Wikimania:Expressions of Interest/2029/Australia

Australia is a safe country for travellers, and would like to be considered as a host for Wikimania in 2029. The following are brief details that will likely be expanded in the near future.

Capacity to organize

A core team of local and regional volunteers: COT would likely consist of local, other Australian, and other ESEAP Wikimedians, who would have experience in collaborating with organising events, Wikimanias, ESEAP Conferences, and local conferences. The COT would include members from Australia, New Zealand, and ESEAP communities

Potential theme

As parts of Australia are reaching the 200 year colonial milestones, the Australian community would like to explore at the impact of Colonial systems on knowledge, and respectful ways to share Indigenous knowledge. Australia is leading the way in developing protocols that establish ways in which community members collaborate with Indigenous communities.

Potential formats

Australian recognise how important communications across digital networks are to being part of the community our proposal is to dedicate resources that prioritize the online experience. This will done by improvements in collaborations between attendees both online and in person. Along with increased online progaming to enable greater participation between

Location suitability

Every major Australian city has multiple venues capable of hosting Wikimania. Each has its own international airport connecting it across the globe. We have identified two cities where local Wikimedians have expressed support for hosting Wikimania. Australian visa assistance through International Event Coordinator Network (IECN) is available smoothing the way for attendees from overseas. Two cities have shown interest in host Wikimania the WikiClubWest community in Perth Western Australia lead by User:Gnangarra has been actively expressing an interest in hosting since 2008. Most of the concerns raised during previous bids have now been addressed from within the movement and by external providers.

Perth

Perth is located on the western side of Australia at UTC +8. This would allow for session times well suited for the online community to join. Perth as the western hub of Australia has strong global connectivity through direct flights to Africa, Asia, and Europe. Perth has a free public transport zone around the Central Business District supported by free "cat bus" routes that extend beyond this area.

The WA 2029 Bicentennial is focused on inclusive reflection, truth telling, reconciliation and future focused legacy. The team suggest this symbiotic opportunity will enable a similar focus for Wikimania 2029. Western Australia embraced the Wikitowns Qrpedia program creating two projects Freopedia, and Toodyaypedia. The Noongar Indigenous community pioneered the first Australian language Wikipedia, bringing 50,000 years plus of knowledge to the Wikimedia projects.

Melbourne

Melbourne is at UTC +10 during July. It is one of Australia's two most populous cities, with several major GLAMs. It has also hosted numerous major events, including the Olympic Games, the Commonwealth Games, and the annual Australian Open and Australian Grand Prix. Melbourne also has a free public transport zone that includes its CBD tram network.

Safety and security

Regardless of city or State, Australia has a high degree of safety for all attendees. LGBQTI+ rights are enshrined in law. Australia is politically stable even during election cycles. Every major city is pedestrian friendly and safe for visitors to walk around at all times.

Global rotation

Oceania is the only region that has yet to host a Wikimania, though Australians have been part of the COT for both online Wikimania, and Singapore Wikimania. Australians have also attended many Wikimanias and other international Wikimedia conferences/events.