- Author CRCNA and research partners
- Publish date 10 March 2026
- Type Report
- Documents
- Health service delivery
Summary
This impact evaluation summarises the outcomes of CRCNA projects:
- H.5.1920041 – Development of a simple, robust telehealth system; and
- H.5.2223001 – Innovative primary health service managed by Telehealth Technicians for very remote Aboriginal communities.
These projects, led by Simbani Research have developed and demonstrated a simple, robust and affordable telehealth model for very remote Aboriginal communities. Implemented in Gawa in north-east Arnhem Land, the projects established a managed community Wi-Fi network that improved digital inclusion and enabled reliable access to telehealth services and digital health platforms such as My Health Record.
The projects also co-designed a community-led primary health model, introducing the Telehealth Technician role to support consultations, health assessments and care coordination. This model has evolved into the culturally grounded Djagamirr role, strengthening local capability, improving preventative healthcare and reducing avoidable medical evacuations while supporting Closing the Gap Target 17.
Projects
Development of innovative primary health service managed by Telehealth Technicians for very remote First Nations’ communities.
Building on the telehealth infrastructure established in Gawa, this project developed and trialled an innovative community-led primary healthcare model designed for very remote Aboriginal communities. The project co-designed and implemented the Telehealth Technician (TT) role, enabling trained local community members to facilitate telehealth consultations, conduct structured Wellness Assessments, coordinate referrals, support use of My Health Record and help residents navigate healthcare services. Seventy-eight community members completed health assessments, with many participating in follow-up reviews to support ongoing preventative care. The model has since evolved into the culturally grounded Djagamirr (“caretaker”) role, integrating translation, health literacy, digital inclusion and early intervention to strengthen local capability and improve continuity of care. The project has demonstrated how community-based health workers, supported by telehealth technologies, can improve access to healthcare, reduce avoidable medical evacuations and support more proactive, person-centred healthcare in very remote communities. The model provides a pathway for broader adoption by Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations across northern Australia.
Developing a simple, robust telehealth system for remote communities
This project demonstrated that reliable, affordable telehealth services can be delivered in very remote Aboriginal communities using satellite connectivity and community-based digital infrastructure. Working with the Gawa community in north-east Arnhem Land, the project established a managed community Wi-Fi network and tested a telehealth videoconferencing model using NBN Co’s SkyMuster satellite service. The project confirmed that remote primary healthcare consultations, health monitoring and access to digital health platforms such as My Health Record could be delivered reliably in a very remote setting, including through wet season conditions. The project improved digital inclusion by increasing access, affordability and digital capability within the community, contributing to Closing the Gap Target 17. It also laid the technical and operational foundations for a new model of community-led healthcare delivery, providing a scalable platform for telehealth services across remote northern Australia.