Appropriate technology for Indigenous homelands - Peter Renehan and Andre Grant

Reimagine STEM

Appropriate technology, or appropriating technology? Developing and distributing solar panels, energy meters, and nifty mobile-phone hotspots, the Centre for Appropriate Technology regularly asks this question. Working and co-innovating with remote Indigenous communities increases sustainability, prosperity and ability to care for Country, in a way that is appropriate for people and Country. Arrernte man Peter Renehan and Andre Grant discuss the innovations, drawn from Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, that are improving people’s lives in Australia and overseas.

Peter Renehan, Chairman of the Centre for Appropriate Technology, explains how communities will buy in and shape projects if given the opportunity, such as through the highly successful Bushlight program.

Andre Grant, from the Queensland branch of the Centre for Appropriate Technology, reminds us that technology is only part of the solultion – the people are much more important.

Further reading:

• Bushlight: solar-powered energy for remote communities from the Centre for Appropriate Technology
• Mobile Phone Hotspot: bringing telecommunications to remote areas
• Ekistica: a profit-for-purpose engineering consultancy

Music credits: Our theme music, Anders by Blue Dot Sessions, is licensed under an attribution non-commercial licence.

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