Humanitarian free and open source software enlightens linux.conf.au
![[D]](/images/sm_icons/delicious.png "Submit to Del.icio.us"){kind=icon}
![[Digg]](/images/sm_icons/digg.png "Submit to Digg"){kind=icon}
![[SU]](/images/sm_icons/facebook.png "Set status on Facebook"){kind=icon}
![[R]](/images/sm_icons/reddit.png "Submit to Reddit"){kind=icon}
![[SU]](/images/sm_icons/stumble.png "Submit to Stumble Upon"){kind=icon}
![[SU]](/images/sm_icons/twitter.png "Set status on Twitter"){kind=icon}
Submitted on 2011-10-20 07:42
Ballarat, 20 October 2011
Only hours after making their second keynote announcement, linux.conf.au organisers today confirmed that the Humanitarian Free and Open Source Miniconf (HFOSS) had been accepted. Designed to bring together community members with a passion for using Linux and other open source technologies to benefit to humanitarian, community organisations, the session is set to feature presentations on technologies which support emergency management, aid and community development. This year is the first time a Humanitarian Free and Open Source Miniconf has been accepted, representing the growing importance of the sector.
Miniconf organiser Tim McNamara was delighted at the news.
"Given the recent natural disasters that have befallen Australia, New Zealand, Japan and many other countries, it's fitting that the HFOSS Miniconf will feature at linux.conf.au in January. Free and open source technologies have a lot to offer those tasked with managing humanitarian crises and support projects. Platforms such as Ushahidi and Sahana are saving lives - it's that simple. We'd like to be able to showcase these during the Miniconf and grow awareness of the overlap and alignment between the principles of free and open source software and humanitarian objectives."Calls for Participation are now open, and are welcomed through the Miniconf site at http://hfoss-miniconf.info/. Submissions are sought before 29th October. Tim can be contacted @TimClicks.
Miniconfs - miniature conferences - are community-organised sessions designed to bring together like-minded delegates with interests in a specific field. They are run within the framework of the broader event, and provide excellent opportunities for professional networking and developing presentation experience.
linux.conf.au will be held 16th-20th January 2012 in Ballarat, Victoria, Australia. http://lcaunderthestars.org.au and @linuxconfau on Twitter and Identica. Early bird registrations are open until the end of October.
Media enquiries are warmly welcomed to media@lcaunderthestars.org.au