The connection was made to facilitate St Vincent De Paul's community hub programs, which includes free information sessions to educate the public on how to operate the internet, and access services they need.

Chontelle Shore from St Vincent De Paul was at the hall for the connection.

"This is great, it's something we negotiated with Optus at the time of the bushfires, but has taken a while because of COVID restrictions," Ms Shore said.

"But they remained true to their word, are here today and have been fantastic in helping us out.

"Once the hall is re-opened, St Vincent's Bushfire recovery and Kempsey Neighborhood Centre will be running a digital hub every fortnight to assist the locals with any kind of technology issues.

"Also whenever there is a disaster, this hall becomes the hub where everyone comes to for information and the fact there is internet now, means it will be a great tool in times of crisis."

The hall was forced to close due to COVID restrictions, but plans to re-open their doors on December 1.

President of the Willawarrin Hall Committee, Garth Brown, spoke with the Argus.

"Once we reopen, this will be so beneficial, especially for the older people that aren't tech savvy, they can come down and learn how to use computers and the internet," Mr Brown said.

"And unless you go satellite, there are quite a few areas in Willawarrin that are still black spots where they can't get service, so it will be very handy for people who can't get internet at home."

Chris Simon, the general manager for Optus on the Mid North Coast said.

"In partnership with the Willawarrin Community Hall and St Vincent's we have answered the call to provide connectivity to the Hall, so that they can coordinate their activities to increase digital literacy within the community," Mr Simon said.

"I think its absolutely wonderful that communities are really embracing online activities, and when you think about how many services are online like Medicare and Centrelink, it's just critical that we do educate everyone on how to access those."

The WIFI also provides better opportunities for the hire of the hall, as the internet can now be used in seminars and even community events like movie nights.

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