It’s been indicated to me that I never put out a report on Software Freedom Day in Sydney. Well, better late than never 
Advocates of free software celebrated at the University of New South Wales on 16 September for the fourth annual Software Freedom Day. Members of SLUG, Ubuntu-AU and the general FOSS community collaborated to spread the message of free software to the general public.
Interest and buzz was generated in the days leading-up to the event through a poster campaign across the campus. At the UNSW Computer Fair, we piqued the curiosity of many computer users with our displays, screencasts and spiels. Those who were enthusiastic migrated to our room in the nearby Law Building, where we could explain and demonstrate in greater detail. Not only did we have many expressions of interest from newcomers in free software and the free software community, we also succeeded in bringing those who already use FOSS into participation in the local community.
Regrettably, I was not able to take any decent photographs of the event. If anyone has pictures, I’d be grateful if they could be sent to me.
I would like to give a big word of thanks to everyone who helped on the day:
- Andreas Fischer
- Brendan Puckeridge
- David McQuire
- James Dumay
- Jim Tsao
- John Ferlito
- Ken Wilson
- Lindsay Holmwood
- Matt Moor
- Peter Baker
- Pia Waugh
- Rodger Dean
- Silvia Pfeiffer
- Anyone else who I may have forgotten (if I have, sorry!)
In addition, I would like to thank those who provided resources in support of our efforts:
- Computer Fairs Australia (tables at the computer fair)
- David Vaile, Abi Paramaguru and Alana Maurushat at the UNSW Cyberspace Law and Policy Centre (room in the Law Building)
- John Schilit (IBM and Robocode materials)
- Solutions First (Unwired modem)
- Ubuntu Screencasts Team (screencasts and subtitles)
- Canonical (Ubuntu CDs)
- The worldwide free software community
