Making Links, one of Australia’s leading forums on information and communications technology (ICT) for the community sector, will be returning to Melbourne this year from 16 to 18 November. This year's conference will explore the twin challenges faced by the global economic crisis and environmental sustainability, specifically addressing the effects, opportunities, and threats on the community sector.
Addressing and navigating through this complex environment will be keynote speakers Matthew Allen, Associate Professor of Internet Studies at Curtin University of Technology, who will explore how the interactions between people and computers enables change and development; and Karl Mallon of Climate Risk, who will discuss how organisations can identify and manage the risks associated with the impact of climate change.
Making Links, now entering its sixth year, is renowned for an engaging and inclusive program which includes practical workshops, panel discussions, case studies and a wide range of speakers from community organisations such as Inspire Foundation, Greenpeace and the WA AIDS Council, research institutions and the corporate world. This year, presenters will address topics as broad as reducing costs and environmental impact by maximising use of online space, the benefits and challenges of social networking, free and cheap online tools, and current research on the ICT capacity of both organisations and marginalised communities. Satellite events include a day workshop on website accessibility and usability, and a short film festival showcasing community developed films and multimedia.
The conference will be attended by delegates from across the country who are engaged in critical and cutting edge work in community development, technology, and social innovation. Find out more information and register at www.makinglinks.org.au.
