Gäṉgaṉ Homeland is a remote inland riverside community, one of the largest of the 30 Laynhapuy homelands in East Arnhem Land, Northern Territory (NT), and one of the first established by the traditional owners during the homelands movement from 1972 to provide a sustainable and independent future for their children on their ancestral country. Like other homelands in the East Arnhem region, Gäṉgaṉ has strong local governance. The traditional owners are the Dhaḻwaŋu people.

This report outlines updated findings based on a third and final research visit to Gäṉgaṉ in 2024 as well as updates since a 2024 visit. Building on the Gäṉgaṉ NT 2023 community update report, this update report is intended to assist local and regional 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.

The report presents research findings to date, compares survey results from 2022 to 2024, renews analysis with 2024 findings and quotes, and outlines changes in communications and media services and usage during and since visits. The report also presents 2025 Australian Digital Inclusion Index scores for Galiwin’ku relative to national averages.

The proposed Digital Inclusion Plan has been updated based on community input and progress to date, as well as planned activities.

Key findings

• When finalising the last visit to Gäṉgaṉ in 2024, the primary means of residential connectivity was the public phone and public Wi-Fi at the shop, with no mobile phone coverage or household broadband.
• Since its introduction in October 2024, the National Broadband Network community-wide Wi-Fi network has seen strong uptake. Its community-controlled model supports curfews and content filtering; however, residents have requested additional management support and raised concerns regarding its outdoor-only access.
• A case study on the Laynhapuy Homelands School highlights ongoing connectivity challenges in the school network, which continue to limit access to admin tasks, online teaching resources and NAPLAN testing. Homelands teachers have reporting relying on pen and paper and personal mobile data, with calls for upgrade to schools across the region.