Untitled

FEASIBILITY STUDY
CONTENTS
Executive Summary Introduction Yawuru IT Services The Proponent IT Services to Remote Communities Needs Analysis Proposed Concept Performance Comparison Capacity To Deliver Marra Worra Worra, Capacity Demonstration Project Pilot Program How are such facilities funded? Funding the Pilot Program Financial Plan Promotion and Positioning Feasibility Conclusion Appendix 1 ESM GROUP Capability Appendix 2 NBC Aboriginal Corporation Appendix 3 Alternative Branding Options
i 1 2 4 8 12 20 21 24 25 26 28 30 33 34 35 36 37 39
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Feasibility Study for Yawuru IT Services
TelePod, Serviced IT Facilities
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The purpose of this study is to determine if the TelePod concept as proposed by Yawuru IT Services is feasible. The study has found that all the conditions for success are either present or there is reason to believe they can be brought about with reasonable effort. The TelePod proposition has several competitive advantages, which flow from applying a systemsapproach to supplying IT (Information Technology) services into remote locations: All TelePods would run the same base IT architecture, bringing lower maintenance costs and higher uptime. The IT solution anticipates the cloud orientation of Thin-Clients and Software-as-a-System and this brings significant cost, performance, maintenance and training advantages over the traditional PC Local Area Network approach. ESM Group claim they can build and deliver the TelePod building anywhere in Western Australia within 21 days of purchase order (once all required approvals are in place). Integrating the IT and the building into one product has strong advantages for maintenance and reliability over desk top PCs, and allows the entire TelePod to be periodically replaced with a refurbished and upgraded model. The TelePod system would bring a degree of consistency across remote community IT infrastructure which eases training challenges and lowers barriers to adopting technology. With consistent technology across many communities it becomes possible to offer the system as a means of delivery for Government services and to charge a lease payment for that provision. The approach while not validated is worth serious investigation as it has the potential to transform the circumstances of remote indigenous people across Australia.
Mr Robinson has a strong and clear vision that Indigenous people, especially children, must become familiar with the IT world to take advantage of all it has to offer and he has proven his ability to consult, develop and evolve the TelePod solution through interactions with experts in many fields and with communities. Mr Robinsons TelePod concept has been endorsed by Notre Dame University for trial in the fields of Natural Resource Management and the emerging very important field of TeleHealth. A demonstration TelePod is planned for July 2013. In the first quarter 2013 it is recommended that: 1. A complete business Plan be prepared for Yawuru IT Services; 2. NDU be supported in its request for funding of its research into Natural Resource Management and TeleHealth to secure funds to support the building of a demonstration TelePod; 3. Opportunities for other funding sources such as Lottery West, FaHCSIA and the Department of Regional Development and Lands be investigated in detail; 4. Application be made for capital funding of two TelePods; and 5. Further investigation be undertaken into alternative funding strategies to dramatically accelerate roll out.
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INTRODUCTION
The global shift to digital technology defines the 21st Century. Whether you are a share trader in New York, a factory worker using social media in China or an Indigenous person from remote Australia, the pull of the digital world is strong. Business processes, government services, interpersonal communication, health delivery and education are all being profoundly transformed. Children especially are rapid adopters, they learn quickly and they are keen to teach their peers. The digital world is inspiring and with the right training structures, this energy can be directed to support literacy and numeracy education. But the opportunity to learn and become familiar with the Internet and all it has to offer is missing in the lives of many remote community members. Yawuru IT Services has proposed an integrated building and IT facility, a TelePod, with a vision to connect communities to each other and to the world beyond by leveraging the ever increasing bandwidth and future more powerful satellite Internet services and communications technology. This feasibility study defines the TelePod concept and explores the ramifications within several domains: health service delivery, education service delivery, community cohesion and resilience, as well as the pleasure and subsequent opportunity-cultivation that stems from young people having access to the technology that is reshaping the 21st Century. There are Closing the Gap and Royalties for Regions initiatives aimed at providing IT in forms such as the Community Resource Centre (CRC) program for communities of 100 persons or more. Forty-five per cent of Indigenous community persons live in communities with less than 100 persons. CRC Funding is usually applied to the capital cost of providing IT equipment, with the provision that the community surrenders one of its building spaces to house it. On-going maintenance costs might not be funded and the system as a whole tends to operate like a typical small business of five years ago, one that is difficult to maintain, with software licences, backups to be done and so on. Technology is pulling us away from the desktop and into the cloud with thin client architecture, and the TelePod is built on this model. All TelePods will have similar IT architecture and together, will be maintained as a single distributed large installation, using the appropriate quality control standards for IT maintenance. This will lead to fewer down times and problems. Rather than requiring accommodation to be donated, the TelePod will be an integrated IT and building system, that can be delivered anywhere in Western Australia within a few weeks of being ordered. This mode means that people in one community can consult with those in another for hints on using software, looking after the building, and so on. Rather than a capital purchase, it may be possible to charge Government agencies for access to IT services into remote communities so they can administer health and education at lower cost to those who needs are presently not met. Monthly invoicing is wholly consistent with Thin-Client architecture and Software-as-a-Service environments.
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YAWURU IT SERVICES THE PROPONENT

Dale Robinson is a local indigenous man from Broome, who is concerned that very few Aboriginal people are involved in the I.T. industry which has become and will increasingly be central to life in the 21st Century. In 2010, Mr Robinson, formed Yawuru I.T Services Pty Ltd (Yawuru ITS), an Australian Indigenous Information Technology Services company, to provide mentoring and job opportunities in the IT industry. This business builds on his experience in selling hardware and software through Dales PCs & Software, where he developed many contacts and partnerships with companies like Hewlett Packard and Ingram Micro. By combining these skills and his colleagues knowledge of online marketing and company branding, Yawuru IT Services is able to offer a full IT service to its clients. With the creation of this company Mr Robinson has achieved a long term dream of being one of the first Indigenous IT companies to operate in Australia.
TELEPOD
The concept of the proposed TelePod is a steel building fitted with rugged Internet-connected computers operating on the thin client principle, with software as a service managed in the cloud. The design of the facility applies several key strategies to bring improved outcomes with reduced costs, such as replaceability, remote administration, rugged structure and accessible to children so they may participate in todays digital world where online experience is a fundamental element of education and an important aspect of social interaction.
BUSINESS ORIENTATION
Mr Robinsons business pursues the following ideals:
VALUES
Our values are that the global digital experience should be available, to children and others in communities no matter how remote, so that the community can engage, learn, grow, work, develop and earn an income in the 21st Century in the coming decades.
VISION
Our vision is to see communities who have grown up and are conversant with contemporary digital technology and the Internet and who are able to apply those resources to enhance their lifestyle and opportunities.
MISSION
Our mission is to design, source, bundle and rapidly deliver to communities, customised IT solutions of, for training, education and health, that are accessible and usable, rugged, reliable, sustainable, self-sufficient and contemporary in the digital world.
KEY GOAL
We aim to provide cost effective IT solutions to remote indigenous communities that are sustainable over time and self-sufficient. We wish to empower indigenous communities by providing on site and remote support and training in IT and telecommunications solutions which will improve selfsustainability and economic outcomes for the future. Page |2
Figure 1: Our business supports and promotes aboriginal employment in the I.T. and telecommunications sector Left, Daniel Dos Santos Marketing Executive; Centre, Dale Robinson CEO/CIO, Right, Herman Bambo I.T. solutions engineer (MCITP), Not pictured, Lindsay Dean Telecommunications Engineer (ex Telstra)
METHOD
We facilitate this process by investigation, clarification amongst Aboriginal people and stakeholders to identify root cause issues in IT infrastructure, technology, communications, and web / internet access. We follow cultural processes and practices when entering our clients local areas / regions. We practise and implement the specific clinical and practical Community Development Frameworks that allow us to deliver projects in the indigenous space in an appropriate cultural manner.
SUPPORT
We are supported by a very strong team of staff who are able to deliver projects on time, and specification. We can provide project management services including support with sourcing government funding.
DRIVE
We take pride in our achievements and always work hard to achieve the needs of our clients.
REVIEW
On completion we provide a qualitative evaluation service, involving the community, using methods such as CRG (Critical Reference Group). Dale Robinson CEO/CIO.
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IT SERVICES TO REMOTE COMMUNITIES

WESTERN AUSTRALIAN COMMUNITY RESOURCE NETWORK1
The Western Australian Community Resource Network (WACRN) builds on one of Western Australias longest running and most successful regional community service programs, the Telecentre program that began in 1991. The Department of Regional Development and Lands, through the Royalties for Regions Program, is responsible for providing support to the state-wide network of Community Resource Centres (CRCs) through the provision of funding, training, capacity building activities and support for the CRCs Management Committees and staff. The department describes the CRCs as friendly, locally owned and operated centres that provide regional communities and their visitors with local access to technology, information and services and are fast becoming the hub of small regional towns. Additional funding from the Royalties for Regions program will assist CRCs expand and enhance their services to provide access to core services for people living and working in regional communities throughout WA. Community Resource Centres are located in more than 100 communities across Western Australia. The Centres are all incorporated, not-for-profit organisations that are independently owned and operated by the community. Together, the CRCs form the Western Australian Community Resource Network which is supported by the Department of Regional Development and Lands Community Development Division. Funding via the State Governments Royalties for Regions program allows CRCs to provide greater access to valuable services in their regions and undertake continued community and capacity building activities. Of more than 100 CRCs in Western Australia only about 15 are located in Aboriginal communities, most of those in the Kimberley (Figure 2Error! Reference source not found.), and logically in larger centres or communities. The majority of the CRCS are located in small country towns in the South West, not addressing the needs of the many remote communities in the Kimberley and regional Western Australia. Community population numbers to qualify in the Kimberley appear to range from about 60 (Jarlmadangah2) to 10,000 (Broome). There are many Aboriginal communities within this range that have received no support for their communications needs.
Shaun Leatherbarrow who is the Jarlmadangah Burru CRC Spokesman has reported: It enables us being remote to have access to town, if people are needing to use the internet for internet banking or whether its for Centrelink access and things like that it means that youre not having to travel that 150 kilometres once every two weeks or once a week sometimes, you know, I guess that saves money, it saves time and it enables people in the middle of nowhere to have resources that they would otherwise have if they were living in town.
1 2
http://www.crc.net.au/ http://www.rdl.wa.gov.au/programsandprojects/services/Pages/Community-Resource-Network.aspx
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Figure 2:
Location of Western Australias CRCs.
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DELIVERING CLOSING THE GAP OUTCOMES

NATIONAL PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT ON REMOTE INDIGENOUS PUBLIC INTERNET ACCESS
In 2009, as part of the closing the gap initiative the National Partnership Agreement on Remote Indigenous Public Internet Access 3 was issued by the Council of Australian Governments. The document defines the outputs that are funded, as follows:
Output 1: providing over the life of this Agreement new or expanded public internet access, tailored to individual community circumstances, to remote Indigenous communities identified in the Implementation Plans for each State and the Northern Territory. Eligible remote Indigenous communities will have limited or no public access internet facilities and populations that are generally 100 or more people. Internet access facilities must include appropriate filtering of illegal and offensive material, including filtering of restricted sites so they are not accessible by minors. Output 2: maintenance of public internet facilities installed under Output 1 to ensure they remain functional and accessible for the life of this Agreement. Output 3: delivery of training sessions, tailored to individual community needs, in up to 60 remote Indigenous communities per year with populations of generally 100 or more people that provide Indigenous Australians with skills in: (a) basic computer use; (b) using internet applications including email and web browsers; (c) applied internet use, with a focus on financial management, education, health, communication, government transactions, and economic and employment opportunities; (d) locating and navigating internet search engines and databases, constructing effective searches, evaluating websites and accessing culturally appropriate digitised objects; and (e) peer support techniques that enable users with a higher skill level to provide basic assistance to other community members in using computers and the internet.
The TelePod can deliver these required outcomes, but at low cost and with very short lead times. In addition, the outcomes are provided by employing todays most advanced computer topology.
PROGRESS ON CLOSING THE GAP IN REMOTE COMMUNITIES FOR INTERNET

The conclusions of the progress report on delivering the Performance Indicator Benchmarks for 2010-2011 cited the following challenges: 1. Not being able to reach an agreed Implementation Plan, delaying funding. 2. The wet season, impeding travel. 3. Lack of consultation, with many communities knowing little of the program or their entitlements. 4. Concern that solutions were not community driven. 5. Presumptions over what training would be requested. 6. Communities that did not receive IT infrastructure so training could not be given. Other shortcomings identified by Yawuru IT Services include the program not following proper IT practices such as virus clean up, regular IT maintenance, iTool practices, system backup as well as cases of new hardware not being distributed. When maintaining 200 to 300 machines at a time, change management practices must be followed, including asset tracking and management, and barcodes. Also, there appear to be no plans to maintain and upgrade hardware over time.
http://www.dbcde.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/119679/NP_remote_indigenous_internet_access_Sig.pdf
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International industry practice for IT service management calls for an Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) to be used for monitoring continual IT process improvement. This is especially important, when there are many machines in a "wild" environment. Many community managed facilities do not work because they are not following these practices, and cant because they are not built to a system where effective management can be applied across the network. Using the ITIL Service Support and Service Delivery standard, change management and incident management would be far better and bring fewer problems at the client end and better effectiveness in how the systems are able to perform. In a fat client model with different communities using facilities that cannot be managed under a single quality framework, these benefits are elusive, however with a Thin Client model, where each TelePod follows the standard in the same manner, quality management systems become cost effective. In summary, there are delivery challenges and system management challenges. The challenge to bring the facility on-line quickly is solved by the TelePod approach in several ways. First the TelePod is a synthesis of many technologies, which allows a very clean and clear presentation. It is easier to see the benefits and the TelePod does not disrupt other building spaces or activities within the community. Second, the TelePod can be built and delivered to site within weeks of a purchase order being raised. Accommodating the seasons is far easier. With the TelePod a Government Services Program can more easily plan and execute the roll out and confidently expect to meet objectives. The second issue of maintaining software and hardware system integrity and performance is addressed by the superior remote management solutions available with the Thin Client approach.
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NEEDS ANALYSIS
WHAT ARE THE NEEDS?
All communities, either city based or remotely located, have the core needs of: Health Education Security, and Infrastructure to support the above.
The TelePod delivers on each of these needs, by providing the means for various health, education and security services to be deployed online. The basic communications infrastructure then also allows people to engage and connect with others outside their community for social and employment reasons.
HOW MANY COMMUNITIES HAVE SUCH NEEDS?

All communities have these needs, yet only the larger communities have access to these services through the CRC program, and, in those cases, access is limited due to the fragile nature of the IT solutions that are deployed and the sometimes limited scope they address. The Department of Indigenous Affairs has reported the infrastructure present in 260 Communities in Western Australia4 and this is informative.
COMMUNITY SIZE
CRCs have been aimed at communities with above 100 persons. The limitation with this is the significant proportion of persons who live in communities with less than 100 persons, as demonstrated in the following chart.
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1000 900 800 700 600 500 400 300 200 100 0 10 40 70 100 130 160 190 220 250 280 310 340 370 400 430 460 490
Total number of persons
Size of community
Figure 3: Numbers of person living in communities of increasing sizes.
There are 70 communities of around 10 persons (700 persons) at the small end, while there are two communities of around 500 (1000 persons) at the large end. In fact 25% of community members live in communities of less than 50 persons, and another 20% live in communities between 50 and 100 persons. There is an urgent need for IT services that can be viable for communities of less than 100 persons, or 45% of community persons will go without Internet access for health and education services.
A WEIGHTED REMOTENESS INDEX

One person living 200 km from services might be assumed to represent twice the need of a person living 100km away, so a remoteness index weighted by number of persons in the community can highlight where needs are most profound (Table 1).
TABLE 1: NEEDS RANKED BY PERSON-KMS FROM MAIN SERVICE COMMUNITY NAME LGA USUAL POP'N (generally EHNS 2008) Distance to main service com. Persons * Dist to main service com.
KANDIWAL MARUNBABIDI PIA WADJARI DJARWORRADA WINDIDDA CONE BAY WOODSTOCK HOMESTEAD MUNMARUL WINDJINGAYRE NULLA NULLA NGURAWAANA WUGGUN MULLIBIDEE
WYNDHAM-EAST KIMBERLEY WYNDHAM-EAST KIMBERLEY MURCHISON WYNDHAM-EAST KIMBERLEY WILUNA DERBY-WEST KIMBERLEY PORT HEDLAND DERBY-WEST KIMBERLEY DERBY-WEST KIMBERLEY WYNDHAM-EAST KIMBERLEY ASHBURTON WYNDHAM-EAST KIMBERLEY BROOME
25 25 40 12 35 30 30 14 30 20 30 50 9
550 524 230 640 219 196 180 280 130 158 98 58 294
13750* 13100* 9200* 7680 7665* 5880* 5400* 3920 3900* 3160 2940* 2900* 2646
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YARRI YARRI KURLKU YULUMBU MT MARGARET DODNUN NIMBING LAMBOO STATION NGALINGKADJI JIMBALAKUDUNJ LA DJADARR BAY GALAMANDA KUPARTIYA ALLIGATOR HOLE MOLLY SPRINGS BARREL WELL BIRIDU MINGALKALA WURRENRANGINY BIDIJUL BEDUNBURRA MALABURRA JUNDARU COCKATOO SPRINGS
DERBY-WEST KIMBERLEY DERBY-WEST KIMBERLEY DERBY-WEST KIMBERLEY LAVERTON WYNDHAM-EAST KIMBERLEY WYNDHAM-EAST KIMBERLEY HALLS CREEK DERBY-WEST KIMBERLEY DERBY-WEST KIMBERLEY BROOME DERBY-WEST KIMBERLEY HALLS CREEK WYNDHAM-EAST KIMBERLEY WYNDHAM-EAST KIMBERLEY NORTHAMPTON DERBY-WEST KIMBERLEY HALLS CREEK HALLS CREEK DERBY-WEST KIMBERLEY DERBY-WEST KIMBERLEY BROOME ASHBURTON WYNDHAM-EAST KIMBERLEY
26 10 15 76 50 30 25 30 18 27 20 27 33 46 27 30 35 50 15 12 7 12 30
100 260 171 32 45 75 88 68 113 65 87 60 49 35 59 51 43 30 97 110 180 98 35
2600 2600* 2565 2432* 2250* 2250* 2200* 2040* 2034 1755* 1740 1620* 1617* 1610* 1593* 1530* 1505 1500* 1455 1320 1260 1176 1050*
The above list comprises all those communities with a Person-Kms score above 1000 and highlights the top 36 communities without Health Clinic or Telecentre access within 30 km and where there are most people at greatest communication/distance disadvantage. Inversely, the greatest disadvantage highlights the greatest potential cost savings in Internet supported remote service delivery for health, education and security. The following subset (Table 2) of the previous table highlights the top 26 communities by community population, without Health Clinic or Telecentre access within 30 km.
TABLE 2: NEEDS RANKED BY COMMUNITY SIZE NAME LGA USUAL POP'N (generally EHNS 2008) Distance to main service com. Persons * Dist to main service com.
MT MARGARET IMINTJI WURRENRANGINY WUGGUN DODNUN MOLLY SPRINGS PIA WADJARI WINDIDDA MINGALKALA ALLIGATOR HOLE WOODSTOCK HOMESTEAD WINDJINGAYRE NIMBING NGURAWAANA
LAVERTON DERBY-WEST KIMBERLEY HALLS CREEK WYNDHAM-EAST KIMBERLEY WYNDHAM-EAST KIMBERLEY WYNDHAM-EAST KIMBERLEY MURCHISON WILUNA HALLS CREEK WYNDHAM-EAST KIMBERLEY PORT HEDLAND DERBY-WEST KIMBERLEY WYNDHAM-EAST KIMBERLEY ASHBURTON
76 60 50 50 50 46 40 35 35 33 30 30 30 30
32 30 58 45 35 230 219 43 49 180 130 75 98
2432 0 1500 2900 2250 1610 9200 7665 1505 1617 5400 3900 2250 2940
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NGALINGKADJI CONE BAY COCKATOO SPRINGS BIRIDU EMBULGUN LA DJADARR BAY KUPARTIYA BARREL WELL YARRI YARRI LAMBOO STATION MARUNBABIDI KANDIWAL
DERBY-WEST KIMBERLEY DERBY-WEST KIMBERLEY WYNDHAM-EAST KIMBERLEY DERBY-WEST KIMBERLEY BROOME BROOME HALLS CREEK NORTHAMPTON DERBY-WEST KIMBERLEY HALLS CREEK WYNDHAM-EAST KIMBERLEY WYNDHAM-EAST KIMBERLEY
30 30 30 30 29 27 27 27 26 25 25 25
68 196 35 51 30 65 60 59 100 88 524 550
2040 5880 1050 1530 870 1755 1620 1593 2600 2200 13100 13750
The Kimberley is quickly confirmed as a region of disadvantage.
COMMUNITIES OVER 25 PERSONS

Because of the health and education needs within communities, it is anticipated that a TelePod would be required for each 50 persons and that financing solutions might be viable for communities with as few as 25 persons. There are 91 communities of 25 persons or more, totalling around 11,500 people. Assuming an average of one TelePod per 50 people, this suggests a potential market size of 211 TelePods.
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PROPOSED CONCEPT
TRACKING THE TECHNOLOGY TRAJECTORY
Information technology development is driven by advances in hardware, processor speeds increase and memory capacities increase consistently over time, following Moores Law5. It is also driven by the possibilities created by increases in Broadband capacity and together these exponentially increasing capacities open up completely new possibilities for application developers. The top 1000 developers are creating the future that will drive lifestyle and business engagement in the online world over the coming decades. The telecommunication systems provided to young people must reflect this future model. Facilities must be built today to prepare the young generation for the future. This can only be done by allowing them to engage with the most advanced technology models available and by creating an open ended usage policy that encourages and supports young people to explore the possibilities and make the most creative use of these advanced tools. This initial exposure to computing can be through educational and interactive games. Young people can discover and develop their talents to engage in social groups as leader, supporter, researcher and other important group roles, so laying the educational ground work for tomorrows world. This future-view is shared by researchers and Governments who are developing TeleHealth solutions and online education solutions that will be deployed via the internet in a manner consistent with the direction of the technology6. The skills acquired by young people as they pursue the online world rapidly filter up to others in the community. Adopting such a computing model will quickly alleviate many of the core communication challenges faced by remote communities.
THE DEVELOPING PARADIGM

Current assumptions on what sort of computing environments best serve remote indigenous communities risk being rooted in the experience and knowledge of how computing has been done over the last two decades, not how it should be done in the next two decades. The old model is well known to the corporation and the bureaucracy and consists of desks with a computer, a screen, a keyboard and a mouse, a bunch of wires out the back, a UPS, a LAN with server; then there are logon accounts, data partitions, back up procedures, printers etc., etc. It is a highly complex environment; the administration cost of each computer workstation is over $3,000 per annum, because of the highly complex nature of these computing environments. However, todays business leaders and world class entrepreneurs are just as likely to operate with an iPad, or Thin Client supporting a browser and a full range of business support services from the cloud. Word-processing, email, spread sheeting, project planning, customer relationship management; these and many, many more are available, and can be used without incurring the costs and management complexity of the workgroup and the LAN. In small business environments and increasingly in large businesses the entrepreneurs
5
Moore's law is the observation that over the history of computing hardware, the number of transistors on integrated circuits doubles approximately every two years (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moore's_law) 6 http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/work-pr-tele
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and business leaders of today are switching to cloud based computing, saving money, getting more value, more connectedness, more possibilities, better integration of virtual teams and so on. This is where computing is moving and the most exciting thing is that this model costs less, requires less management, is easier to adopt and prepares people better for finding ways to apply the interconnectedness of todays world for their own advantage no matter where they may be.
A NEW SYNTHESIS FOR A TELEPOD

Having tracked the technology trajectory and having experienced the immense challenges facing remote communities, Mr Robinson has integrated the following important threads of knowledge: 1. How IT technology is being applied today in its most advanced form. 2. He has assembled the technical knowledge and a team with the necessary capabilities to adopt and install such technology 3. He has developed an intimate understanding of on-the-ground circumstances, constraints and needs with respect to IT for indigenous organisations and remote communities. 4. He has formulated and procured a building system that can safely house the technology and can achieve world class delivery times to any location within Western Australia. Mr Robinson has synthesised the design and engineered the IT solution that simplifies and accelerates access for remote indigenous people to the computing advantages of the modern digital world. This, is Yawuru ITs TelePod, an advanced IT hub facility for remote locations.
PROTOTYPING, VALIDATION, CUSTOMER FEEDBACK

TelePod is a transportable, steel, cyclone-proof building that arrives fitted out with ready-to-go computing equipment and satellite connection. TelePod is a plug-n-play IT service infrastructure for remote locations. Given a successful application for funds a demonstration TelePod will be delivered to Notre Dame University, Broome, where its features will be tested and validated for both Education Services and TeleHealth.
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Figure 4:
Artists Impression of the on-site TelePod
FEATURES
Table 1: TelePod Advantages
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IMMEDIATE DELIVERY RUGGEDIZED
TelePods can be built and delivered to anywhere in Western Australia within 21 days from receipt of purchase order. The TelePod building can be constructed to cyclone standards, and fitted out with robust fixtures to securely mount and protect the computing equipment. The TelePod can be replaced with a new version every three years, so that IT systems can be modernised and upgraded as needed. A truck will arrive with the new one and take the old one away for refurbishment. The customer can select which features are required and know the cost involved as each feature is selected. Each TelePod can be remotely monitored to ensure the systems are virus free and running properly. The ruggedized construction and remote system administration dramatically reduces but does not remove the demand for local management. Each TelePod contains touchscreen computers that can be operated by children to play, learn and engage with the digital world. These children will become the champions and educators for others in the community.
RENEWABLE/RECYCLABLE
CUSTOMISABLE REMOTE SYSTEM ADMINISTRATION
ACCESSIBLE
TELEHEALTH DELIVERY
To support TeleHealth delivery the TelePod can be fitted with a ramp for wheelchair access as well as a divider to afford privacy. Further details of the TeleHealth specification will be developed during the Demonstration Phase.
EDUCATIONAL DELIVERY
To support delivery of online education the TelePod will be fitted with additional workstations. Further details of the Educational specification will be developed during the Demonstration Phase. The Educational and TeleHealth TelePod will take the following form:
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Figure 5:
Education and TeleHealth TelePod Layout
A PLATFORM
The TelePod is a technology platform for supporting communications in remote locations with a variety of purposes, such as the following, many of which reduce the need for travel: Childrens education, including on-line applications such as Google Earth and Virtual Classroom Training and education for youth Health Service interfacing for the general community (TeleHealth) Police and Health services access to records Searching for information Wi-Fi based VoIP Communications the general community Wi-Fi service for individually owned smartphones, tablets and computers Wi-Fi service for roving government agencies or tourists Wi-Fi monitoring of local power generation and water filtration systems Support private video connections for family conferences and court hearings Accessing Internet-delivered services Running Internet-delivered Software-As-A-Service Engaging with others across the Internet for community lore, cultural or gaming purposes Creating personal and community online content Facilitate better understanding of local conditions among the wider community Elders being able to speak to community members who are away from home Better business communication within the region, better coordination State emergency services and notifications Domestic violence response system Business support services, including banking, accounting and tax services
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The above communication needs are supported and go well beyond the outcomes required for Government funded IT services, such as the Closing the Gap reform agenda.7
ENABLING TECHNOLOGY
KEY FACTOR: BANDWIDTH AVAILABILITY IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA
For the 7% of Western Australians who live in remote regions such as the Kimberley, most Internet bandwidth is provided by satellite. There are plans to build more wireless towers along the Highway One between Broome and Kununurra, but this is remote from many of the remote Aboriginal communities. Consequently many issues remain around access to basic telecommunications such as telephones and Internet, and satellite is the key solution. Real improvements for satellite delivery won't occur until 2015. Indigenous communities are hungry for experience so if they have a TelePod when additional bandwidth is available they will have the skills and projects to put it to good use. Yawuru IT Services sells satellite bandwidth (VSAT) from Orion satellite systems, providing an immediate solution to the lack of bandwidth. The Hughes modem product is used by over 15 million users world-wide and is industry standard. Orion satellite service allows for 1024 Mb/s download per satellite receiver, however, any level of dedicated services are also available. Contended and uncontended bandwidth services are available. VoIP and other synchronous communications are carried in IP packets that have priority over asynchronous application demands. Bandwidth is managed by Orion on standard monthly plans for corporate customers offering a wide range of voice and data solutions. Orion also offers NBN solutions through Reachnet, a separate company.
BROAD SYSTEM SPECIFICATION

In summary, a satellite system designed and specified by Yawuru IT Services comprises the following elements. DISH SERVER ROUTER Wi-Fi THIN CLIENTS .89/.98M Ku-BAND Rx/Tx ANTENNA SYSTEM Server if required can come from major brands IBM, HP or DELL Hughes Satellite Modem community base station or community wide omni directional antenna HP or Dell
http://www.fahcsia.gov.au/our-responsibilities/indigenous-australians/programs-services/closing-the-gap
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Figure 6:
Typical Network Infrastructure Voice / Data using NOC for TelePod installations
NEW SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE

Information technologies are unlike others. While automobiles and houses increase in cost as they become more advanced, the reverse is true in IT. So, in keeping with Moores Law, the latest IT solutions deliver more bang-for-buck than those they replace. This is particularly true when moving from a PC/LAN solution to an Internet-delivered Software-as-a-Service and Thin-Client solutions.
THIN CLIENT
The paragraph below compares a thin client with a complete computer: 8
A thin client can refer to either a software program or to an actual computer that relies heavily on another computer to do most of its work. A thin client is part of a network, and the client software or computer acts as an interface, while the network server computer does all the real work. In the case of a computer, a thin client is unable to perform many functions on its own. A thin client computer may be a machine designed only for online use, sending and receiving email, and surfing the net. A thin client computer may also be part of a larger network, at a company or school for example. The thin client computer contains enough information to start up and connect to a more powerful network server, and the server computer provides the rest of the computing horsepower. The thin server may not even have a hard drive. If the thin client computer needs to use a program or save a file, it will connect to the network server computer to do so. In software terms, a thin client is a program which is mostly interface. The user of the thin client software sees all the data, tools, and features they would on a normal piece of software, but another program running on a remote server does all the work. The reasons someone might use a thin client, both hardware and software versions, include reduced cost, ease of maintenance, ease of use, and security.
8
http://www.bigmastech.com/linux-solutions/linux-open-source-business-solutions/thin-client-desktoptechnology
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A thin client is much simpler than a complete computer. In a situation in which many people need to perform a similar task, it is more cost effective to have one network server computer and many inexpensive thin client computers, than to have many complete computers. Because thin clients are relatively simple, it is much easier to diagnose problems and repair them. A standard computer has a lot of parts, and a thin client only has a few. Fewer parts mean fewer things can go wrong.
Figure 7:
Thin Clients Take Software from Server
While a thin client is not the right tool for every job, it has many valuable uses. If a user needs to perform select tasks and does not need all the functionality of a standard computer or program, a thin client may be the right tool for the job.
VIRTUALISATION
Virtualisation means simply using less physical hardware and replicating this into the software layer to make virtualised machines. For delivering the educational experience a large amount of ondemand computer processing power is not required so virtualisation is useful as a solution to increase performance and lower cost. This is what makes up "cloud" infrastructure.
WAN ACCELERATION
Cisco and Silverpeak are two of the major computer communications players for WAN (Wide Area Network) acceleration and delivery. Currently, Silverpeak is preferred as offering more "bang for buck". Although Cisco is the industry standard for routing and switching, Silverpeak has scalable options for WAN connectivity and acceleration. This means that simple office applications can be accessed from a major server. Using the Silverpeak data replication technology a local copy is made to the hard drive and a heartbeat is sent between the Silverpeak box, the server and the client to keep MS office applications updated. Yaruwu IT Services is supported by local expertise as well as a support network in Perth who are familiar with this technology and have implementation experience. For VOIP services, systems such as Avaya IP phones and other others are relevant.
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PERFORMANCE COMPARISON
The advantages of the thin-client approach with software as a service in the context of remote IT systems is as follows:
ELEMENT
Bandwidth Hardware Software Local IT Management Demands
OLD MODEL
Required Complete desktop computers Applications installed High
NEW MODEL
Required Thin-Clients Software-as-a-Service Very Low
OUTCOME
Same Performance Reduced Cost Significantly Reduced Cost Better Service Reliability, Far lower costs, Less difficulty managing the facility Faster implementation, less unknowns, less risk Faster Training Program Open ended storage capacities Greater software performance reliability Less likelihood of losing data Easier to find and explore new software
Ability to meet COAG Output requirements Ability to support skills development Storage Limitations Software upgrades
Yes Yes Require hard disk capacity Necessary to install and activate software upgrades Offsite back up difficult to accomplish, high risk of lost data Research required for each case, licenses need purchasing
Yes Yes Storage in the cloud None, or updates pushed from the Cloud when requested Cloud servers backed up automatically Free use for private or small scale usage, moderate monthly fees for access to complex cloud software Not viable, unless done through preformulated applications Dramatically less wiring required, PCs are carried securely with purpose built fixtures, far less vulnerable Possible
Backup Requirements
Adopting new software
Power User Applications such as desktop publications Reliability of the facility
Viable, but software can be expensive
Exposed wires, tower PC cases on desks, are vulnerable
Limitations for advanced and highly skilled users in graphical applications System reliability is greatly enhanced.
Adoption of international best practice Management of the building
Impossible
Far higher system reliability is achieved Knowledge sharing across the TelePod network simplifies facility management
Various circumstances for housing the IT infrastructure
A standard, rugged building system for IT infrastructure
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CAPACITY TO DELIVER
To deliver the TelePod requires coordination of a team of specialist businesses. These resources have been identified and developed by Yawuru IT to create the necessary capacity to deliver on the TelePod vision.
Yawuru IT Systems Project Advocacy and Head Contractor

Yawuru IT Systems IT systems engineeering & implementation
NBC Aboriginal Corporation Community consultation, building approvals, site management
Providers
ESM Building Supplier Rapid building construction and delivery
Each part of the delivery team which is led by Yawuru IT, has an important role to play.
YAWURU IT
Yawuru IT plays two roles in delivering the TelePod. First is sales, marketing, IT system design, ordering and project coordination. The second is providing the IT systems implementation services to install each TelePod ready for deployment on site.
ORGANISATION
The key team is organised as follows:
Dale Robinson CEO/CIO
Daniel Dos Santos Marketing Executive
Herman Bambo I.T. solutions engineer (MCITP)
Lindsay Dean Telecommunications Engineer
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COLLABORATIVE NETWORK AND SKILLS AVAILABLE

The following short CV summaries indicate the breadth and calibre of the full team that Yawuru IT can muster to deliver project requirements. D ALE R OBINSON CEO/CIO Investigation, analysis, project co-ordination, documentation, requirements analysis. Project design, planning and evaluation. Project Specification / Members of the Team / Associated Roles and Tasks. Project Evaluation (From Previous completed Project at Meekatharra). D ANIEL D OS S ANTOS JUNIOR PARTNER , MARKETING EXECUTIVE . Social Media, marketing, attraction marketing, marketing advice, and business related services. Start-ups, crowd sourcing, business advice. Web, Cloud Computing. H ERMAN B AMBO AND C RAIG G RANT (D ATATECH ) S ERVER E NGINEERS / I.T. C ONSULTANTS . I.T. Infrastructure Software Engineering, Server Administration, Remote Support, Critical support, Systems, Systems design, Systems implementation, Roll-out, S.O.E., Microsoft, SCCM, Remote Imaging methods. Cisco, routers, switches, firewalls etc L INDSAY D EAN C OMMUNICATIONS E NGINEER . Communications. Cabling installations, electrical fitting, satellite equipment and installation. Phone communications and equipment, VOIP platforms, UHF radio installations and support. B AJRAI (B UDGIE ) C OMMUNICATIONS E NGINEER Cisco, Routers, Switches, Firewalls, Comms cabinet, Communications technology and support, Remote video cameras, Solar panel installation, Wireless, Fibre point, Satellite engineering. H AYDEN H OWARD Labouring Duties, Logistics, Freight, Warehousing, Stock Inventory (All Rounder), Aboriginal Tourism Consultant.
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ESM GROUP9
ESM Manufacturing Group is a Western Australian family owned business with a vision to become the leading steel solutions business across Australia, focused on customer satisfaction ESM have won regional and state small business of the year awards in 2012, they are a diverse organisation that has invested in new technology and are market leaders in remote accommodation, steel fabrication and steel frame housing solutions. ESM have successfully delivered in 2012 nearly 200 stackable mine site accommodation pods to the north west of Western Australia for Rio Tintos Cajaput accommodation upgrade, recently ESM have also gained national supply and installation preferred supplier status for McDonalds, successfully handing over three steel frames stores in November 2012. ESM Group also offers design/engineering and fabrication of structural steel, making them an ideal partner in the TelePod business. Completed TelePod buildings will be sized to match transport by truck and will transported from Esperance ready to plug-n-play. ESM Group has identified a capacity for Aboriginal people from other regions to travel to Esperance where they can work to fabricate the buildings, helping them to assist with any maintenance issues that may arise. The Federal Governnment may be able to support this process through the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations.
NBC ABORIGINAL CORPORATION10

NBC is a competitive professional enterprise committed to meeting the needs of Aboriginal people and the wider community through the provision of design and project management services whilst supporting and encouraging the principle of self-determination. The company is committed to facilitating effective participation and community involvement in all aspects of project development and management. NBC has fully equipped offices in Broome WA and Adelaide SA with a managing architect, senior architects, technicians and administrative staff. NBC will be responsible for managing the delivery of the buildings. This will include: o o o o o o o o o Community consultation Building location Community approval Confirmation of land tenure Essential services Preparation of drawings and specifications Planning application and approval Building certification Project management
David Swallow is the nominated project manager and his details are given at Appendix 2.
10
http://www.esmgroup.com.au http://www.nbcac.com.au/
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MARRA WORRA WORRA,11 CAPACITY DEMONSTRATION PROJECT

Marra Worra Worra is the oldest and largest Aboriginal Resource Agency in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. Its primary aim is to provide support services to existing and emerging groups in the Fitzroy River Valley, and to assist them to develop as strong, autonomous communities and organisations. Based in the predominantly Aboriginal town of Fitzroy Crossing, its area of operations extends from Jimbalakadunj community, 120 kilometres to the west, to Yiyili community, 170 kilometres to the east. Marra Wora Worra Training was set up as a registered training organisation in 2010. Using the latest technology , training will be delivered via the internet to centres in Yakanarra, Yiyili, 8 mile (Joy Spring) Muludja and Djugerai. Training Manager, Kyla Bettridge, says that people can now receive high standard, community relevant skills without leaving their families and communities. Yawuru IT is currently working on the project to build remote training facilities for indigenous communities. This project includes a purpose built facility for training, accommodation units for staff and students, the training building will have up to eight All-in-One Hewlett Packard computer units as well as wall mounted HDTV for teleconferencing (if required) and all associated fixtures. Yawuru IT will provide the roof mounted satellite connection to allow telephony, Internet and Foxtel delivery. Currently, satellite bandwidth limitations apply to some of the bandwidth intensive applications and strategies for maximising the use of available bandwidth are being developed and implemented.
11
http://www.marraworraworra.com.au/
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PILOT PROGRAM
The Nulungu Research Institute at Notre Dame University (NDU) Broome Campus pursues research methods and education programs that link traditional knowledge with scientific understanding. Such an approach calls for flexible and portable communication solutions to reach those with traditional knowledge.
EDUCATION
Education courses have been shifting online rapidly and the online delivery technology has become increasingly sophisticated. Both secondary and tertiary courses can be delivered online. NDU operates in the dual education sectors of TAFE and University Education. Many potential students are not able to leave their community to reach secondary or tertiary schools and universities but with the TelePod they are within reach of todays education programs.
NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

The Nulungu Research Institute is developing a centre for Natural Resource Management and can potential deliver course material online to remote communities using the TelePod solution. Taking advantage of the portability of the TelePod it becomes possible for those with deep experience and traditional knowledge to deliver talks to others in other remote locations across the region.
TELEHEALTH
TeleHealth is another field of interest for NDU. Using the TelePod training can be given to remote community health workers and those needing assistance can visit the TelePod to connect with the appropriate trained health professionals from the TeleHealth network. For these reasons delivering courses remotely, recognising untapped sources of knowledge and delivering TeleHealth NDU is preparing a funding application part of which will support a demonstration TelePod to be stationed at NDU in Broome. If the application is successful, the following goals become possible while the TelePod is in Broome: 1. Inviting persons from the many indigenous representative organisations in Broome to visit, see, test and appreciate. 2. Testing the role played by the TelePod in supporting NDUs natural resource management knowledge. 3. Testing and refining the functionality for supporting delivery of TeleHealth 4. Verifying how the TelePod meets the Government outcomes required for Telecentres To further the work of NDU, the TelePod may relocate periodically from one remote community to another, creating the opportunity for the following: 1. NDU can validate and refine its research, training and TeleHealth models 2. Communities can access communications and other training 3. A try-before-you-buy arrangement could be offered to communities, if purchased, the TelePod would stay there and a new TelePod would be shipped to the next community
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HOW ARE SUCH FACILITIES FUNDED?

Facilities for remote communities, whether indigenous or otherwise tend to have been funded through one-time government grants.
COMMONWEALTH DEPARTMENT OF FAMILIES, HOUSING, COMMUNITY SERVICES AND INDIGENOUS AFFAIRS (FAHCSIA)
In 2008 COAG set specific and ambitious targets for Closing the Gap. They are: To close the life-expectancy gap within a generation To halve the gap in mortality rates for Indigenous children under five within a decade To ensure access to early childhood education for all Indigenous four years olds in remote communities within five years To halve the gap in reading, writing and numeracy achievements for children within a decade To halve the gap in Indigenous Year 12 achievement by 2020 To halve the gap in employment outcomes between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians within a decade.
COAG recognised that overcoming Indigenous disadvantage will require a sustained commitment from all levels of government to work together and with Indigenous people, with major effort directed to seven action areas or building blocks. The building blocks endorsed by COAG are: Early Childhood Schooling Health Economic Participation Healthy Homes Safe Communities Governance and Leadership.
The building blocks are linked achieving the Closing the Gap targets requires progress in each of these areas. Strategies aimed at achieving improvements in any one area will not work in isolation. All of the building blocks can be addressed by the simple installation of a TelePod in a remote community. FaHCSIA is the lead agency for enacting the Closing the Gap reform agenda. The aims and objectives of Program 7.4, Indigenous Capability and Development are articulated through its seven Components, two of which are: Flexible Funding: To address priority needs through flexible funding for strategic investments, including community development projects in Remote Service Delivery National Partnership priority communities and elsewhere. Indigenous Capability and Development: To deliver services that support Indigenous individuals, families and communities to improve their wellbeing and engagement with
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government, with a focus on leadership and capacity building and promoting Indigenous culture and knowledge; and to provide funding for independent organisations that deliver similar functions. While not yet tested and with the program applications not opening until February 2013 these programs appear to match the aim of establishing TelePods in remote communities. Under these programs, supported by the proposed demonstration in Broome, TelePods could find a national application.
RDL CRC GROUP

The RDL CRC Program has still to be tested for its Acceptance and adoption of the TelePod model, but is a key Western Australian Stakeholder. Ideally it is able to provide some funds towards the initial capital costs of the Telepods allocated on the basis of needs and population criteria.
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FUNDING THE PILOT PROGRAM

There are several granting bodies well placed to support the location of one or more demonstration TelePods in the Kimberley, so they can be seen and tested under local conditions. The pilot or demonstration program would see a TelePod located on the Broome Campus of Notre Dame University for up to six months, so it can be tested and inspected by many people visiting Broome. For the next six months of the pilot it would be transported to at least three remote communities, finishing at One Arm Point, its long term destination. In that year the TelePod will be used for communication, training, TeleHealth and research. This test will support improvements and encourage orders from communities in need. The following organisations are potential sources of grant funds for the pilot program.
REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AUSTRALIA (RDA)

RDA in Western Australia brings together all levels of government to support the development of regional Australia and is funded by the Australian Government. RDA is administered by the Australian Government Department of Regional Australia, Local Government, Arts and Sport. In Western Australia there are nine RDA committees that are working to develop solutions to the economic, social and environmental issues affecting their communities. One of these is located at Broome in the Kimberley. RDA Kimberleys Regional Plan12 reflects that the Kimberley has a population of around 37,600 people with around 47.4% of these indigenous. Importantly there are 152 remote indigenous communities and outstations in the West Kimberley and 85 in the East Kimberley. Kimberley RDA has determined that it will focus its attention and resources on have been identified; these priorities incorporate Economic, Health, Education, Youth, Environment, Industry and Indigenous issues. The Regional Plan reflects that Communication infrastructure is inadequate and fragile and calls for an expanded telecommunications network to improve education opportunities. It also reports that collaboration across all levels of government is essential. The Regional Development Australia Fund (RDAF) supports the infrastructure needs of regional Australia, with nearly $1 billion been allocated to the program (with some funding subject to the Minerals Rent Resource Tax). The program funds capital infrastructure projects which are identified as priorities by local communities. The program is administered by the Department of Regional Australia, Local Government, Arts and Sport (the department). Rounds Three and Four of the Regional Development Australia Fund (RDAF) have opened and an expression of interest must be submitted by a Notfor-Profit or Local Government Organisation by December 6th, 2012. In this case a Not-for-Profit is the most logical partner and the One Arm Point (Ardyaloon) community has been identified as a partner.
12
Regional Development Australia Kimberley (2012)Regional Plan Kimberley.
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LOTTERY WEST
Lottery West makes available project grants that can be applied for at any time. The project might create and explore opportunities, address community issues and disadvantage, or simply raise awareness locally or across the State. The grants are able to cover costs others do not fund. This might include project related equipment or supplies, time-limited operating costs, including wages, project administration, professional fees and travel. Depending on the length and potential benefit of the project, the grant may also support capital costs. A successful application will demonstrate: How the project relates to an organisations purpose How the idea for the project came about, its community importance and expected benefits Community and stakeholder support for the project Strong project planning, management and expertise Good governance, evaluation and learning strategies Considerations of what will happen after completion
The TelePod demonstration project offers sound credentials against these criteria but will require the involvement of local organisations. The Kimberley Land Council would be an excellent partner. The potential for support from Lottery West highlights how the TelePod demonstration project can act as to bond and education the Kimberley community.
NOTRE DAME UNIVERSITY, BROOME CAMPUS

Notre Dame University, Broome Campus, also intends to partner in the project and to contribute funds.
ESM GROUP
The ESM Group will fabricate the demonstration TelePod and transport to Broome, all at a special demonstration model cost.
OTHER PRIVATE INVESTORS

Interested investors may choose to support this important regional project.
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FINANCIAL PLAN
CONVENTION
If done as in the past a Community might win a grant, pay Yawuru for the building, lease access to the building to government agencies, and use the income to pay contractors to maintain the facility. Without dedicated services it is difficult to make this happen consistently, without Yawuru IT in the loop for scheduled upgrading of equipment to keep it current. The assumed path to funding facilities for indigenous communities is by way of capital grants, even for facilities or technology that must be maintained and which have a relatively short life. According to the Australia Tax Officeii computers have a useful life of four years, and laptops 3 years, so if a capital grant is taken to fund the IT facility, there is a problem at the end of the useful life of the equipment. The second problem with taking a capital grant is that having equipment is never sufficient. Investments in capital risk being wasted if there is no funding for on-going training and ongoing maintenance. A third issue with taking a capital grant is that the various stakeholders who stand to gain by the advantages conferred by the facility are not made responsible for ensuring those advantages are actually delivered reliably, day in, day out. In this case, the TelePod will create a means for the education services to reach a wider market. The Department of Education will be able to reach communities who under the current model are too small to service. The university sector will be able to reach a market it never could before; children will be able to access education without the costs and trauma of living away from home. In TeleHealth, the TelePod will lower the cost and increase the effectiveness of each health dollar spent by 500%. In Ontario, Canada, their approach to TeleHealth over the last decade has seen spending fall 75% while delivered services increased 40%. Such a goal can be set for Western Australia.
AN ALTERNATE MODEL
The TelePod solution delivers services which are of great value to those living in a remote community, but are also of great value to Government to deliver its obligations to the Australian community. What is needed is a financing strategy that sees fees being paid commensurate with the benefits being realised. One such approach is for Yawuru IT to provide the TelePod in return for monthly lease payments from those service agencies whose delivery costs are reduced through using it.
SERVICE-TO-GOVERNMENT MODEL
A financial model can be defined where the TelePod delivers as communications solution to Government, that is used by Government to ensure their Internet delivered services are available to all Australians. This communication solution would be invoiced regularly as are other infrastructure services, such as telephones, power, gas and Internet. Under this model Yawuru IT Services would sell TelePod supply contracts for monthly lease payments and would use those monthly payments to raise finance needed to purchase and locate the TelePods as required.
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If each TelePods was being leased for $5,000 per month, this would be $60,000 revenue per year. At a target profit percentage of 20%, this would be $12,000 profit per year, sufficient to cover unexpected outlays and be sustainable if only a handful of TelePods are implemented.
R EVENUE Annual Revenue A NNUAL E XPENSES Broadband, Maintenance & Training C APITAL C OST Outlay for building Outlay for IT installation Transportation and Siting Services Total T HREE YEAR U PGRADE Refurbishment of building Outlay for IT upgrade Transportation Total N INE Y EAR R EVENUES AND C OSTS Annual Revenue at $60,000 Less Maintenance & Training at $10,000 per annum Building Outlays Total Gross Profit per TelePod Average over nine years
$60,000 $10,000 $160,000 $25,000 $15,000 $200,000 $40,000 $20,000 $10,000 $70,000 $540,000 $90,000 $340,000 $430,000 $110,000 $12,200
ENABLING GOVERNMENT SERVICE PROVISION

In 2012 Western Australia had 190,000 children in Primary School and 77,000 in Secondary School13, at a cost of $4.235 billion (Estimated Actual for 2011/1214). Supposing a third of that cost is overhead and two thirds direct costs, the direct cost is over $15,000 per year per student. In small communities where children have little education services some of this budget should be available. A community with ten children might expect half of the direct cost to go towards the TelePod, or $7,500 per student per year. On this analysis, a community with as few as eight students could be provided with a TelePod.
13 14
Department of Education, Western Australia, Annual Report 2011-12 http://www.treasury.wa.gov.au/cms/uploadedFiles/State_Budget/ Budget_2012_13/00_part_07_portfolio_summary.pdf?n=7109
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Delivery of Health Services, aside from that funded by the Federal Government, costs the State Government $3.651 billion (Estimated Actual for 2011/1215). Western Australias population is 2.35 million. Supposing a third of that cost is overhead and two thirds direct costs, average health service delivery expenditure by the State Government is over $1,000 per person each year. The Federal Government will spend $52.8 billion on health in 2012-1316 for Australias population of 22.6 million. Supposing a third of that cost is overhead and two thirds direct costs, average health service delivery expenditure by the Federal Government is over $1,500 per person each year. If half of this total $2,500 per person expenditure in health was invested to allow TeleHealth services to be delivered, then a community of as few as 50 persons could be provided with a TelePod. Combining resources from both Education and Health could justify a community of 25 persons including four school age children having a TelePod.
EVALUATION
Which of these two options for payment of facilities will be adopted will depend on the outcome of the demonstration at NDU, and on dialogue with health and education agencies for providing for the IT they require to deliver their programs.
POTENTIAL IF ADOPTED
If an average of one TelePod was provided for each 50 people in Western Australias remore communities, this suggests an ongoing market of 211 TelePods. Across Australia the target might be for 500 TelePods installed over a 5 year periods, realising an annual turnover for the business of $30M.
15
http://www.treasury.wa.gov.au/cms/uploadedFiles/State_Budget/ Budget_2012_13/00_part_03_portfolio_summary.pdf?n=5788 16 http://www.health.gov.au/internet/budget/publishing.nsf/content/2012-2013_Health_PBS/ $File/1.03_Portfolio_Overview.pdf
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PROMOTION AND POSITIONING

NAMING
A number of names have been considered as labelling label to best explain the concept, but for the purposes of this study, TelePod is adopted. Compound words from the following two word groups have been considered:
Tele, Coms, Inter, Edi (Education & Internet), Edhu, Gov, E; Box, Pod, Pad, Link, Hub, Talks; forming Telepod, TeleHub, Interpod, Interhub, Edipod, Edhupod, GovLink, TeleLink, TeleBox, eTalks etc.
The word Pod is preferred over Hub as it better represents the integration of building and technology, while Tele is preferred over other prefixes as it leads on from the well understood Telecentre; thus TelePod.
BRANDING
Some alternative branding solutions have been explored in this study, see Appendix 3. The following is suggested for use in promoting the TelePod concept.
The TelePod logo has the following attributes that help explain the product concept: Broad horizon, blue sky and red earth, indicating remote locations Iconic roof shape indicating shelter Wi-Fi symbol indicating telecommunications Wi-Fi symbol penetrating roof, indicating that facilities are protected
The TelePod logo can be used in a variety of places, such as Letterhead / email footer To brand and coordinate all marketing materials
Legal advice would be required to determine a brand name, to establish availability to be trademarked. Until then TelePod should be used only as a label and a graphic, not as a trademark.
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FEASIBILITY
The TelePod is a feasible concept for Yawuru IT Services, under the right Success Conditions. The following must be met for Yawuru IT Services to realise the full potential of the TelePod concept. Success Conditions 1. IT capacity within the Yawuru TI Services 2. Experience with similar IT infrastructure to what is proposed for the TelePod 3. Able to put a demonstration TelePod forward for review, comment and development 4. Strategic relationship with building designer and supplier 5. Able to show cost advantages to standard solutions 6. Able to show performance advantages to standard solutions 7. A concept that is technically sound and would deliver the intended benefits 8. An IT approach that has been independently audited by recognised IT experts 9. A building solution that has been independently audited by recognised building system experts 10. Able to explain and position the concept to potential customers 11. Able to develop and sustain a professional image and profile 12. Able to win Government capital funding 13. Has the management skill to run the business. Comments Result There are several persons connected to the business whose skills appear strong and are complementary. Marra Worra Worra demonstrates application of the required IT skills.
? ? ? ?
A demonstration TelePod is being planned as part of Notre Dame University Natural Resource Management and TeleHealth Research. Other paths to a demonstration should be explored Good and supportive relationships exist with ESM Group. ESM Group is competitive with other building providers. Other suppliers can be approached to verify budgets. Thin Client architecture and Software-as-a-Service gives less maintenance-related down time and is more easily maintained from a distance. Within the scope of this study, the TelePod concept in general appears sound. Within the scope of this study, the TelePod IT concept appears sound. Within the scope of this study, the TelePod building concept appears sound.
The descriptions are becoming more complete, informative and persuasive. Good branding options have been developed Similar solutions have been capital funded by Government Mr Robinson has the skills to continue to improve and develop the TelePod concept Mr Robinson has shown the ability to seek and take advice and is able to delegate responsibility. Mr Robinson will require support in other management areas. This is not required for large scale national roll out, but would transform the impact of the TelePod across remote Australia. Within this scope of this study, this question could not be determined.
14. Able to convince Government to lease TelePods as a means to deliver their services remotely.
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CONCLUSION
The TelePod concept is sound and appears feasible within the scope of this study. Orders for TelePods could be fulfilled at a profit and would deliver valued services to communities. Yawuru IT Services has the capacity to support TelePod clients in the Kimberley. To realise its larger potential across Western Australia and indeed across Australia the concept must be presented and promoted to various government agencies as it is their acceptance that allows funds to flow and which allows it to become part of the Nations infrastructure solution for remote communities. To achieve this support the higher standards of Government purchasing departments for vetting and review of new technologies must be respected, which means further independent analysis would be required if those much larger markets were to be targeted. Further analysis would: 1. Examine the IT solution proposed and verify the architecture can deliver the required performance; 2. Validate the TelePod for use in both Education delivery and TeleHealth; and 3. Verify the building system. In part this can be satisfied through the establishment of a demonstration TelePod in Broome where its performance can be assessed by potential customers. Funding for this demonstration could be provided by a Public/Private partnership. Applications by communities for funds to purchase a TelePod have good prospects and will have better prospects as the TelePod system become increasingly recognised and endorsed by Indigenous groups and within the Indigenous Government and Non-Government services industry. A supporting business plan will be developed to accompany this feasibility study and to focus efforts on 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Building acceptance of the TelePod solution; Seeing a successful demonstration project; Ensuring that prices and costs are feasible; Pursuing pay as you go funding strategies for communities; and Ensuring that management support is available as needed.
Further study is required to confirm a long term funding path that would see Government Health and Education providers gain access to communities by using the TelePod solution for a monthly fee. With this funding mechanism in place, several hundred TelePods across Australia would alter the education and quality of life of thousands of Indigenous people and thereby unlock new potential for Indigenous Business. This further study should be jointly funded by IBA and potentially FaHCSIA.
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APPENDIX 1 ESM GROUP CAPABILITY

ESM sheet metal fabrication, steel framed housing construction, and steel sheds provides solutions for all industries: mining, farming, fishing, building as well as the general public. ESM GROUP offer steel fabrication of mild, galvanised, zincanneal, zincalume, stainless steel and aluminium. ESM GROUP works with thicknesses from .4 mm through to 20 mm, and all types of circular, rectangular and square tubing. A service for design/engineering and fabrication of structural steel is also available. ESM GROUP is based in Esperance with a very large fabrication facility and a truck fleet capable of delivering to the Perth metro area overnight and to all of Western Australia in days. Because of the large quantity of fabrication work done the workforce is extensive and extremely capable and is able to meet very short lead time demands. This is critical for being able to fulfil standard orders within 14 days of a confirmed purchase order.
CURRENT MACHINERY
ESM GROUP has sourced the best machinery from Europe, including a positive/negative numerically controlled bender for up to 20mm steel, which means complex designs are produced in house without the logistical delay of having to integrate inputs from other suppliers. ESM GROUP is a turnkey steel construction provider. 90 ton, 5 metre hydraulic bender 4.4 metre guillotine 60 ton, 2.4 metre hydraulic bender 2.5 metre guillotine 3 x sheet rollers 90 ton punch and shear Sectional pipe/rhs roller 3 dimensional semiautomatic mandrel bender CNC roll forming machine (housing and sheds) 2 x overhead cranes 2 x fork lifts Spot welder Numerous welders, including tig, mig, pulse mig & spot pneumatic cold saw CNC positive/negative folder slitter, 6500mm long
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APPENDIX 2 NBC ABORIGINAL CORPORATION

BACKGROUND
NBC Aboriginal Corporation is an Aboriginal owned organisation that has been working in the design and project management consultancy areas since 1993 in Western Australia. (NBC Darwin from which NBC Aboriginal Corporation formed has been active in Western Australia from 1986). In this time the organisation has acquired a respected reputation from clients and funding agencies for the reliability and quality of its work. NBC Aboriginal Corporation is owned by three West Kimberley Aboriginal resource agencies, Marra Worra Worra (Fitzroy Crossing), Winun Ngari (Derby) and Mamabulanjin (Broome). Representatives of each agency sit on the management committee to ensure that the organisation provides a service to its clients which reflects both life in remote and regional Australia and the specific needs of individual communities.
PHILOSOPHY
NBC's wide ranging resources, expertise and experience is reflected in the diversity of projects it has undertaken. Foremost in the company's philosophy is a commitment to facilitating effective participation and management in all aspects of developing projects. NBC is a not-for-profit organisation and supports Aboriginal people and corporations in educational and other initiatives for which funds are not otherwise available. The company does not receive any funding other than that generated on a fee for service basis to our various clients.
EXTENT OF SERVICES
The services currently offered by NBC include: community resource/infrastructure research and planning housing investigations and research health facilities investigations and research design and contract administration services interior design services feasibility studies project management policy, program assessment and research
CAPACITY
NBC carries out a broad range of projects from temporary accommodation to multi-residential infrastructure projects, remote transportable clinics to large hospitals, clinics, schools and aged care facilities. NBC has or is currently working with approximately 25 Indigenous communities and outstations and several government departments and funding bodies.
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Our main clients are Indigenous communities and organisations throughout northern and central Australia including the Kimberley and Pilbara regions of Western Australia, Northern South Australia and the Northern Territory.
DAVID SWALLOW
Senior Architect and Project Manager B. Arch. Manchester Polytechnic, 1977, Dip. Arch. Manchester Polytechnic, 1979 Registered Architect (WA and SA) David joined NBC Aboriginal Corporation in 1998 following a ten year period as senior architect with a large multi-disciplinary company in Adelaide. He has over 30 years of professional experience as a quantity surveyor, university lecturer and architect in England, Nigeria, Singapore and Australia. David has developed specialist skills in low cost housing, aged care accommodation, hospitals and health centres. As project manager for a large range of, office, housing, aged care, health care and hospital projects, David has been closely involved with clients and users in all aspects of the design and project management process. David's current and recent projects as project manager include 10 Community House for MG Corporation, Kimberley Satellite Dialysis Centre, Balgo Community Multi-Purpose Clinic, Halls Creek Hospital, Horizon Power West Kimberley Regional Office, Marra Worra Worra Office, Bilgungurr Housing Assessment, Ngiyali Roadhouse, Djarindjin Roadhouse, West Kimberley Regional Prison, staff houses and school buildings at 10 remote communities for the Building the Education Revolution programme and several Kimberley housing projects. David recently retired as co-manager of NBC Aboriginal Corporation but continues as a senior architect and project manager, responsible for all aspects of project design and management and specialising in administrative procedures.
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APPENDIX 3 ALTERNATIVE BRANDING OPTIONS

PREFERRED
DERIVATION
i ii
http://www.orionsat.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/SCPC-Solution.pdf http://www.ato.gov.au/content/downloads/ind00313557n19960612.pdf
Paul Lane Aboriginal Independent Schools Support Services John Hill locally several smaller independent schools eg Balgo area, central clinics, regional resources Tjurabalin area, 40, 60 130, pooling
opportunity.
Likes the demo concept 1998 proposal
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FEASIBILITY STUDY

Feasibility Study for Yawuru IT Services

TelePod, Serviced IT Facilities

Feasibility Study for Yawuru IT Services

TelePod, Serviced IT Facilities

Feasibility Study for Yawuru IT Services

TelePod, Serviced IT Facilities

YAWURU IT SERVICES THE PROPONENT

Feasibility Study for Yawuru IT Services

TelePod, Serviced IT Facilities

Feasibility Study for Yawuru IT Services

TelePod, Serviced IT Facilities

IT SERVICES TO REMOTE COMMUNITIES

Feasibility Study for Yawuru IT Services

TelePod, Serviced IT Facilities

Location of Western Australias CRCs.

Feasibility Study for Yawuru IT Services

TelePod, Serviced IT Facilities

DELIVERING CLOSING THE GAP OUTCOMES

PROGRESS ON CLOSING THE GAP IN REMOTE COMMUNITIES FOR INTERNET

Feasibility Study for Yawuru IT Services

TelePod, Serviced IT Facilities

Feasibility Study for Yawuru IT Services

TelePod, Serviced IT Facilities

HOW MANY COMMUNITIES HAVE SUCH NEEDS?

Feasibility Study for Yawuru IT Services

TelePod, Serviced IT Facilities

Total number of persons

A WEIGHTED REMOTENESS INDEX

Feasibility Study for Yawuru IT Services

TelePod, Serviced IT Facilities

100 260 171 32 45 75 88 68 113 65 87 60 49 35 59 51 43 30 97 110 180 98 35

32 30 58 45 35 230 219 43 49 180 130 75 98

Feasibility Study for Yawuru IT Services

TelePod, Serviced IT Facilities

68 196 35 51 30 65 60 59 100 88 524 550

The Kimberley is quickly confirmed as a region of disadvantage.

COMMUNITIES OVER 25 PERSONS

Feasibility Study for Yawuru IT Services

TelePod, Serviced IT Facilities

THE DEVELOPING PARADIGM

Feasibility Study for Yawuru IT Services

TelePod, Serviced IT Facilities

A NEW SYNTHESIS FOR A TELEPOD

PROTOTYPING, VALIDATION, CUSTOMER FEEDBACK

Feasibility Study for Yawuru IT Services

TelePod, Serviced IT Facilities

Artists Impression of the on-site TelePod

Feasibility Study for Yawuru IT Services

TelePod, Serviced IT Facilities

IMMEDIATE DELIVERY RUGGEDIZED

CUSTOMISABLE REMOTE SYSTEM ADMINISTRATION

Feasibility Study for Yawuru IT Services

TelePod, Serviced IT Facilities

Education and TeleHealth TelePod Layout

Feasibility Study for Yawuru IT Services

TelePod, Serviced IT Facilities

BROAD SYSTEM SPECIFICATION

Feasibility Study for Yawuru IT Services

TelePod, Serviced IT Facilities

NEW SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE

Feasibility Study for Yawuru IT Services

TelePod, Serviced IT Facilities