Announcing our 2023 Partner Projects outcomes

19 April 2023, Belinda Spry.

Wikimedia Australia is excited to announce our 2023 partner organisations whose projects will develop content, skills and increase the visibility of traditionally under-represented groups on Wikipedia and other Wikimedia platforms.

WMAU congratulates the ACMI, Queensland University of Technology, Paroo Shire Council, and University of Divinity.

WMAU project grants are supported by the Wikimedia Foundation, the global not-for-profit behind Wikipedia and other Wikimedia platforms which also provides funding for projects, engagement and events in Australia and across our region.

Following a call for Expressions of Interest earlier this year Wikimedia Australia received a range of proposals from organisations who had identified a local project or collaboration with shared outcomes that align to our priorities around regional, gender equity and First Nations perspectives.

The four successful organisations identified opportunities to increase staff and community knowledge and engagement, through adding content to Wikipedia, Wikimedia Commons, and Wikidata:

• ACMI will engage a Wikipedian in Residence to expand Wikipedia content and to integrate Wikidata content within the ACMI website.
• Queensland University of Technology will run a digitisation project to upload and describe historic photographic material pertaining to rural Queensland.
• Paroo Shire Council will train a group of editors including First Nations people to contribute both regional data and local Indigenous knowledge, which can then serve as a model for other regional councils.
• University of Divinity will host a Wikipedian in Residence to add content to Wikipedia, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons, and Wikisource for the Australian Women in Religion project.

Amanda Lawrence, President of WMAU states that “These projects will address diversity, build skills and increase capacity for a range of organisations across Australia. By partnering together we can increase the impact of open knowledge for our community, and the world at large. Working alongside these organisations will provide an opportunity to share expertise, build community, and contribute to ongoing success for all involved.”  

Wikimedia Australia is looking forward to collaborating and supporting the staff, Wikipedians in Residence, and community in delivering these partner projects.