SEARCH EVENTS
Towards Digital Futures: Mapping the Digital Gap 2026 Outcomes Report Launch
Image description: Co-researcher Leonie LamiLami conducting survey with Samuel Galwa in Manayingkarírra (Maningrida), NT
The ADM+S Centre and Telstra invite you to attend the online launch of the fourth Mapping the Digital Gap Outcomes Report
Since 2022, the Mapping the Digital Gap research team has been engaged in place-based digital inclusion research in partnership with diverse remote First Nations communities and local organisations across Australia.
Digital inclusion is critical for access to key services, health, education, employment opportunities and informed decision-making, as recognised by Closing the Gap Outcome 17. This research seeks to both measure and help address the digital gap where it is most acute.
After 50 site visits over five years, this project has deepened our understanding of communications and media use across remote Australia and the inequities in digital access, affordability and skills. Targeted community reports provide back to communities all survey and interview data, along with local digital inclusion plans, to support community-led solutions.
Since 2025, the research team embarked on Phase 2 of the research, visiting eight new communities and three exisiting sites. This has provided the opportunity to understand the geographic and contextual differences for these diverse sites as well as targeted infrastructure and strategies to address local context and needs.
About the report
This report compiles the 2025–2026 results from those Phase Two communities (plus three Phase 1 communities visited in 2025 and 2026), outlining community-specific results and variations in communications infrastructure and social, cultural and geographic context.
It provides analysis on current and emerging challenges and demonstrates how collaborative partnerships with community leaders and service providers are driving practical digital inclusion initiatives.
It emphasises the importance of First Nations leadership and a community-led partnership approach with government and industry to build a digital future in remote Australia.
About the event
Join our online event for an overview of the data, context and key findings from the report, discussion of the evolving digital inclusion challenges facing remote communities in 2026, case studies of on-the-ground experiences of residents and service providers, and an interactive Q&A session with leading industry and academic experts.
Registration is free and essential.
PRESENTERS
Naomi Moran
First Nations Digital Inclusion Advisory Group and NSW Treaty Commissioner
Naomi Moran is a proud Bundjalung and Dunghutti woman and one of three independent Commissioners leading the NSW Treaty Commission. Prior to her role as Commissioner, she served as the CEO of the Koori Mail, Australia’s only fully Aboriginal-owned and operated national newspaper, and has led communities through major moments of community care and national significance.
Naomi brings over 25 years of experience across Indigenous media, governance, and community development. She is a member of the National NAIDOC Committee and the First Nations Digital Inclusion Advisory Group, and is widely respected for her leadership in cultural facilitation, program design, and systems change.
A powerful advocate, speaker and presenter, Naomi is known for centering truth-telling, cultural integrity, and collective responsibility through deep listening with First Nations people and communities.
Professor Lyndon Ormond-Parker
Principal Research Fellow
First Nations lead, Mapping the Digital Gap project
RMIT University
Co-Chair
First Nations Digital Inclusion Advisory Group
Dr Lyndon Ormond-Parker was born in Darwin and is of Alyawarra descent from the Barkly tablelands region of the Northern Territory. He is a cultural heritage expert with significant experience in the fields of history of medical collections, repatriation, archives, information technologies, materials conservation, heritage, and policy.
Lauren Ganley
Lead, First Nations Strategy & Engagement
Telstra
Lauren is the Head of Telstra’s First Nations Strategy & Engagement where she leads the strategy and ongoing governance of engagement with First Nations people and communities across Australia. Lauren’s work involves providing strategic advice, leading programs and business activities to improve digital and social inclusion and advocating for better outcomes for First Nations people and communities.
Distinguished Professor Julian Thomas
Director
ADM+S Centre
Julian is a Distinguished Professor in the School of Media and Communication at RMIT University. Prior to the commencement of the ADM+S Centre, he was Director of the Swinburne Institute for Social Research (2005-2016), and then Director of RMIT’s Social Change research platform. He has also led the team producing the Australian Digital Inclusion Index since 2015. His work ranges across the contemporary histories of new communications technologies, digital inequality and inclusion, and the internet and communication policy.
Associate Professor Daniel Featherstone
Principal Research Fellow
RMIT University
Daniel joined the ADM+S Centre in April 2021 to lead the ADM+S / Telstra Mapping the Digital Gap project as part of the ADII team. Since 2025, he has also co-led the Measuring Digital Inclusion for First Nations Australians research. Daniel was previously General Manager of peak body First Nations Media Australia from 2012-19 and managed Ngaanyatjarra Media from 2001-2010, supporting media and communications programs in the Ngaanyatjarra Lands of WA.
PARTNERS
Telstra
This project received funding support from research partner Telstra