MOUNT Gambier Library will host its fifth GovHack Open Data competition in September following national recognition of local ideas on use of open data.
GovHack is a national event held in Australia and New Zealand to bring people together to create new ideas and concepts using open data in just 46 hours of competition time.
“Teams work together to come up with an idea on how to make data more accessible and interesting, such as phone apps, websites, games and even art,” library youth services coordinator Teresa Nearmy said.
“It does not have to be a working model, just a great concept.”
This year the competition will run from September 7 to 9 and include two age group categories.
GovHack Youth Node is open to 13-18 year olds and GovHack Adult Node is open to over 18 year olds, with local, state and national prizes up for grabs in each category.
“The competition is judged on each team’s entry in the form of a three minute video recorded over the weekend describing the project, the data that is used, the idea and how it is made usable and accessible to the public,” Ms Nearmy said.
The library extends its opening hours, supplies unlimited wireless access, free printing facilities and staff to assist throughout the competition, as well as providing competitors with all meals.
“Whether you are into cool geeky stuff, computer know-how, storytelling, digital or social media dabbling, graphics and art, problem-solving, marketing or anything similar, we want you to participate,” Ms Nearmy said.
“We hope to see even more schools participating, with more students getting involved, more adults taking part and potentially more people from Mount Gambier scooping up prizes.”
The library will host a free information session for interested teachers, parents, students and adults next Tuesday at 6pm.
“The local GovHack crew will be there to provide an overview of how the competition runs, answer questions about entering, explain how and what you can win, as well as the opportunity to meet past winners and watch previous entries,” Ms Nearmy said.
Call the Mount Gambier Library on 8721 2540 to register your interest in attending or contact Teresa Nearmy on tnearmy@mountgambier.sa.gov.au for further information.
