There are some major issues with communications in bushfire affected areas. Sadly, there are people who currently have no home and – due to the impact on the mobile network infrastructure – no way to communicate as they’re living in evacuation centres.
NBN Co has joined the mobile carriers in offering some respite from the unfolding disaster, giving these centres free Sky Muster Satellite NBN connections to get people back online and in contact with their world.
We understand the importance of internet connectivity for local communities at this time. We have now installed Sky Muster satellite dishes at 12 evacuation centres in NSW and VIC which are offering free wifi. Additional services will be installed at five new locations tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/jybCkWV22N
— nbn™ Australia (@NBN_Australia) January 5, 2020
There are already 12 evacuation centres that are connected through NSW and Victoria with 5 more coming online in the next 24 hours.
The full list (with those coming online later today in italics) includes:
- Bermagui Surf Lifesaving Club, Bermagui
- Cooma Multi-Function Centre, Cooma
- St Georges Basin Country Club, Sanctuary Point
- Hanging Rock Sports Club, Batemans Bay
- Ulladulla Civic Centre, Ulladulla
- Bombala Community Centre, Bombala
- Omeo Recreation Reserve, Omeo
- Bairnsdale City Oval, Bairnsdale
- Goulburn Recreation Centre, Goulburn
- Narooma Leisure Centra, Narooma
- Bega Showgrounds, Bega
- Moruya Basketball Stadium, Moruya
- Willawarrin Public Hall, Willawarrin
- Lexton Recreation Reserve, Lexton
- Kingscote Football Club, Kingscote
- Fingal Neighbourhood House, Fingal
- Ferny Creek Primary School, Ferny Creek
If nothing else, the bushfires across Australia have shown that the Aussie spirit is alive and well. The donations, fund-raising, volunteering and compassion shown is astounding!
Keep looking after each other and be safe out there.
