This paper explores the role, challenges and opportunities of using new and
emerging forms of technology to empower communities from culturally and linguistically
diverse (CALD) backgrounds. For the purposes of this paper, the term ‘CALD’ refers to people
such as immigrants and refugees who settle in Australia and come from diverse linguistic,
cultural, economic and social backgrounds. It draws on a review of relevant literature and
Information Communication Technology (ICT) initiatives in the area, and a meta-analysis of
research projects that have involved communities such as the Vietnamese, Sudanese and
Samoan living in the Western region of metropolitan Melbourne, Australia. From a community
perspective it reports on how these communities use and access ICT, and what ICT supported
initiatives would be effective in communicating information, such as messages of health and
wellbeing. This paper also identifies barriers and important factors to consider when using ICT
with CALD communities to initiate social change. In order to counter a technologically
deterministic and ‘one way’ transmission of information, this paper argues for a communally
driven and culturally sensitive use and application of ICT to empower CALD communities in
Australia.