THE CONCORDIA INITIATIVE PTY LTD

About The Concordia Initiative – Digital Inclusion in St Kilda

The Concordia Initiative, a DGR-registered charity established in 2024 and registered with the ACNC since 25 April 2024, champions digital access as a fundamental right for all Australians. Based in St Kilda, Victoria, the organisation empowers vulnerable communities by providing essential digital tools and resources to bridge the digital divide, enabling individuals to thrive in a connected world. Through targeted programs, it addresses barriers faced by those experiencing low income, housing insecurity, family violence, and remoteness, transforming digital equity from privilege to necessity.

Why Digital Inclusion Matters

More than 20% of Australians remain digitally excluded, with significantly higher rates among First Nations communities, people experiencing homelessness, and public housing residents. Founded by tech entrepreneur Peter Marchiori in April 2024, The Concordia Initiative addresses this gap by delivering free internet connectivity where traditional telcos and government programs have fallen short.

Working in partnership with social enterprise telco Maslow Telecom (which operates on the Telstra Wholesale Network and donates 100% of profits to digital inclusion), Concordia has proven that small, community-focused organisations can deliver faster and more cost-effective solutions than large telecommunications companies.

Programs and Services

The Concordia Initiative delivers innovative initiatives including the Concordia SIM Program, which provides Maslow Telecom SIMs with 1-12 months of free mobile service on the Telstra Wholesale Network, offering unlimited calls, texts, and 10GB data monthly. SIMs are distributed via Services Packs to community organisations and direct Community Pop-ups for financial literacy tips and connectivity support. Key programs encompass:

• Keeping Youth Connected: Mobile services for young people from vulnerable backgrounds to maintain links with family and support networks.
• Connected+Safe: Secure digital tools for victims/survivors of domestic, family, and sexual violence.
• Leading The Way: Collaborations with industry and community partners to combat the digital divide.
• Going The Distance: Solutions for remote communities.
• Access For All: Affordable mobile and internet device access.

Impact and Reach

The organisation has connected more than 350 vulnerable Australians to high-speed internet in Victoria and Western Australia, with plans to expand nationally. Notable achievements include:

• St Kilda Community Housing: Free, permanent high-speed broadband to over 300 residents across 20 properties, saving each household hundreds of dollars annually.
• Ngalingkadji, WA: First-time internet connectivity for 50 residents across 14 homes in this remote community 55km south-east of Fitzroy Crossing.
• National SIM Program: Over 3,000 free SIMs distributed through 111 partner organisations including The Orange Door Network, Mission Australia, The Salvation Army, and the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre.

Future Vision: The 2030×2030 Project

The Concordia Initiative plans to connect 2,030 premises across 100 remote Australian communities by 2030. This $5 million initiative will replicate the successful models proven in St Kilda and Ngalingkadji, providing affordable internet access at an estimated cost of $50,000 per community — significantly less than comparable federal programs.

Peter Marchiori is also developing purpose-built, affordable mobile devices designed specifically for remote and vulnerable Australians. These devices will be assembled in Australia, creating jobs in remote communities while reducing reliance on traditional cellular networks.

Get Involved

Community services can request Services Packs or host pop-ups. Contact via +61 3 4231 9999 or enquiries@theconcordiainitiative.com.au to support digital inclusion efforts. Visit the official website for more information.