Linux Australia

Linux Australia is the national, Australian Free and Open Source Software Community organisation. It was founded in 1997 and formally incorporated in New South Wales as a non-profit organisation in 1999. Linux Australia aims to represent Australian Free and Open Source Software communities and to support and collaborate with related groups, including Linux User Groups in Australia. History and goals Linux Australia was co-founded by Terry Dawson and Gary Allpike. From humble beginnings the organisation was formally incorporated to provide legal support for the inaugural Conference of Australian Linux Users (now linux.conf.au). Over progressive years the organisation has steadily matured in its operation and today its major activities include the successful annual linux.conf.au open source conference, a grants program that seeds and supports relevant open source projects, and regular participation in public events such as conferences and exhibitions. Public relations activities include lobbying to government and corporate entities on open source issues and comment and opinion to the media. Office holders The executive council is elected democratically by the organisation membership annually, and therefore changes year to year. Membership is open to anyone with an interest in furthering the goals and objectives of the organisation. Presidents Terry Dawson 2001 Anand Kumria 2002 Pia Smith 2003, 2004 Jonathan Oxer 2005-2007 Stewart Smith (Australian) 2008, 2009 John Ferlito 2010-2012 Joshua Hesketh 2013-2015 Hugh Blemings 2016 Kathy Reid 2017-2019 Sae Ra Germaine 2019-2021 Joel Addison 2022-