Digital Regions Initiative
The four-year $60 million Digital Regions Initiative co-funds innovative digital enablement projects with state, territory and local governments. It takes a collaborative approach to improve the delivery of education, health and/or emergency services in regional, rural and remote communities.
State, territory and local governments seeking funding under the Digital Regions Initiative are required to provide matching funding. This enables projects of greater scale, coverage and benefit to regional Australians.
The Digital Regions Initiative commenced in 2009 and concludes in 2013.
On 18 May 2010, Senator Conroy released the program guidelines for round two of the Digital Regions Initiative and invited state, territory and local governments to develop projects for funding that are consistent with the aim and principles of the program.
Applications for funding under round two of the Digital Regions Initiative closed 5:00pm EST 14 July 2010.
Please read the round two frequently asked questions if you have further enquiries regarding round two of the Digital Regions Initiative.
- Digital Regions Initiative—guidelines
- Digital Regions Initiative—round 2 frequently asked questions
- Digital Regions Initiative—expression of interest
- Digital Regions Initiative—round 2 applications
Round one of the Digital Regions Initiative is finalised and projects are commencing to ensure regional communities benefit as quickly as possible.
- Media release: More digital services for rural, regional and remote Australia
- Media release: Rural and Regional NBN Initiative to drive broadband benefits for communities
- Media release: A digital future for Australia's regions
- Media release: Regional telecommunications review report tabled in Parliament
What types of projects are funded under the Digital Regions Initiative?
The Digital Regions Initiative supports projects that will deliver innovative and sustainable services to:
- boost innovation in healthcare by enabling services such as remote consultation, diagnosis and treatment in areas where there are specialist skills shortages
- extend digital education services to enable more regional, rural and remote communities to access improved educational opportunities
- increase the use of digital technologies to improve emergency and disaster response both within and across state and territory borders.
Who is eligible to apply for funding?
State, territory or local governments can apply for Digital Regions Initiative funding. Private and not-for-profit organisations can partner with eligible organisations.
How are projects selected?
The Digital Regions Initiative projects are selected through a competitive process.
Applications will need to support improved health, education and/or emergency services in regional, rural and remote communities.
All applications will undergo a rigorous assessment process. Projects that meet the selection criteria to the highest degree are offered the opportunity to enter into negotiations to secure funding.
How many funding rounds are there?
Two funding rounds were held for the Digital Regions Initiative. The first round closed on 14 October 2009. The second round of funding closed 14 July 2010.
Further information
Please check here regularly for upcoming announcements. For any further information, please see the 
Digital Regions Initiative fact sheet (PDF, 573 KB) or email digitalregions@dbcde.gov.au.
