Regional Connectivity Symposium spotlights digital inclusion in NSW
The Connectivity Innovation Network will host its third Regional Connectivity Symposium in the Newcastle region, focusing on digital inclusion, resilience, and improved connectivity across regional and remote New South Wales.
The two-day event will take place at the University of Newcastle's Central Coast campuses in Gosford and Ourimbah, gathering government representatives, industry stakeholders, researchers and community leaders to discuss ways to support safer and more inclusive digital participation throughout the state.
Collaboration for communities
The Connectivity Innovation Network (CIN), launched in 2021, is an initiative of the New South Wales Government, developed by the Office of the NSW Chief Scientist & Engineer and the NSW Telco Authority, and aims to drive collaboration and innovation to strengthen digital resilience. Over the past three years, the network has served as a forum for translating ideas from research and industry into practical outcomes for local communities.
Kylie De Courteney, Managing Director NSW Telco Authority and CIN Board Member described the Symposium as an important occasion in the state's digital inclusion agenda.
"This Symposium is about bringing people together to share solutions that make technology safer and more accessible for everyone in NSW," Ms De Courteney said.
She added, "The NSW Government, through NSW Telco Authority and CIN, is working in partnership with industry and researchers to ensure every community can benefit from secure and reliable connectivity."
Attendees at the Symposium can expect a programme comprising presentations, panel sessions, and interactive workshops, addressing issues such as digital inclusion, power resilience, and network reliability in regional environments. Contributors will include emergency service agencies, telecommunications operators, not-for-profit organisations, and academic experts, offering a platform for direct engagement with those developing the future of digital connectivity in New South Wales.
Presentation of CASPER AI
One of the main features of this year's Symposium will be the introduction of CASPER AI (Context-Aware Security Policy Enforcement & Response), an artificial intelligence prototype developed through the Connectivity Innovation Network in partnership with public and private sector organisations and researchers.
CASPER AI is designed to support the NSW Digital Inclusion Strategy by responding to online safety challenges such as scams, identity theft, and privacy breaches. These issues have a pronounced impact in regional and remote communities that often have limited access to digital support services. The Proof-of-Concept aims to deliver actionable protections for vulnerable groups by applying advanced machine learning to detect suspicious activity, explain risks in straightforward language, and mitigate potential harm.
The system is being designed to keep government accounts secure by spotting unusual login attempts, protect personal identities by linking information across services to highlight possible misuse, and help individuals determine the legitimacy of communications such as texts, emails, or calls before taking action. According to organisers, the platform could eventually provide monitoring across multiple services, using its capabilities to deliver recommendations and enhance trust in digital participation.
Digital resilience in regional NSW
Regional and remote communities in New South Wales, which often face lower levels of digital ability and less access to technical assistance, are positioned to benefit most from CASPER AI and other initiatives under development via the Connectivity Innovation Network. By trialling technologies such as CASPER AI in practical, real-world contexts, the network aims to show how research in artificial intelligence and internet connectivity can improve the safety, security, and accessibility of digital services, irrespective of geography.
The CASPER AI system remains in the Proof-of-Concept stage, with completion expected in early 2026. The Symposium will provide attendees the first chance to understand how the system is developing and the potential for supporting broader digital inclusion efforts in New South Wales.
Kylie De Courteney emphasised that trust is a key component of digital inclusion, alongside network coverage and infrastructure upgrades:
"Digital inclusion is about more than access – it's about trust," Ms De Courteney said.
She continued, "CASPER AI demonstrates how the NSW Government is delivering on the NSW Digital Inclusion Strategy, in partnership with industry and research, to make digital services accessible, inclusive and connected for everyone in NSW."
Ms De Courteney also noted, "The NSW Government is committed to building confidence and inclusion in digital technologies and ensuring all communities across NSW are safe and secure online."
Annual forum for solutions
Now in its third iteration, the Regional Connectivity Symposium has established itself as a central platform for addressing the challenge of enhancing digital infrastructure and inclusion throughout New South Wales. The event brings together participants from across sectors each year, encouraging cross-sector insights, solution-testing, and collaborations to foster stronger and more resilient digital ecosystems.
The 2025 Symposium is expected to attract a broad audience, including senior officials from emergency services, telecommunications providers, academic institutions, technology professionals, and community leaders. Participants will examine strategies for narrowing the digital divide, with discussion focused on ensuring that new technologies and policy frameworks deliver safe, sustainable, and inclusive results for the people of New South Wales.
