central Darling Shire, Wilcannia is about 200 km from Broken Hill, 260 km from Cobar, 500km from Dubbo and 970 km from Sydney. The traditional owners are the Baarkandji river people.

The first research visit in February 2022 identified substantial challenges for Wilcannia residents and service providers in terms of access to quality mobile and telecommunications services, with low levels of digital inclusion for First Nations residents compared with other Australians.

This update report is intended to assist community agencies, leaders and residents to better understand the barriers to digital inclusion, develop local strategies to address these barriers, and support planning and partnerships with government and industry stakeholders.

This report presents combined research findings to date, comparing 2023 survey results with 2022 results, outlining any changes in communications and media services and usage, and adding new findings and quotes from interviews to the analysis section. The proposed Digital Inclusion Plan has been updated based on community input and any progress to date, including current or planned activities.

The report also provides 2023 Australian Digital Inclusion Index scores for Wilcannia relative to national averages and key findings from the first round of visits to 10 remote towns, communities and homelands in 2022.