Introducing the auDA 2025 Community Grant projects

“We want to make sure AI supports inclusion and safety for all Australians. Our project focuses on collaborating with neurodiverse people and stakeholders to develop insights on needs, challenges and risks for neurodivergent individuals using AI-companions, to inform future innovation.”

Associate Professor Stuart Bender, Curtin University.

“It is critical that Indigenous peoples and communities have ownership of, and authority over, data that relates to them. One of our primary goals is to build an “army of Indigenous data analysts” across Australia, spanning remote, rural and urban communities. By equipping communities with the skills and knowledge to collect, manage and control their own data, the initiative directly supports Indigenous self-determination.”

Lisa Sarago, Land on Heart Foundation CEO.

“Workplace relationships, particularly those with supervisors, play a decisive role in whether young people stay in work and develop confidence. Supervisors often want to do the right thing but lack the time, training or support to do so. Improving supervision is one of the most effective, and overlooked, ways to improve youth employment outcomes.”

Ronan Smyth, Associate Director, Employment.

“I’m excited about building data literacy across the whole community sector in Canberra. We have a unique opportunity to roll out a community data hub across a whole jurisdiction and I believe this will be a first for Australia. This will give community organisations the ability to fully explore the power of data in creating a fairer Canberra for everyone.”

Genevieve Jacobs, Hands Across Canberra CEO.

“Online prescribing services can feel convenient and affordable for many Australians, especially as it’s increasingly difficult to get an appointment with a local GP. However, these services can lead to lower continuity of care and costs can add up. It’s important for people who use these services to understand the possible risks associated with this model of care.”

Dr Hilary Bowman-Smart, Research Fellow, Adelaide University.

“Clothing support has traditionally relied on a “pull” model, where communities needing help must find and reach out for it. We are using technology to proactively identify areas of highest relative disadvantage and “push” support where it’s needed most. Through this we can ensure brand-new clothing reaches people faster, more fairly, and in ways that restore dignity, confidence and belonging.”

Anthony Chesler, Thread Together CEO.

“As AI becomes more embedded in daily life, it brings both opportunities and real risks, particularly for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and creatives whose work and cultural knowledge are increasingly shared online. We’ve already seen examples of First Nations artworks being reproduced without consent by AI generators. Through the Exploring AI course, DAAF Foundation aims to equip Art Centres and artists with the knowledge to better understand these technologies, navigate their use safely and make informed decisions that uphold cultural integrity and protect artists’ rights.”

Claire Summers, Executive Director, DAAF Foundation.

“Many Aboriginal communities have hard-drives full of cultural content and boxes of historical materials waiting to be catalogued and digitised with no long-term management or guidance. Communities need accessible guidance on archival processes and standards that respect their protocols and priorities. Through in-person research visits and workshops, we will create resources that reflect the diverse local contexts and needs of these communities.”

Associate Professor Kirsten Thorpe, UTS.

“Tasmania has more than 30 years of landcare work, preserving the local environment through community-based groups. This project is about making sure stories, records and lessons don’t disappear in filing cabinets. By combining a digital library with hands-on training, we’re helping communities keep their knowledge alive and accessible.”

Peter Stronach, Landcare Tasmania CEO.

“Young carers juggle responsibilities that can limit their ability to access mental health or social emotional support. Many miss out on support because they can’t travel, fit appointments around caring responsibilities or afford support services. This program brings support directly to them. We plan to use insights from this pilot project to inform a scalable national program to support young carers around Australia.”

Kathleen Vella, Strategic Projects and Operations Director.

“Many remote women are expected to run modern enterprises online without the training or support others take for granted. We’re excited to bring women together to learn side-by-side, share knowledge and support each other. This training is hands-on and grounded in real op shop tasks so women can practise digital skills straight away and see their confidence grow.”

Tanya Egerton, Circulanation CEO.

“Our project will equip ‘Connectivity Champions,’ with skills and confidence to support digital inclusion from within their own communities. By co-designing practical, culturally relevant training that demystifies connectivity and counters misinformation, we’re building digital confidence and creating a sustainable, scalable model that can make a real difference for rural, regional and remote Australians.”

Associate Professor Rachel Hay, James Cook University.

“Digital exclusion is pervasive for people with communication disabilities and profoundly impacts their daily lives and sense of identity. This project aims to increase digital inclusion by greatly improving access to information, services and participation in online environments for Australians with communication disabilities.”

Associate Professor Sarah Wallace, Lead Researcher.

“For many older Australians online services are often unfamiliar, inaccessible and isolating. As face-to-face services disappear, older people are increasingly excluded and left feeling forgotten. This project will help older people, and all those who find digital technology challenging to use, build skills and navigate essential services online.”

Tennille Hall, Pangerang Community Hub Executive Officer.

“We’re excited to see people track their progress and celebrate achievements using technology they’ve helped design. When technology is co-designed with community, it becomes a tool for empowerment rather than a barrier. The combination of wearable data, gamified feedback and culturally safe content will create real motivation and be a powerful example of how digital tools can support self-determination and better health outcomes.”

Fiona Jose, Cape York Partnership Group Chief Executive