After Eight Years, Black Springs Finds A Way To Get Connected

20 August 2026

After more than eight years of searching for a way to tackle poor mobile coverage in Black Springs, a determined group of local volunteers has found its own solution.

BlackSprings Community Association Inc has installed Telstra GO mobile repeaters at the Black Springs Community Hall and Black Springs Recreation Ground, bringing reliable mobile coverage to two key locations in the village, all thanks to The Pines Wind Farm’s Early Community Sponsorship Program.

For most Australians, being able to pick up a phone, make a call or look up directions is an everyday convenience they rarely have to think about. But in a rural community like Black Springs, reliable mobile coverage is about much more than convenience – it is about connection, safety and peace of mind.

That becomes particularly important in an emergency. The new repeaters will provide reliable connection points for emergency responders operating in the area, while giving residents and visitors somewhere they know they can get a signal when they need help or important information. For tourists travelling through the village, the coverage will also mean being able to look up directions, access information or contact family and friends.

BlackSprings Community Association Inc President Andrew Sempell said the new repeaters were an important achievement for the village.

“This has been eight years in the making for our community, so to finally be able to stand here and make a reliable mobile phone call is pretty special,” Mr Sempell said.

“Poor reception is something locals have learnt to live with, but when there’s an emergency, you don’t want residents, visitors or emergency responders having to worry about whether they can get a signal,"

 “For us, it’s about knowing that locals and people visiting Black Springs now have somewhere they can go when they need to get connected. That’s going to make areal difference.”

The project was made possible through a $5,000 grant from The Pines Wind Farm after BlackSprings Community Association Inc successfully applied for funding to purchase the repeaters.

“We’re very grateful to The Pines Wind Farm for backing our idea and providing the funding that allowed us to finally make it happen,” Mr Sempell said.

The Pines Wind Farm Community Representative and long-time Oberon local Glen Stewart said reliable mobile connectivity was particularly important for smaller rural communities.

“BlackSprings Community Association Inc has driven this from the beginning. They understood the problem, kept looking for answers and found a way forward that works for Black Springs,” Mr Stewart said.

 “Living inthis region, you see firsthand how resourceful our smaller communities are.Sometimes local groups already know what they need and just need the support tomake it happen – and that’s exactly what this program is here to do.”

The repeaters are located at the Black Springs Community Hall and the tennis courts within the Black Springs Recreation Ground on Abercrombie Road, opposite the Forestry Reserve camping area.

The Early Community Sponsorship Program provides $50,000 in funding each year during the planning and approvals phase of The Pines Wind Farm to support community-led initiatives across the Oberon and Bathurst LGAs.

As of May 2026, the program had supported 24 projects across the region, with $100,000 awarded to grassroots community initiatives.

Applications for Round 5 of the Early Community Sponsorship Program are currently open, with submissions closing on 31 August 2026.

For more information and to apply online, visit thepineswindfarm.com.au/sponsorship.