Invitation to hack into government databases

NOOSA Council is again calling on local ‘hackers’ to join GovHack for a chance to win a share of more than $3000 in prize money up for grabs in 2016.
GovHack teams use public or ‘open source’ government data such as maps, statistics and other information sets, to produce innovative digital products and services that benefit the community.
Noosa Council senior economic development officer Carolyn Bullen said the council was thrilled to again sponsor GovHack, which will this year take place simultaneously in 39 locations across Australia and New Zealand on the weekend of 30 July.
“Teams taking part at last year’s Sunshine Coast event, held at Peregian Beach, produced some fantastic apps using local government data including Dogs Unleashed – a location-based app that uses park and beach access point data to direct local and visiting dog owners to local on and off-leash dog exercise areas,” Ms Bullen said.
“This year’s Sunshine Coast theme is ‘open for business’ and the judges’ focus will be on collaboration, commercialisation and community.”
Previous national GovHack winners include a smart energy meter app which allows communities, neighbours and friends to compete to save energy as well as an Internet of Things (IoT) device that estimates train passenger counts in real-time and an interactive application that pays tribute to the Indigenous community which served during World War I and World War II.
“People of all backgrounds can take part in GovHack, including digital creatives, entrepreneurs, developers and those passionate about the community,” Ms Bullen said.
“National, state and local prizes are awarded and the winners receive red carpet treatment at the gala dinner hosted later in the year.”
GovHack teams have 46 hours to come up with new products and services that use government data in new ways.
Sunshine Coast winners will share in cash prizes, totalling more than $3000.
Noosa Council has joined with other event sponsors to provide competitors the opportunity to compete for free and to receive ongoing support after the weekend to bring their grass-roots ideas to life.
Ideas for potential innovations and community problems can be submitted ahead of the event online at goo.gl/forms/8OsIJghKda9Kghk42.
Spark Bureau on Ocean Street at Maroochydore will host the Sunshine Coast node and registrations are now open.
Visit www.govhack.org for more details on how to take part.