GovHack 2023

Acknowledgement of Country

In 2023, GovHack's dedicated staff, volunteers, and community members continued their work in various locations across the lands now known as Australia and New Zealand. We deeply value this opportunity to acknowledge the rich tapestry of Indigenous cultures that have flourished on these lands for millennia.

Our work in 2023 has taken place on the lands of:

• Australian Capital Territory
  • Canberra — Acknowledging the Ngunnawal peoples as the Traditional Custodians of this land.
• New South Wales
  • Sydney — Acknowledging the Gadigal of the Eora nation as the Traditional Custodians of this land.
  • Liverpool — Acknowledging the Cabrogal Clan of the Darug Nation as the Traditional Custodians of this land.
• Northern Territory
  • Darwin — Acknowledging the Larrakia peoples as the Traditional Custodians of this land.
• Queensland
  • Brisbane — Acknowledging the Jagera peoples and Turrbal peoples as the Traditional Custodians of this land.
  • Moreton Bay — Acknowledging the Kabi Kabi peoples, Jinibara peoples and Turrbal peoples as the Traditional Custodians of this land.
  • Sunshine Coast — Acknowledging the Kabi Kabi peoples and Jinibara peoples as the Traditional Custodians of this land.
• South Australia
  • Adelaide — Acknowledging the Kaurna peoples as the Traditional Custodians of this land.
• Tasmania
  • Hobart — Acknowledging the muwinina and palawa peoples as the Traditional Custodians of this land.
• Victoria
  • Melbourne — Acknowledging the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and Bunurong Boon Wurrung peoples of the Eastern Kulin Nation as the Traditional Custodians of this land.
  • Burwood — Acknowledging the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung peoples of the Eastern Kulin Nation as the Traditional Custodians of this land.
• Western Australia
  • Perth — Acknowledging the Whadjuk Nyoongar peoples as the Traditional Custodians of this land.
  • Albany — Acknowledging the Menang Noongar peoples as the Traditional Custodians of this land.
• Aotearoa New Zealand
  • Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington, Whanganui, Whangarei — Acknowledging ngā iwi Māori as the Tangata Whenua of Aotearoa.

As we reflect on the accomplishments and collaborations of GovHack 2023 across these diverse locations, we acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded, and we pay our respects to the elders past and present throughout Australia and New Zealand. We are committed to deepening our understanding of Indigenous cultures, histories, and issues and working towards reconciliation and unity.

GovHack respects ngā iwi Māori as the Tangata Whenua of Aotearoa and their rich contributions to society.

Section 1

What is GovHack?

GovHack empowers communities all over Australia and New Zealand to experiment and tackle today's big policy and service delivery challenges with data.

We exist to:

• connect community, government and industry to work together to grow data skills and build a digitally capable and inclusive society;
• showcase data as the tool to identify and address today's most pressing social, economic and environmental challenges;
• impress upon government the economic and social value of quality machine-readable, standardised open data;
• highlight how open government is strengthening our democracy by promoting transparency and trust.

We value:

• Inclusion — We're here for everyone! We believe that everyone deserves to participate in our digital future which is why GovHack is age-less, diverse, accessible, safe and secure.
• Free — All our events, everywhere, for everyone.
• Hackers-first — Our community is our priority. We work to elevate the needs of our community and members.
• Regional — Opportunities shouldn't be limited to where you live. We work to drive GovHack to regional and rural regions.
• Volunteer-driven — Passionate volunteers are the change makers and life blood that makes GovHack come alive.
• Transparency — We believe in being accountable and open in all that we do.
• Open Access — We advocate for FAIR (findable, accessible, interoperable and reusable) data to be used in open ways, shared and adaptable for everyone.

GovHack is an annual 46 hour hackathon, a Festival of Ideas, using open government data to make our communities better places.

We do this by providing access to data and a space to connect with Government and organisations so you can workshop ideas around community challenges and imagine and develop concepts to drive meaningful change.

Across one weekend, thousands come together across Australia and New Zealand to form teams, agree to projects, and participate in what has become one of the world's premier open data competitions.

During the competition, teams create a proof of concept and a video that tells the story of how data can be reused, looking for new ways to solve challenges facing government.

Established in 2009 as a small Canberra-based event to showcase the opportunities of open government data, GovHack has grown into the largest open data hackathon in the Southern Hemisphere.

Section 2

A few words from our Operations Team

As we reflect on GovHack 2023, it's truly inspiring to witness the remarkable journey we've embarked on together. This year, GovHack once again became a melting pot of creativity, collaboration, and innovation, showcasing the incredible talent and dedication of our community.

The heart of GovHack lies in the projects, and this year, we reached new heights with a record-breaking 191 projects (since COVID) submitted by the end of the competition on Sunday, August 20th. The enthusiasm and commitment of our participants were evident, with a significant uptick in involvement - a 30% increase from last year, as 672 individuals poured their energy into crafting solutions that address pressing societal challenges.

Continuing our commitment to pressing issues, GovHack maintained its focus on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) themes. The diversity and quality of entries were nothing short of extraordinary. From innovative approaches to electric vehicle adoption and combating climate change to generative AI, preserving heritage, and responding to environmental crises like floods and fires, the GovHack community once again demonstrated its ability to tackle real-world problems head-on.

The pinnacle of our celebration took place at the International Red Carpet Awards, graciously hosted in Moreton Bay at the University of the Sunshine Coast, with the invaluable support of the City of Moreton Bay and the University. As participants gathered to revel in their achievements, it was heartening to hear many express that their primary motivation was the sheer enjoyment of the competition. The surprise of cash prizes only added to the joy, underscoring the passion and dedication that fuels GovHack.

None of this would be possible without the backbone of GovHack — our volunteers. Their tireless efforts, commitment, and passion for the event make GovHack a reality. We extend our deepest gratitude to each and every volunteer who dedicates their time, not just during the competition weekend but throughout the year, contributing to the extensive planning that shapes the success of GovHack.

As we close the chapter on GovHack 2023, let's carry forward the spirit of innovation, collaboration, and community that defines this extraordinary event. Together, we have once again proven that when diverse minds come together, fueled by passion and purpose, we can drive positive change and create solutions that resonate far beyond the competition.

Thank you for making GovHack 2023 an unforgettable chapter in our shared journey.

— Jason Weigel
Operations Lead, GovHack Australia Ltd

Section 3

Our Community

GovHack is privileged to have a remarkable and diverse community of individuals, communities, and organisations spanning across the vast landscapes of Australia and New Zealand. While statistics can quantify our community's size, they can hardly encapsulate the depth of the impact this community has made.

Engagement and Communications

Throughout the year, our community has thrived through active engagement and communication. In 2023, our community engagement was more robust than ever before, as reflected in the following statistics:

• Number of Participants: 672 individuals from diverse backgrounds and expertise participated in GovHack 2023. Their collective skills and creativity have been instrumental in driving innovation and addressing real-world challenges. This is the number of people that completed their 2023 GovHack hackathon submission.
• Online Collaboration: Our Slack channel has served as a vibrant hub for communication, collaboration, and knowledge sharing. With 6,313 members, our Slack community has fostered discussions, provided support, and facilitated connections across borders.
• Digital Outreach: GovHack's digital presence expanded significantly, with 24.7k individuals actively following our newsletters and social media channels. This broader reach has allowed us to share valuable insights, resources, and event updates.

Knowledge Sharing and Highlighted Achievements

In 2023, our commitment to knowledge sharing and celebrating achievements continued to be a cornerstone of GovHack's community spirit. We published 38 editions of our e-newsletter, each brimming with valuable insights, event highlights, and thought-provoking articles.

These newsletters have been instrumental in keeping our community informed about key initiatives, opportunities, and developments within the GovHack ecosystem. Some highlights from our newsletters in 2023 include:

• Enrich your Life with these Amazing Open Data Apps! 🚀: Open Data and its transformative impact on our community and everyday lives, has given rise to a plethora of innovative apps. This email shared information on open-data apps.
• From free pizza to startup success; How the GovHack Hackathon transformed my life and career: A story about Maz Heidari, a visionary entrepreneur whose life changed after attending the 2017 GovHack event.

The accomplishments of our community in 2023 are a testament to the passion, expertise, and dedication of our members. Together, we have not only expanded our reach but also deepened our impact, contributing to positive change and innovation in Australia and New Zealand. We look forward to continuing this journey of growth, collaboration, and community building in the years to come.

Section 4

In the Media

In 2023, GovHack continued to attract attention from various media outlets, shedding light on the remarkable achievements of our community. Some of the notable mentions and stories from the year include:

• Open government data hackathon a 'major co-design exercise'
• Hacking government data to solve the cost-of-living crisis
• Tech competition GovHack coming to The Backhouse in Whanganui

Our media release

• Transformation & Technology: GovHack 2023's Hackathon Competition, 18-20 August

Social Media Engagement

Our social media channels played a pivotal role in connecting our community, sharing updates, and fostering meaningful discussions throughout the year. Whether it was live video feeds from award ceremonies or engaging with our global audience, social media remained a vibrant hub for GovHack. Here are some key statistics:

Social Media Engagement during the Competition Month

Social Media Engagement across the Entire Year

Social Media Highlights

Our vibrant community members took to social media to share their experiences, insights, and accomplishments throughout the competition. These posts not only celebrated GovHack's achievements but also fostered a sense of community and collaboration. Here are some highlighted posts from our community members:

These community-generated posts capture the essence of GovHack's journey, from celebrating achievements to promoting open data and innovation. They serve as a testament to the passion and engagement of our community.

Section 5

Our People

The Backbone on GovHack

At the heart of GovHack lies a dedicated and passionate community of volunteers who selflessly contribute their time, expertise, and energy to make this organisation and the largest open data hackathon in the southern hemisphere a reality. GovHack 2023 would not have been possible without the unwavering commitment of these exceptional individuals.

The Roles of Our Volunteers

GovHack's volunteer ecosystem is structured into several key teams, each playing a pivotal role in shaping and executing the organisation's mission. These teams include:

• International Operations Team (IOT): Comprising dedicated individuals responsible for various aspects of GovHack's global operations, the IOT includes teams focused on data, technology, competition management, marketing & media, sponsorship coordination, government liaison, and regional leadership.
• Regional Teams: At a more localised level, our dedicated region teams mirror the functions of the IOT, serving as the driving force behind regional GovHack events, community engagement, and coordination.

Aiding the Cause

In addition to our volunteer teams, GovHack is fortunate to receive support from sponsors who provide invaluable expertise in the form of mentors, data custodians, and judges. While they may not be considered volunteers in the traditional sense, they are integral to the success of GovHack and are an essential part of our extended community.

• Mentors: Experts in various fields who generously share their knowledge and guidance with GovHack participants, offering insights, feedback, and mentorship throughout the competition. Their support is instrumental in helping participants bring their innovative ideas to life.
• Data Custodians: Guardians of the data resources that fuel GovHack, ensuring the availability, quality, and accessibility of vital datasets that participants use to create ideas and innovations.
• Judges: Professionals with expertise in diverse domains who impartially evaluate and recognise the outstanding projects created during GovHack, ensuring that innovation and creativity receive the recognition they deserve.

A Grateful Acknowledgement

GovHack extends its deepest appreciation to all these dedicated individuals, including the International Operations Team, regional teams, mentors, data custodians, and judges, who tirelessly contribute their time, expertise, and energy to make this organisation and the hackathon a reality. Their unwavering commitment is the lifeblood of our success, driving innovation, collaboration, and positive change.

As we reflect on the achievements of GovHack 2023, we recognise that our volunteers, mentors, data custodians, and judges are the true champions who make it all possible. We are immensely grateful for their dedication and look forward to continuing this journey together, united by a shared vision of positive change, innovation, and a brighter future for Australia, New Zealand, and beyond.

Section 6

The Competition

GovHack 2023 was a dynamic and innovative competition that brought together a diverse group of participants to tackle real-world challenges using open data. The competition's success was reflected in the following statistics:

• Number of Participants: GovHack 2023 witnessed participation from 672 enthusiastic individuals who brought their creativity and skills to the competition.
• Projects Submitted: In total, 191 projects were submitted, each representing an innovative solution that leveraged open data to address societal challenges.

Themes of Innovation

The competition's challenges were structured around three main themes that reflect the pressing issues of our time:

• Environment
• Social
• Governance

Prize Challenges

GovHack 2023 featured a range of prize challenges, each providing participants with unique opportunities to showcase their innovation and creativity. These challenges included:

International Challenges

• Measuring Emissions — Where should we start? Standardising data for tracking, monitoring, and reporting emissions (Infosys)
• People's Choice (GovHack Australia Limited)
• Spirit of GovHack (GovHack Australia Limited)
• Youth Spirit of GovHack (GovHack Australia Limited)

National Australian Challenges

• Best Creative Use of Data in Response to ESG (GovHack Australia Limited)
• Diversity in IP Rights System (IP Australia)
• Exploring National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) Vet Data (Department of Employment and Workplace Relation)
• Exploring relationships between industry and population in regional Australia (National Freight Data Hub)
• Finding potential donors to support families in need (Quantium)
• Generative AI: Unleashing the Power of Open Data (Matt Watt)
• Helping women succeed financially (Australian Taxation Office)
• Identify plausible domestic freight routes across different modes of transport (National Freight Data Hub)
• Measuring and reducing carbon emissions from physical infrastructure assets (Infosys)
• Measuring freight performance across modes through universal metrics (National Freight Data Hub)
• Using machine learning and generative AI to improve health outcomes (Quantium)

National Aotearoa New Zealand Challenges

• Aotearoa Citizen Survey Actions (Trimble)
• Data-Driven Misinformation Detection (Arachne Digital)
• Digital Twin Modelling (Trimble)
• Disarming Disinformation: Leveraging Open Data for Truth and Trust (Arachne Digital)
• Reducing carbon emissions in households (Infosys)

Regional Australian Challenges

• Australian Capital Territory
  • Australian Consumer Energy Dashboard (ACED) - Putting the power in the hands of energy consumers (Agile Digital)
  • Charging Electric Vehicles in the ACT (ACT Government)
  • How Canberra has evolved; showcasing historical imagery (ACT Government)
  • Making public archives more accessible (ACT Government)
• New South Wales
  • Enhancing heritage inventory: Bridging the knowledge gap (Heritage NSW)
  • Discover Heritage: Unravel your local stories (Heritage NSW)
  • Cultural Coasts: Empowering Aboriginal site protection amidst climate change (Heritage NSW)
  • Cost of Living Pressure NSW (Department of Customer Service)
  • COVID's lasting impact on education (Department of Customer Service)
  • Getting home wherever you live (Department of Education)
• Northern Territory
  • Using AI to better connect Northern Territory Science with the community (Northern Territory Government)
  • Supporting Territory Middle School students towards digital careers (Northern Territory Government)
  • Staying one step ahead (Charles Darwin University)
• Queensland
  • Brisbane City Experience (Brisbane City Council)
  • Brisbane City Community Preparedness (Brisbane City Council)
  • Moreton Bay being resilient in times of uncertainty (QLD) (City of Moreton Bay)
  • Moreton Bay greening as we grow (QLD) (City of Moreton Bay)
  • Governance - Better use of data (Sunshine Coast Council)
  • Driving a better way forward (Unitywater)
• South Australia
  • Addressing climate change and cost of living pressures for apartment dwellers and owners with shared renewables (RAA)
  • Amp up SA: Forecasting Electric Transport for Grid Resilience (SA Power Networks)
  • Increase visitor expenditure through Smart Tourism (South Australian Tourism Commission)
  • Increase the appeal of a career in the tourism and hospitality sector (South Australian Tourism Commission)
  • Highlight the diversity of South Australia's tourism product through gamification (South Australian Tourism Commission)
• Tasmania
  • Towards a zero emissions and resilient Hobart (City of Hobart)
  • Using open data to support Tasmanians (GovHack Australia Limited)
• Victoria
  • Remix the Archives using the PROV API (Public Record Office Victoria)
  • Tagging photographic images: showcasing the magnificent history of Victoria (Public Record Office Victoria)
  • Explore the relationship between vehicle types and the uptake of EVs (Department of Government Services)
  • Analysing recycling trends over the last 20 years to predict future recycling behaviour (Department of Government Services)
• Western Australia
  • Getting out and about in WA….. with a disability (Disability Assembly WA and Partner&Prosper)
  • Using Open Data to Close the Gap (GovHack Australia Limited)

Hackerspace Engagement

GovHack 2023 was not just a competition; it was a community-driven endeavour that encouraged learning, collaboration, and exploration. The Hackerspace was instrumental in facilitating this engagement, as reflected in the following statistics:

These statistics demonstrate the active participation and resource utilisation within the GovHack community, emphasising the valuable role of the Hackerspace in supporting and enriching the competition experience.

GovHack 2023 was a testament to the power of open data, innovation, and collaboration. It showcased the creativity and dedication of its participants, who harnessed the potential of data to address pressing challenges and shape a better future for Australia, New Zealand, and the world.

Section 7

Red Carpet Awards

The International Red Carpet Awards were a momentous occasion for both our sponsors and participants, providing a unique platform to recognise and celebrate the outstanding teams that harnessed the potential of open data to create innovative and creative projects.

Event Details

The International Red Carpet Awards for GovHack 2023 were hosted in the stunning setting of the University of the Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay campus, surrounded by the vibrant energy of the City of Moreton Bay. The event took place on 18th November 2023, and it was a night filled with excitement, inspiration, and recognition. The evening was skillfully hosted by our esteemed MCs, Harshitha Rajashekara. They guided us through this exciting celebration of innovation and open data, ensuring a memorable and enjoyable experience for all attendees.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to every team that submitted a project. We deeply appreciate the dedication of the judges who evaluated these projects. The number of judges and projects exceeded our expectations, and their contributions were invaluable. The International Red Carpet Awards celebrated outstanding achievements across the national, and international award categories. With 18 winning entries, 15 runner-up projects, and 28 honourable mentions, the evening was a showcase of the best and brightest in the GovHack community.

A Few Favourites

Among the exceptional projects, a few undoubtedly stood out as favourites, exemplifying innovation, creativity, and impactful use of open data. Notable favourites from GovHack 2023 included:

• 'Corporation Emissions Rating' System ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ by Emission Impossible 🏭💨
  who won Measuring Emissions - Where should we start? Standardising data for tracking, monitoring, and reporting emissions; and Measuring and reducing carbon emissions from physical infrastructure assets.
• The Blue Line by The Blue Line
  who won Best Creative Use of Data in Response to ESG.
• CivicQuest by Chronos
  who won Brisbane City Experience; and People's Choice.

These standout projects left an indelible mark, inspiring the GovHack community with their ingenuity and vision.

Section 8

The Numbers

In GovHack 2023, the numbers spoke volumes about the scale and impact of this incredible event. Here's a breakdown of the statistics by region, showcasing the diversity and breadth of participation:

These numbers reflect the remarkable diversity and talent within the GovHack community, highlighting the dedication and innovation of teams from regions across Australia and New Zealand. It's a testament to the power of open data and collaboration in driving positive change and creative solutions.

Section 9

Thank Yous

GovHack 2023 would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors who share our vision of fostering innovation, collaboration, and the transformative power of open data. Their commitment and contributions have played a vital role in making this event a reality. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to each sponsor, recognizing their dedication to driving positive change in our communities and empowering the GovHack community to push the boundaries of innovation. Below, you'll find a breakdown of our sponsors by their sponsorship level, highlighting the integral role they played in GovHack 2023.

Lead International Sponsor

International Red Carpets Awards Sponsor

Australian National Sponsors

Australian National Partners

Aotearoa National Sponsors and Partners

Australian Capital Territory Sponsors and Partners

New South Wales Sponsors and Partners

Northern Territory Sponsors and Partners

Queensland Sponsors and Partners

South Australia Sponsors and Partners

Tasmania Sponsors and Partners

Victoria Sponsors and Partners

Western Australia Sponsors and Partners

Volunteers

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the volunteers who dedicated their time and energy to GovHack 2023. Their contributions were invaluable, and we deeply appreciate their commitment to making this event a success.

GovHack 2024

As we bid farewell to GovHack 2023, we eagerly look ahead to the future and the exciting possibilities that GovHack 2024 holds. The next edition of this transformative open data hackathon promises to be even more innovative and impactful. We invite you to stay connected and be a part of the journey by exploring our social media channels, subscribing to our newsletters, and considering opportunities for sponsorship and volunteering. Join us in shaping a brighter future through the power of open data!

GovHack will be back in 2024 on the weekend of 6—8 September!

Stay Connected!

• Follow us on multiple social media platforms such as Facebook, LinkedIn, and Slack for the latest updates, news, and announcements.
• Subscribe to our GovHack Newsletter to receive exclusive insights and updates.
• Visit our official website at govhack.org for comprehensive information about GovHack 2024.

Get Involved!

• Explore sponsorship opportunities to support GovHack 2024 and gain valuable exposure.
• Join our dedicated team of volunteers and contribute to the success of GovHack 2024.

GovHack 2024 is on the horizon, and we can't wait to embark on this exciting journey with you. Together, we'll continue to harness the potential of open data to drive innovation, collaboration, and positive change. Let's make GovHack 2024 a resounding success!

Section 11