NBN and Refugee, Migrant Health and Wellbeing

Since Julia Gillard managed to get the Labour government back in power (kind of), there has been much debate concerning the National Broadband Network (NBN) in Australia. My research has found that the rollout of the NBN, or other improved broadband infrastructure, has implications for health communication with refugee and migrant communities. Expensive internet access means that many people are excluded from health, education, finance and other essential information.

Crikey published my new story that looks at the NBN in relation to refugee and migrant health communication, and in particular how Sudanese and Vietnamese communities in country regions of Victoria engage with digital technology.

Crikey is an excellent publication. I recommend you subscribe to read mine and many other great pieces! However, the story was re-published and is also available at the Cultural Diversity Institute.

A Month of Conferences

The end of 2009 is shaping up as conference time for me. I will be presenting on the use and application of ICT to communicate messages of health and wellbeing for refugee and migrant communities at:

• Empowering communities: learning from community informatics practice (Prato Community CIRN Conference, Italy, 4-6 November 2009)
• Digitally Empowering Communities: Learning from Development Informatics Practice (3rd International IDIA Conference, Berg-en-Dal Camp, Kruger National Park, South Africa, 28 October 2009)
• Making Links 2009: Social Action and Technology (17-18 November)

I will also be presenting on writing for short film production at the 2009 AAWP Annual Conference: Margins and Mainstream, Hamilton, New Zealand, 26-28 November.

Confessions of a Videogame Junkie

Eureka Street ran this story in Christmas ‘08. It explores the consumerist nature of the videogame industry and argues for the innovative use and social application of multimedia technology, such as using ICT to support the health and wellbeing of refugee and migrant communities. I also managed to sneak in a bit about drinking beers and playing Galaga…