Empowering First Nations young people through digital innovation and storytelling

Caring for Country the digital way

Our support for the Digital Women Rangers program is a great example. Launched in 2022, this initiative provides Indigenous women rangers with culturally safe training in digital technologies, enabling them to collect, use, and share data to make informed decisions about caring for Country. By integrating tools like drones and camera traps, the program not only enhances land management practices but also amplifies the voices of Indigenous women in environmental stewardship. 

Storytelling with code

In parallel, Telstra Foundation powers Code Club Australia who have created the integration of First Nations storytelling into coding education. Through the development of a First Nations Cultural Framework, Code Club ensures that its projects respect and reflect Indigenous cultures and perspectives. This approach allows young learners to engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stories - such as the Tagai Constellation, Mother Sky and more - through interactive coding projects, fostering a deeper appreciation of First Nations heritage while building digital skills. 

Together, these initiatives underscore the Telstra Foundation's dedication to supporting First Nations-led projects that harness technology to preserve culture, promote education, and empower communities.

Big hART building digital skills in remote Australia

In the heart of Roebourne, Western Australia, we’re supporting a transformative digital education initiative that is reshaping how First Nations stories are shared and taught across Australia. Big hART's NEO-Learning platform, a pioneering project that merges cultural heritage with cutting-edge technology is leading the way.

"We’re really lucky to have a space like that in a town like ours. It’s a place where we can learn, create, and share our stories using technology. Through the digital lab, I’ve learnt how to take a picture and then turn it into digital art using an iPad. It’s a whole new way of expressing myself — turning ideas in my head into something visual, something powerful."

- Kimberly from Roebourne WA

In this video, watch Roebourne resident Kimberly share her love for telling digital stories with the help of Big hART and access to the digital lab.

Watch video

A decade of collaboration and innovation

NEO-Learning is the culmination of over ten years of collaboration between Big hART and the Roebourne community. This partnership began with the creation of NEOMAD, an award-winning Aboriginal sci-fi comic developed with over 40 young people from Roebourne. Building on this foundation, NEO-Learning was conceived as a digital platform to bring First Nations culture into classrooms nationwide. The Telstra Foundation recognised the potential of this initiative and provided crucial support, enabling Big hART to develop NEO-Learning from an early-stage concept to a fully-fledged educational resource. 

Bridging the digital divide

Telstra Foundation's investment has been pivotal in the establishment of the Ieramugadu Digital Lab in Roebourne, the Foundation has provided young First Nations people with access to digital tools and training. This facility empowers youth to create digital art, music, and storytelling content, fostering skills that are essential in today's digital economy.  

National impact and educational integration

NEO-Learning has achieved significant reach, engaging over 80 young creators in Roebourne and delivering their work to more than 8,000 primary school students across Australia. The platform offers educators smartboard-ready resources, virtual experiences, and on-demand lessons that align with the Australian Curriculum's cross-curriculum priorities, particularly in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures. 

Looking ahead

As NEO-Learning continues to evolve, the ongoing support from the Telstra Foundation ensures that First Nations youth in Roebourne and beyond have the resources and opportunities to share their stories with the world.  

Visit the NEO-Learning website for more information and to explore their resources.