The Allan Labor Government is providing more free public WiFi in Bendigo and Ballarat – connecting locals with work, study and family, and improving services for visitors.

Minister for Government Services Gabrielle Williams today announced that the new and upgraded infrastructure meant free WiFi was now available at more than 140 outdoor locations across central Bendigo and Ballarat.

Victorians can use up to 5GB of free superfast public WiFi daily on their personal device. The improved WiFi will help locals and tourists to engage with the local community and government services.

The new network also helps vulnerable Victorians to connect digitally, making it easier for them to access information and services online.

Bendigo Men’s Shed president Dave Josephs is using the free WiFi to teach local senior citizens to use computers and mobile phones so they can access online government services, news and to stay in touch with friends and family.

The free public WiFi can be accessed in the Bendigo CBD, and surrounding facilities including Strathdale Community Centre, Kangaroo Flat Gateway Park, Long Gully Splash Park and Men’s Shed and Red Energy Stadium.

In Ballarat, locals can access the network in the CBD, Lake Wendouree, White Flat Oval, Royal Park Buninyong, Western Oval Newington, Splash Park Brown Hill, and Lake Esmond.

Users do not need to provide any personal information to access the service and can find it straight from the settings on their mobile device.

The expanded network has been delivered by TPG Telecom through a $3.6 million investment by the Labor Government.

To find out more, visit the Connecting Victoria dashboard vic.gov.au/find-a-project.

Quote attributable to Minister for Government Services Gabrielle Williams

“We’re investing more in mobile, broadband and WiFi infrastructure to boost productivity in the regions and make Bendigo and Ballarat even better places to live.”

Quote attributable to Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan

“Bendigo is a great place to live, work and raise a family – and our investment in public WiFi is making it even easier to stay connected in regional Victoria.”

Quote attributable to Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards

“We know how important good public WiFi is to fantastic local groups like the Bendigo Men’s Shed – providing the infrastructure our older locals need to stay connected with friends and family.”

Quote attributable to Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison

“Our upgraded public WiFi provides great coverage across Ballarat, ensuring our community can access the services they need when and where they need them.”

Quote attributable to Member for Eureka Michaela Settle

“Improving public WiFi isn’t just good for Ballarat locals – it improves the experience for visitors, attracting more tourism to Ballarat and supporting local businesses.”

Quotes attributable to Bendigo Men’s Shed president Dave Josephs

“A lot of the men don’t have tech skills or have children to help them – so the free public WiFi will help us teach them to use their smartphones and computers.”

“Once we get everyone up to speed, we will be able to use emails to communicate excursions and events to our members – helping us to provide companionship in the community.”

Quote attributable to TPG Telecom Group Executive Enterprise and Government Jonathan Rutherford

“We are proud to be part of this important community initiative, providing essential WiFi connectivity services to the people and visitors of Bendigo and Ballarat.”