30,000 families now have free home internet access thanks to nationwide collaboration

The School Student Broadband Initiative has successfully achieved its ambitious target of providing free home internet access to 30,000 families in need across the country - and Catholic schools have played an instrumental role in making this vision a reality.

More Than Just Connection

The digital divide has long been a barrier to educational opportunity, disproportionately affecting families from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. When the pandemic highlighted just how essential reliable internet access had become for learning, the School Student Broadband Initiative emerged as a critical response to ensure no child would be left behind.

Catholic Schools: Champions of Community

"Our mission has always extended beyond our school gates," explains Maria Santos, Principal of St Catherine's Primary in Melbourne, whose school helped connect 47 local families to the programme. "When we see families in our community struggling, we respond. This initiative allowed us to live out our values of service and social justice in a very practical way."

Catholic schools' unique position within their communities - often serving as trusted gathering places and sources of support - made them natural partners in this nationwide effort. Their pastoral care networks, existing relationships with vulnerable families, and commitment to the common good proved invaluable in reaching those who needed help most.

Impact Beyond the Classroom

The ripple effects of this connectivity extend far beyond homework completion. Families report being able to access telehealth services, connect with relatives overseas, search for employment opportunities, and engage with government services online. For many, this represents their first reliable pathway to full participation in an increasingly digital society.

Sister Margaret O'Brien, who coordinates community outreach for the Catholic Education Office in Tasmania, reflects on the broader significance: "We're not just providing internet access - we're providing dignity, opportunity, and hope. We're saying that every family matters and every child deserves the chance to reach their full potential."

A Model for Collaborative Action

The success of this initiative demonstrates what becomes possible when diverse organisations unite around a shared purpose. Government agencies, telecommunications companies, non-profit organisations, and faith-based institutions worked together, each contributing their unique strengths and perspectives.

Looking Forward

While celebrating this milestone, organisers acknowledge that the work is far from over. The digital divide remains a persistent challenge, with new families entering situations of need and technology continuing to evolve rapidly. The initiative has also sparked conversations about digital literacy training and device access, recognising that connectivity alone isn't sufficient to ensure digital equity.