Meeting:Committee (2024-06-17)
See also the list of all meetings.
- Present: Peter Neish, Jeremy Ludlow, Belinda Spry, Emily Mierisch, Elliott Bledsoe, Tom Hogarth, Kelly Tall
- Apologies: Amanda Lawrence, Bunty Avieson
- Date: Monday 17 June 2024
- Time / time zone: 5pm AWDT / 6.30pm ACST / 7pm AEST
- Meeting channel: Zoom = https://us06web.zoom.us/j/4127540823
Acknowledgement of Country
Previous meeting
Monday 20 May 2024 Meeting:Committee_(2024-05-20) 2024-05-20-Wikimedia Australia Board meeting
Moved: Jeremy Ludlow; seconded: Kelly Tall; outcome: passed
Reports
Executive Officer report [FOR NOTING]
Partner Projects
Three Partner Projects have concluded, and we have received their final reports. Nicole and Jack from BHL have provided their final report. Mary Coe & ANZSI/CSU are also complete but with plans to continue the group who are learning a lot in their regular meetings. Caddie and the ECNT project have been extended (Email proposal to Board on Friday 7 June) and the ECNT advise that this is one of their most successful collaborations: “ECNT has enjoyed this partnership so much and we believe it has been very valuable to our mission and a really important addition to resources about NT Nature and environs.”
First Nations and Wikipedia Report
“I really like Wikipedia but I don’t trust it: Understanding First Nations peoples’ experiences using Wikipedia as readers and/or editors” First Nations Focus Group report has been released. A comprehensive document that captures key insights, recommendations, and highlights areas for Wikimedia Australia’s initiatives in engagement and collaboration in First Nations knowledge and participation in Wikimedia projects. The response to the Report is very positive so far and has started constructive conversations around next steps.
APNIC Foundation proposal for the Ian Peter archive
We have been successful in our proposal to support the digitisation and upload to relevant Wiki projects of the Ian Peter archive. We are in the process of completing grant paperwork from the APNIC Foundation to undertake this project. There is scope for interested members to be involved in both expert advice and/or supporting the digitisation process.
Elliott Bledsoe thanked Belinda Spry for her work on the application
Draft Year 2 report for WMF grant reporting
Belinda has started drafting the Year 2 Grant report, which is due to be submitted to WMF through Fluxx on 15 July 2024. Staff will continue to add statistics, details and information where relevant (note: currently a technical issue with Dashboards giving inaccurate data, due to an architecture upgrade with an expected finish date around mid-June). Planning to have a full draft ready for review at the 17 June Board meeting.
WikiCon Australia 2024 - Adelaide
The WikiCon Subcommittee has been developing a plan and reviewing options for WikiCon Australia 2024. The following decisions are supported by the Board (by email):
- When: Saturday 23 November 2024
- Where: Ibis Hotel, 122 Grenfell St, Adelaide SA 5000
Further details are being investigated including a “behind the scenes” tour of SA Museum and a possibly “unconference” or tech workshops on the Sunday, but are not confirmed at this stage. Additionally, the Sunday 24 November will be a Strategic Planning Day for the Board and staff, with a focus on planning the next Three Year Strategic Plan. This will be required for our future applications for WMF funding which starts in Jan/Feb 2025.
CSU student virtual placement commenced
A Masters student from Charles Sturt University, currently working as a Teacher Librarian at a High School in regional Queensland has commenced their 10 day (70 hour equivalent) virtual placement with WMAU. They will undertake training in Wiki editing, policies and procedures and an overview of WMAU’s engagement and projects in the open knowledge movement. Their main focus will be learning about our organisation and developing a curriculum teaching unit for Year 9 Geography students on biomes and how Wikipedia supports student research and learning. They must be supervised by qualified and experienced librarians which includes Belinda Spry, Alice Woods and Pru Mitchell, and their placement is expected to complete in August.
International conferences
ESEAP KK24 conference: A fantastic conference with strong representation across the ESEAP region and two WMF BOT members. All Australians attending presented sessions or workshops, participated in discussions, attended the social events and contributed positively. Belinda Spry was an active member of the ESEAP Preparatory Council which had its mandate extended (due to the Wikimedia Movement Charter time line) through a formal vote. The final day indicated strong community support for an ESEAP Summit in Manilla, Philippines in 2025 and the next ESEAP conference in 2026 in Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
Wikimania Poland 2024: Three scholarship offers (Board approved by email the increased amount of $4000) have been made for Australians to participate in Wikimania 2024, with two accepted and waiting on confirmation from the third person. We will also be sending one staff member Alice Woods, who is particularly interested in learning more from other affiliates and User groups about GLAM partnerships, membership growth, community support and training.
Matomo trial
We are looking at trialling Matomo (matomo.org), an open source web analytics platform that is respectful of user data, ownership and privacy. It’s described as a “privacy friendly Google-Analytics alternative” and will be on our Wikimedia Australia website to provide basic information on which of our pages are most popular and generate most interest. Sam is setting up the free version for us to trial.
AIATSIS Core Cultural Learning online foundation course
Please continue to access the AIATSIS Learning Ground - Core training modules and if your time permits, join 30 minutes before each Board meeting to reflect on what you’ve learnt. Feel free to chat on the Slack channel.
ESEAP Conference
Proposal for a summit in the Philippines in 2025 and the next conference in Taiwan in 2026. (TBC)
Communications
Social media report: May Statistics
Total followers as of 31 May, 2024:
- Twitter: 3774 (up by 41)
- Facebook: 1934 (up by 5)
- Instagram: 555 (up by 12)
- Linkedin: 253 (up by 5)
- Mastodon: 187 (up by 11)
- YouTube: 157 (up by 17)
- Eventbrite: 52 (0)
- Announce monthly newsletter: 483 (up by 3)
On our WMAU website we published 4 news stories:
- Wikimedia Australia May 2024 Update
- Capturing the history of the regional field naturalist clubs of Victoria
- Central Australian images on Wikimedia Commons
- Coordinate Me 2024
President's Report
Rights Con 2025, Taiwan
Belinda Spry submitted a proposal for talk on the First Nations report and Assoc Professor Heather Ford invited to be part of the WMF panel on Al. We will wait and see the outcome of our submissions then consider who should attend.
Advocacy reviews
Statutory Review of the Online Safety Act: 21 June is the date for submissions to the Statutory Review of the Online Safety Act (https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/have-your-say/statutory-review-online-safety-act-2021) run by Delia Rickard.
Commonwealth Joint Select Committee on Social Media and Australian Society: Submissions to the Commonwealth Joint Select Committee on Social Media and Australian Society are due 28 June 2024: https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Joint/Social_Media
Advocacy subcommittee (Amanda Lawrence, Belinda Spry and Elliott Bledsoe) aiming to put in submissions.
Secretary's Report
Membership report
New members: 3 new members (2 x Victoria, 1 x ACT)
Annual membership renewals: Over half of our members have paid their annual membership renewal with approx 24 still outstanding, with 16 of those overdue. Membership currently at 75 people.
Proposed change of dates for upcoming Board meetings
JULY: 15 July Board meeting to remain as is AUGUST:' Move 19 August 2024 Board meeting to 26 August 2024 to facilitate the review and certification of Finance reports (see Treasurer's Report - End of Year Reporting item, listed below) SEPTEMBER: Annual general Meeting to be held on Sunday 15th September at 5pm (AEST)
Treasurer's Report
Year 3 Budget
Our Year 3 budget has been approved by WMF and the ESEAP Regional Grants Committee. This includes the requested increase to cover additional staff time and 3% pay increase as well as the WikiCon Australia 2024 event. Peter and Belinda will work on finalising the Year 2 budget for end of financial year reporting as well as setting up the new Year 3 budget in Xero.
End of Year Reporting
The requirements for reporting on finances for non-for-profit associations are changing from 1 July 2024 when we will be classed as a Tier 1 association and our obligations will be reduced. However for the current 2023/2024 Financial report we are a Tier 2 association. This means that prior to the AGM the board needs to pass a resolution and certify the statements and also have the statements reviewed by an independent accountant. The review and the certification needs to be presented to the AGM.
Tom Hogarth thanked the team for getting the budget proposal across the line.
Profit & Loss Statement for May 2024
On advice from WMF we opened Term Deposit and a Cash Reserves accounts to earn interest, which you will see in the Balance Sheet report. You will also notice that we are accruing interest in our Profit and Loss Statement.
Profit and Loss Statement May 2024 Balance sheet May 2024
Overview of the Year 2 Grant budget at 6 June (11.5 months)
- Strategy 1: Engagement - utilised 105%
- Strategy 2: Equity & Inclusion - utilised 93%
- Strategy 3: Capacity Building (set costs for Staffing removed) - utilised 92%
From the total Year 2 Grant of $349,348 we have $15,000 remaining, so almost 96% utilised. This amount will cover the required financial audit and other admin fees as required.
Motion: That the Treasurer’s Report be accepted
Moved: Peter Neish; seconded: Jeremy Ludlow; outcome: passed
Matters for Decision
Craig Franklin Award 2024
The Craig Franklin subcommittee has met and discussed the guidelines for the Award. The subcommittee also recommend the Board consider additional ways to recognise and acknowledge the many contributors from across our Australian membership and community, for example at the WikiCon Australia event later this year. The subcommittee developed a shortlist for the Craig Franklin award with three people for consideration. A shortlist was presented to the Board for consideration.
Motion: Board to make final decision and select a Craig Franklin Awardee to be presented at the AGM in September 2024
Proposals passed by email and documented below
ECNT Partner Project extension: motion passed by email
Caddie Brain provided a short overview of how the ECNT project could continue including working on First Nations content with communities. Due to funds remaining in the First Nations engagement budget line the project proposal received support for an extension.
Motion: That WMAU fund an extension of $5000 for the ECNT Partner Project with a focus on First Nation engagement. Remaining funds rolled over to 2024/25.
Moved: Kelly Tall; seconded: Amanda Lawrence; outcome: approved
WikiCon Australia 2024 - Adelaide: motion passed by email
The WikiCon sub-committee provided a proposal with costings for two venues and a recommendation on how this would best support the conference and a range of scholarships for the Australian community. The Proposal for the Ibis Hotel to provide the conference venue and accommodation on Saturday 23 November, with a Strategic Planning Day for Board and staff on Sunday 22 November received support.
Motion: That WMAU supports the decision for WikiCon Australia in Adelaide to be held at the Ibis Hotel (Grenfell Street) on 23 November, followed by a Strategic Planning Day on 24 November 2024, and to provide the necessary funds to secure this venue and accommodation package.
Moved: Kelly Tall; seconded: Amanda Lawrence; outcome: approved
ACTION:
Grant Budget and International Conferences Proposal: motion passed by email
This proposal contained three recommendations Wikimania 2024 Poland:
Increase of WMAU scholarship budget allocation Increase the WMAU scholarship amount to cover costs for travel and accommodation for Wikimania. Scholarships final allocation amount $4000 each.
'Wikimania Poland 2024 - one WMAU Staff member to attend' One WMAU staff member attends Wikimania Poland supporting staff engagement and capacity building focussing on a range of key areas including: training, GLAM partnerships, community support, membership growth, etc. Approx $4000.
'RightsCon 2025 - one person to attend'
Use most of the remaining funds in the ESEAP budget line to cover one person to attend RightsCon in Taiwan in February 2025. Approx $3000.
Motion: That WMAU increase the Scholarship amount provided to three successful Scholars to the amount of $4000 each for Wikimania Poland 2024. It is also moved that one WMAU staff member attends Wikimania Poland to the approximate value of $4000. And if necessary (depending on conference presentation or paper submissions being successful, or to engage in significant advocacy work as required) that one person is funded to attend RightsCon in Taiwan in February 2025.
Moved: Kelly Tall; seconded: Amanda Lawrence; outcome: approved
ACTION: Belinda to follow up with successful applicants to advise of increased Scholarship amount Belinda to discuss with WMAU staff team to select who will attend. Belinda and Amanda to liaise with WMF on outcome of RightsCon program and whether either of our submissions was accepted.
Wikimedia Movement Charter
https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Movement_Charter Supplementary docs will be made available on 18 June 2024.
The Vote process for the ratification of the Charter is scheduled to start June 25 and conclude July 9, 2024.
- Kelly as Secretary will do the vote on behalf of WMAU affiliate.
- Community information evening to be set up.
- Board needs to decide on position.
Suggested process:
Board members to read the Charter (now released) and the supplementary documents which will come out on 18 June. Board discussion at this meeting and via Slack channel. Suggestion for a Special board and community meeting to discuss position (suggested date: Monday 1 July 2024). Encourage individual voting from eligible community members. Board to make final decision by Wed 3 July.
Ratification information: The Charter is ratified and comes into effect after a vote that has the following result:
- 55% support from participating Wikimedia affiliates, with a minimum of half (50%) of eligible affiliates participating in the vote;
- 55% support from participating individual voters,[19] with a minimum of 2% of eligible voters participating in the vote; and
- The Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees votes to support the Charter.
Moved: Elliott Bledsoe; seconded: Tom Hogarth; outcome: approved
Activities
WMAU and other local events 2024
- Wikihistories 2024: Wikipedia and/as Data — Wed 19 June
Perth Meetup 81 — Sun 23 June
- Introducing Wikipedia: A free online workshop - July 2024 — Wed 3 July
- Online Community Meeting - July 2024 — Wed 10 July
- Franklin Women Women in STEM edit-a-thon - Sydney — Wed 24 July
- Franklin Women Women in STEM edit-a-thon - Canberra — Thurs 25 July
- Wikimania 2024 — Wed 7 August.
- Online Community Meeting - August 2024 — Wed 14 August
- Know My Name: Wikipedia Edit-A-Thon at Tweed Regional Gallery — Sat 17 August
- WikiCon Australia 2024 - in Adelaide - 23-24 November
See all events [our website].
Events document that everyone can add to: Events and Conferences List
National activities
Wikihistories Conference 2024: Wikipedia and/as Data, 19 June 2024, Brisbane https://wikihistories.net/conference/wikihistories-2024-wikipedia-and-as-data/
ICA Conference Conference, Gold Coast https://www.icahdq.org/mpage/ica24 Visiting Wikimedia academics attending - opportunity for side events.
IFLA Information Futures Summit, 30 Sept - 3 Oct (Brisbane) https://2024.ifla.org/ ALACC (Australian Libraries and Archives Copyright Coalition) and CC Australia are holding a side event on Open Access on 3 October, which we will be invited to.
Global activities
'Wikimania 2024, Katowice, Poland, August 2024 Digital Rights Asia Pacific (DRAPAC) 2024, August Taiwan
Asia Pacific Regional Internet Governance Forum (APrIGF) 2024, August Taiwan
RightsCon, February 2025, South Korea
Meeting close: 8:32 pm
Next meeting
- Next Community meeting: Wednesday 10 July 2024
- Next Board meeting: Monday 15 July 2024