A RECORD 45 competitors participated in this year’s GovHack Open Data competition at the Mount Gambier library.
The three-day event provided budding entrepreneurs with an opportunity to connect, share ideas and create innovative ways to access open government data.
GovHack events were held across Australia simultaneously from September 7 to 9.
In 46 hours of competition time, 11 local teams developed ideas to compete in the youth node or adult node.
“Mount Gambier participants submitted 12, three-minute videos to promote their efforts,” Mount Gambier Library youth services coordinator Terasa Nearmy said.
“Our competitors contributed to one third of all South Australian entries.
“When compared to population density, Mount Gambier boasted the greatest number of hackers involved in the event, which is a great achievement.”
Professionals from a variety of fields were selected to judge the 12 completed projects based on originality, quality, design, use of data and functionality, value to the community and technical and creative skills.
The winners were announced at a presentation evening held at the library on September 26.
The youth node winning team was Elly and Dale Bachmann and Lilli Fulwood with the project Backwards and Forwards.
“The team’s concept was a board game designed to help people interact with local historical figures and intriguing life facts, all meshed together in a ‘race-to-the-end’ type game,” Ms Nearmy said.
“The judges agreed the concept, application and delivery of this idea was of an excellent standard.”
The team was presented with vouchers valued at $1000 from Harvey Norman and Green Triangle Electronics.
Charlene, Mark and Correa Bachmann’s team Just We Three won the adult node category with the project Connected: Councils Connecting Community.
“They created an interactive self-serve kiosk concept,” Ms Nearmy explained.
“Connected is a cost-effective platform that could directly link residents to community groups, clubs and support services in their local area.
“The concept has the potential to improve the mental health and physical wellbeing of citizens and in doing so lower the downstream costs of health and social services.
“The judges thought this project clearly showed the competitors were in touch with their community.”
The winning adult node team was offered a full three month membership at eNVIsion Limestone Coast valued at over $1000.
“The judges were impressed with the effort made by all competitors and the winning entries showed clear, well thought through ideas that truly showcased local community, education and professionalism,” Ms Nearmy said.
Two Spirit of GovHack awards were presented to youth competitors Liam Moulden and Declan Kowalick.
“The prizes, donated by Green Triangle Electronics and Harvey Norman, were awarded to participants who demonstrated consideration and encouragement towards all competitors,” Ms Nearmy
said.
“The winners will represent Mount Gambier at the prestigious state awards in Adelaide next month.”
The state awards will be held on October 10 and the GovHack National Red Carpet Awards will follow later in the year.
