Digitisation of Indigenous cultural resources - Australian Institute for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies

Portfolio: Education, Science and Training

Why is this important?

AIATSIS is the custodian of a unique and irreplaceable cultural and historical resource collection. The archived collection of fragile and deteriorating audiovisual (film, photographs and audio) materials held by AIATSIS is at substantial risk of loss through decomposition.
This measure will ensure the digitisation of the remaining 18,000 hours of the most 'at risk' and vulnerable material.
It will provide access to Indigenous materials through digitised recording of material to promote knowledge and understanding of Indigenous cultures, past and present.

Who will benefit?

All Australians, particularly Indigenous people, including school children, educators and researchers. It will also allow AIATSIS to provide access to Indigenous communities nationwide via the Internet and in CD ROM format.

What funding is the Government committing to the initiative?

The Australian Government will provide an additional $10.2 million over three years.

What have we done in the past?

The Australian Government provided $12.1 million in the 2005-06 Budget to digitally preserve 40 per cent (16,000 hours) of the most 'at risk' fragile and deteriorating audiovisual materials.

When will the initiative conclude?

This funding will conclude on 30 June 2011 when preservation of the entire collection is completed.