<p>Hi All</p>
<p>Please ignore that previous email, I accidentally send a draft copy that had not been completed yet (as can be seen by some of the comments in the text). I'll try and send a final copy through later today.</p>
<p>(slightly embarrassed) Steve</p>
<div class="gmail_quote">On Mar 6, 2012 11:15 PM, "Steve Dalton" <<a href="mailto:steve@refactor.com.au">steve@refactor.com.au</a>> wrote:<br type="attribution"><blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="margin:0 0 0 .8ex;border-left:1px #ccc solid;padding-left:1ex">
<p>Hi All</p>
<p>In light of the previous grant application being rejected, we have revised our application and are resubmitting.</p>
<p>Many Thanks<br>
Steve Dalton</p>
<p>Date: 1/3/12</p>
<p>Project Name: Gold Coast Tech Space Computer Lab</p>
<p>Aim of Project: Promote Linux in the community on the Gold Coast by giving hands on instruction on the use of Linux and Open Source programmes.</p>
<p>Person Responsible for Request: Steve Dalton</p>
<p>Introduction<br>
We recently formed the Gold Coast TechSpace (Nov 2011) - a collaborative space based on the Hackerspace Model. The project is going quite well, we have a large unit in Southport, have incorporated as a Association and have an active committee. We also have a small but growing membership base.</p>
<p>Our setup is slightly different to other hackerspaces; only half our time, effort and space is dedicated to typical hackerspace projects - Electronics, 3D printing etc. while the other half is focused on more computer lab scenarios such teaching and learning Open Source software to accomplish everyday tasks such as 3D modeling and animating using Open Source software, testing and demonstrating Open Source programmes for enterprise and business use (and so on [word that up better]). We host the Meetup group ‘Open Source Gold Coast’ (which formally the Gold Coast Linux Users Group but re-branded to help promote all Open Source Technologies not just Linux) at the GC Techspace building as well as regular Bar Camps. We advertise our meetings on Meetup.com, and welcome the public to attend all our events, except the committee meetings.</p>
<p>Some of the recent meetings we have held that are Linux specific have been:<br>
Installing Ubuntu on a laptop to use as a digital oscilloscope. <br>
Zoneminder on an OLPC using the internal webcam for security monitoring.<br>
Teaching event - Linux based CAD and 3D modelling using Ubuntu, FreeCAD and Blender<br>
Slic3r, Printrun and other 3D printing software for RepRap running on Linux <br>
Reprap and maker bot construction days.</p>
<p>Request<br>
Amount asked for: $2000 <br>
What the money is needed for: Our computer lab only has one computer. We need to buy as many decently equipped computers as we can to fill our teaching and learning laboratory as our lack of computers is hampering our ability to tech, learn and spread the use of Open Source technologies amongst our members the wider community. We currently only have two power points in the teaching and learning laboratory which results in us having to run extension cords and power boards across the floor creating safety hazards. We are also in need of a data data projector and document camera for presentations.</p>
<p>Conclusion<br>
A lot of people in Australia think of the Gold Coast as all about Tourism and property development, and this is partially true, our economy is very narrow at the moment. However, there is also a thriving technology community just desperate to break out and we want to make sure that the Gold Coast TechSpace will be the hub for this. The Gold Coast City Council is planning a large Cultural Precinct for 2015 with final completion in 2018 when the Commonwealth Games arrives. Part of this precinct is a 6000m2 cultural centre and I have a (loose) commitment from the Council that the Gold Coast Tech Space will get a decent amount of space in this precinct. Until then, we need to prove the concept and get it nicely sustainable.</p>
<p>At present, we have a chicken-and-egg problem, without adequate facilities, we won’t get more paying members and without more paying members, we cannot buy the equipment we need to attract members and demonstrate what can be ac hived in a collaborative Open Source world. This is why we are requesting Linux Australia for some financial assistance to kickstart our teaching and learning laboratory so that we can promote Linux and Open Source software in the Gold Coast community.</p>
<p>If you have any further questions - feel free to email me back. I can also be contacted on the mobile on 0414 464564<br><br><br></p>
<p>Refactor.<br>
Engage | Succeed | Repeat<br>
tel: <a href="tel:%2B61%20%280%297%205668%203424" value="+61756683424" target="_blank">+61 (0)7 5668 3424</a><br>
mob: <a href="tel:%2B61%20%280%29414%20464564" value="+61414464564" target="_blank">+61 (0)414 464564</a><br>
web: <a href="http://refactor.com.au" target="_blank">refactor.com.au</a></p>
</blockquote></div>