Cape York Digital Network Head Office | Caring for Country | CYBD | Cape York Policy | Infrastructure | Land ReformCYDN delivers world class broadband digital communications across Cape York. It has been recognised as an outstanding remote and regional telcommunications provider. CYDN’s evolution began in 1998 when the Outback Digital Network (ODN) was funded, through the commonwealth’s Networking the Nation program, to assess the viability of establishing regional telecommunications networks across northern Australia. Balkanu developed a business plan and technical network design for its regional network: Cape York Digital Network (CYDN), and consulted with communities to identify needs and promote capabilities. By the end of 2003 CYDN Centres had been established in sixteen Cape York communities. Responsibilities CYDN provides information and communication technology services to Cape York from its network hub in Cairns and through its community centres located in: Aurukun, Coen, Cooktown, Hope Vale, Injinoo, Kowanyama, Laura, Lockhart River, Napranum, New Mapoon, Old Mapoon, Pormpuraaw, Umagico, Weipa, and Wujal Wujal. A videoconferencing facility is also located at Lotus Glen to allow for link-ups between communities and incarcerated family members. CYDN Community Centres The most commonly used services in the community centres are:
Wherever possible a local Aboriginal person is employed, though in some communities it is difficult to recruit, and staff turnover can be high. In 2006 seven community centres were staffed with five employees undertaking training. In partnership with the Queensland Government’s Department of Public Works and Optus, CYDN coordinates the delivery of a Certificate IV in Business and Administration. Officers are responsible for providing public access to the centre, assistance to users, and general maintenance of the facility. Occasionally they are required to undertake technical maintenance or upgrades with the support of CYDN technicians in Cairns. CYDN Community Officer profile Napranum CYDN Community Officer, Lency Adidi, has achieved significant success in developing her IT skills through her employment by CYDN. With remote support from a technician, Lency was able to replace a router in Napranum and assist with the installation and configuration of the new phone system in Mapoon. These opportunities have improved Lency’s skills and increased her confidence in remote troubleshooting as well as eliminated the need for a costly field visit by a technician. 2006 achievements Remote accounting The Mapoon, Coen and Hope Vale Shire Councils use CYDN’s email and Citrix services to achieve greater efficiencies and cost effectiveness in managing their accounts. Financial supervisors based in the remote communities are able to provide information directly to their prospective accountants in Cairns or Brisbane who can monitor and revise the information as necessary. Council networks It is common in Cape York communities for Councils to conduct their business out of various buildings scattered throughout the community. Through the use of wireless technology CYDN has linked the various work units to the Council network allowing for increased productivity. CYDN coordinated the installation and configuration of Mapoon Shire Council’s Voice over IP (VoIP) network. VoIP carries voice calls over an IP network and provides high level features such as voice mail and call routing. Promotion CYDN Community Officers received support and training to promote the services of CYDN at various events, including the Croc festival in Weipa and a Careers Day in Hope Vale. Skills transfer Young people in Hope Vale were mentored by Djarragun College students as part of dot.com.mob. Sponsored by Bob Magid the project aims to ‘excite and engage indigenous people through online experiences’. CYDN provided free internet access and technical support throughout the week. Network upgrade A new data storage unit and several servers have been upgraded in the Cairns CYDN office. 2007 priorities Network upgrade The digital network will be significantly upgraded with a shift to a Telstra IP WAN platform to replace the current ISDN services. The upgrade will provide an improved quality of service and twenty-four hour access to the network. Wireless Hotspots CYDN will provide wireless hotspots in each community through the completion of a commercial gateway facility. Locals and visitors will be able to access the system which will feature enhanced payment options to streamline connectivity. Administration Due to an expansion in services and an increase in clients, CYDN needs to upgrade administrative and financial systems. Priorities are to streamline technical and billing processes and to enhance training initiatives. CYDN Centres A refurbishment program will begin with three centres identified to receive an upgrade. Helpdesk A new helpdesk system will be implemented due to network upgrades and an increase in client numbers. The new helpdesk will provide improved job tracking, customer reporting and workflow management. Videoconferencing As part of the Cape York Agenda, CYDN and the Cape York Institute will provide videoconferencing for boarding school students. The program will support Cape York students achieve quality education while receiving consistent support from family.
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