2019 Inside the DIF ezine

Digital Innovation Festival Victoria 2019

Inside the DIF 2019 Inside the DIF ezine

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2019 Inside the DIF ezine

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DIF2019 REPORT Contents DIF2019 REPORT____________________________________________________________________________________ 3 Contents ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 3

DIF2019 OVERVIEW _________________________________________________________________________________4 Celebration

5

Advanced Capability

5

Inclusion and Growth

5

International Engagement

5

DIF2019 PROGRAM __________________________________________________________________________________6 Official Festival Events ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 6 Festival Achievements ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 7 Emerging Technology

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Future Jobs

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Digital Inclusion Industry Capability

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Special Projects ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 12 DIF Back to School

12

Braindate@DIF2019

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Global Tech Leaders

13

DIF Hub 2019

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REGIONAL VICTORIA _______________________________________________________________________________ 15 Connecting regional communities with ideas and opportunities

15

Barwon

16

Central Highlands

16

Gippsland

17

Goulburn

17

Great South Coast

17

Loddon Campaspe

18

Mallee

18

Wimmera Southern Mallee

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Ovens Murray

19

Colac wins Chinese tourism dollar through digital technology ........................................................................................................................ 20

DIGITAL ENGAGEMENT _____________________________________________________________________________ 22 DIFvic Online Event Hub

22

Social media

22

Inside the DIF

22

Online Events

23

MEDIA REACH ____________________________________________________________________________________ 24 Regional Radio Advertising

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Press Coverage

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VICGOV COLLABORATION__________________________________________________________________________ 25 Delivering Outcomes_______________________________________________________________________________26

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DIF2019 OVERVIEW Digital Innovation Festival (DIF) is a unique initiative created to develop, demonstrate and promote the capability and connectedness of Victoria’s technology ecosystem while encouraging technology driven innovative across the economy and society.

In its fourth year, DIF2019 was bigger, broader and more compelling than ever. Powered by a new website, online events portal and marketed through social media platforms, the Festival achieved exponential growth in participation and in the number of hosted and DIF branded events. DIF2019 comprised more than 500 events over the period 23 August to 6 September, reaching new audiences and engaging an estimated 22,000 people at more than 140 locations across Victoria.

This Report outlines the key initiatives and achievements which characterised DIF2019 including the new Back to School program and DIF Hub at the Goods Shed. [1] The Report highlights the efforts made to reach new audiences across multiple sectors and across regional Victoria. It also highlights the Festival’s focus on international engagement and the opportunity DIF presents to build Victoria’s brand as the home of Australian technology and innovation.

DIF2019 was a successful initiative for the State, making a practical and positive impact on economic development, community building and jobs growth. DIF2019 promoted an inclusive digital economy for all Victorians. Focusing on its strategic goals of Celebration, Inclusion and Growth, Advanced Capability and International Engagement, the Festival positions Victoria as a leading location for technology investment, supports development of a technology skilled talent pool and fosters vibrancy across the State’s communities of innovators.

[1] Social Innovation Summit Digital Wellbeing Session at the Victorian Innovation Hub Goods Shed North 30.08.19

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Celebration DIF encourages Victoria to recognize the opportunities to innovate with technology. DIF2019 showcased the creativity of grassroots innovators, encouraged collaboration, celebrated achievement and stimulated positive and productive engagement with technology.

Excellence was highlighted as Victorians recognised how technology and innovation is critical to our future.

This was highlighted through the National iAwards which were secured by the Victorian Government for a further four years as the centerpiece of the annual Festival. Other celebrations were the inaugural Women in Security Awards and the Australian SportsTech Awards supported by DPC and LaunchVic respectively.

Advanced Capability DIF encourages interaction between research, business, education, entrepreneurs, local communities and government. It values and promotes thought leadership and looks to the future as it supports the

[2] Emerging Innovation Summit at RMIT Capitol

International Engagement DIF seeks to engage international tech communities and promote Victoria as a centre for technology innovation. DIF2019 attracted event speakers and visitors from 15 countries. A new partnership with the UK Consul General brought international experts to

local development of advanced technology capability.

participate in several key events.

DIF2019 brought a sharp focus to the importance of

Our international Victorian Government Business

innovation to drive Victoria’s priority industries. The Festival provided opportunities for engagement with technologies such as artificial intelligence, IoT, virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR), cybersecurity and blockchain. The application of these technologies in agriculture, transport and sports were a highlight.

Students were also encouraged to build competencies through attending events with free or discount ticket offers or remote access to digital innovation content via the DIFvic YouTube channel.

Inclusion and Growth DIF encourages all Victorians to engage with, and benefit from, technology. DIF2019 promoted awareness of how technology can stimulate competitiveness and create new jobs. The Festival delivered a substantial program across regional Victoria supporting the transition of traditional industries into the digital

Offices (VGBO) continued to promote DIF, positioning the Festival and the iAwards on the annual international events calendar. In collaboration with Global Victoria, DIF attracted delegations from Malaysia and Thailand, an international sports tech mission and international agricultural technology visitors as part of Global Table.

The joint Victorian Government and Australian Information Industry Association (AIIA) Global Tech Leaders Dialogue, now in its fifth year, provided a forum for global relationship building and important policy discussions on AI and innovation. Participating countries presented and shared perspectives and experiences.

The Emerging Innovation Summit (EIS'19) featured 15 international speakers alongside local presenters at the intersection of academia and industry on topics from quantum innovation to technology innovation as

economy.

a business enabler. [2] As part of EIS'19, the

DIF2019 facilitated communities to engage with

partnership with the Australian-Chinese Association of

technology in areas such as physical and mental well-

Scientists and Entrepreneurs (ACASE) and ChineseVC,

being, cross-generational experiences and aged care.

embarked on a new initiative “The Emerging

Specific focus was given to how innovation benefits

Innovation Cup 2019�, a tech-startup competition.

International Innovative Research Network (iiRNet), in

from gender and cultural diversity and how technology can promote social inclusion.

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DIF2019 PROGRAM Official Festival Events Each year a series of events are scheduled in the lead up to the Festival. Kicking off in February with the open call for event partners. Minister Pakula launched DIF2019 at the annual Australian Information Industry Association (AIIA) Ministerial Forum on 28 February in Melbourne to a room of tech industry leaders. Major events were announced including the AIIA National iAwards as a centrepiece of DIF, the Digital AI Summit, Pearcey Oration and The Churchill Club Tech Trends Debate. This initial program was updated in May to time with Melbourne Knowledge Week.

[3] DIF2019 Launch 06.08.19

In 2019 a series of events called DIF Mixers were introduced in the lead up to the Festival. Held on Tuesday afternoons at the Victorian Innovation Hub in June and July the Mixers offered opportunities for over 200 people to connect and contribute. Collaborating around the Festival themes provided a framework for the DIF Hub 2019 program during the second week.

The DIF2019 Launch was held on 6 August. Key event partners delivered their “DIF Pitch”, sold the benefits of attending their event, offered special deals and even gave away a few tickets. The event was captured by the DJPR Newsroom and featured on the Victorian Connection -. “Digital Innovation Festival leads the way across Victoria”. [3]

[4] DIF2019 Opening by David Latina 23.08.19

The Official DIF2019 Opening was a sold-out event.

Hosted by David Latina, Deputy Secretary, Jobs, Innovation and Business Engagement, DJPR, at the Victorian Investment Centre on Friday 23 August.

Hosted jointly with the Australian Information Security Association (AISA), the event focused on cybersecurity with a compelling “‘live hack” demonstration. The event provided AISA with an opportunity for advance promotion of Australia’s largest cybersecurity event which the Association hosted in October at the MCEC. [4] Recognising the value of this form of crosspromotion, other major event hosts are looking to forge strategic partnerships with the Festival in 2020.

In keeping with the broad geographical nature of the Festival, DIF closing events were held across the State

[5] Closing Event Student Tech Jobs Expo VEIT 06.09.19

on the final day including the Victorian Engineering and Graduate Tech Jobs Expo at Fed Square. [5]

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Festival Achievements Building on the success of previous Festivals in engaging with a broad range of people and industries, DIF2019 continued the focus on emerging technology, future jobs, digital inclusion and industry capability.

Emerging Technology DIF nurtures the growing recognition that innovating with technology is critical to business and community development. DIF2019 audiences across the State were drawn to events covering cybersecurity, AI, blockchain,

Alan Turing Institute also travelled with the support of the UK Consul General. [6] The Committee for Melbourne AI Taskforce was active across the Festival supporting the Victorian All-Party Parliamentary Group on AI meeting at Parliament

IoT, augmented and virtual reality.

House and the AI Briefing at Allens Legal. The

The Digital AI Summit attracted an audience of close

Summit presenting the State of the Nation and hosting

to 450 industry leaders, investors, entrepreneurs, policy

a closing reception for business and government

makers, international trade delegates and more. It

leaders to meet the speakers. [7]

Committee’s were major partner of the Digital AI

showcased local speakers such as Susie Sheldrick from Silverpond – which recently published a report on Australia’s AI Ecosystem; and international speakers such as Nattapat Thanesvorakul, Head of Ventures for Rise AI, South East Asia’s First Corporate AI Accelerator. [7] The Emerging Innovation Summit focused on innovation for a sustainable future, technology and business innovation and creativity and design.

Approximately 250 people heard from 43 speakers and 18 panelists, many from overseas.

[6] 2019 Pearcey Oration Roger Taylor 27.08.19

DIF2019 saw an increasing number of private events hosted by professional services firms and blue-chip companies. This expansion into enterprise-scale tech is part of the DIF growth strategy as illustrated below.

Zendesk hosted a Jobs Roundtable with the Victorian Government attended by Minister Pakula and Treasurer Pallas to explore the challenges and opportunities in relation to attracting tech talent to Victoria. [8]

[7] Digital AI Summit CfM State of the Nation 27.08.19

IBM hosted a private briefing on Operationalising your AI for enterprise leaders needing to increase their understanding of this important emerging technology.

Swinburne and Amazon Web Services (AWS) launched their joint Data for Social Good Cloud Innovation Centre (CIC).

Roger Taylor from the UK Centre for Data Ethics and Innovation was the first to undertake the DIF International Speaker program presenting the 2019

[8] Jobs Roundtable 26.08.19

Pearcey Oration and a keynote at the Digital AI Summit. Dr Maria Rosaria Taddeo from Oxford and the

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Future Jobs

Kids demonstrated they are literally and enthusiastically creating the future as they took on

The future of work continues to be a hot topic for both

practical projects such as Tekids Coding and Robotics

business and individuals and DIF fosters a positive

in Point Cook, Robogals at Carlton’s Kathleen Syme

perspective through discussion, debate and

Library and many other after school programs held

demonstrations. More than 100 industry and education

across the State. DIF2019 boasted 21 robot related

representatives explored the opportunity for data

events including the Victorian State RoboCup finals,

analytics to benefit future growth at the first North and

attended by more than 650 Victorian students - an

West Melbourne Data Analytics Hub Breakfast Forum

absolute DIF highlight and an extra bonus given

at Moonee Valley Racecourse. Jointly hosted by

RoboCup is a Victorian home-grown initiative, now

Northlink and the Bundoora and Sunshine Victorian

fostering tech innovation amongst students nationally

Government Business Offices was a special project for

and internationally. [9]

DIF2019. A follow up industry roundtable was hosted by DJPR Deputy Secretary David Latina to explore the opportunity for government to assist the digital transformation of local businesses in the food,

Finally, over 1,000 students, graduates, and mid-career professionals attended the Victorian Engineering and Graduate Tech Jobs Expo on the closing event at Fed

manufacturing, transport and logistics industries.

Square. The VEIT Expo was a great opportunity to

The future was a common theme in the regions with

graduate programs and to learn more about the tech

DIF sponsoring the Digital Innovation and Ballarat’s

and engineering industry. The support provided by the

Future keynote by Bernard Salt. The Benalla Future of

Victorian Government enabled more students to

Work Regional Summit explored the impact of the 4th

attend.

meet employers to discuss job opportunities and

Industrial Revolution on energy, transport, health, communications, manufacturing and agriculture.

Student RoboCup training the next generation of innovators

[9] RoboCup Junior Inc held at the Melbourne Showgrounds 30.08.09

Students spoke of how the competition taught them about programming robots, basic coding, the chance to make friends from competing schools and how to prepare for future studies and STEM careers. The DJPR Newsroom team captured the story and shared it via the Victorian Connection.

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Digital Inclusion DIF explicitly seeks to encourage everyone to engage with technology and prompts consideration of new opportunities to apply technology to solve problems, large and small. This year partners were encouraged to take the Festival to the people wherever they are which led to some exciting experiences in schools, tiny houses and aged care residences. Making technology accessible is vital if the whole community is to benefit from the transition to a digital economy.

The Festival brought the Big Day In Program to regional students in Wangaratta to learn about digital careers with the Australian Computer Society Foundation. [31] The link between optimism and innovation inspired audiences in Wodonga at AWISE. Elderly residents of Shepparton had the opportunity to experience the out of body joy of virtual reality experience as part of I Wish I’d Asked Goes Digital. [10] Big challenges such as waste management and the need to transition to a circular economy were the target at this year’s MAVHACK. DIF supported Municipal Association of Victoria’s series of hackathons for the second year with teams from local

[10] Experiencing VR in Shepparton with Rotary

government, community and tech companies collaborating on problems. [11] Positioning Victoria as a leader in social entrepreneurship, the annual Social Innovation Summit is becoming a catalyst for one of Australia’s fastest growing impact-communities, the Social Innovation Network. Fostering a strong impact-culture across a range of sectors, technologies and communities, the summit sees digital social innovation as the key to a sustainable, ethical future. [1] In Torquay, the #futureAUS social innovation hackathon involved a group of high school girls in discussions about startups, future of work and how

[11] MAVHACK: Supporting local innovation and problem solving

innovation can solve real problems. The students then came up with solutions to deal with the persistent problem of dealing with cigarette rubbish along the Great Ocean Road. [12] GamEd Sunraysia Tech on Country workshop delivered by Luggarah (who also hosted the Ararat GamEd workshop) was held along the banks of the Murray River at the Merbein Common. Around 52 participants from Mallee District Aboriginal Services and Mildura Flo Connect attended along with Traditional Owners and Elders. Participants explored different tech tools including digital cameras, videoing interviews. The event highlighted career options and

[12] #futureAUS Torquay social innovation hackathon 06.09.19

the transferability of skills to allied industries. [39]

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Industry Capability Supporting Sector Growth

Fostering Entrepreneurship

A key area of focus and achievement for DIF2019 was

The National iAwards Pitchfest and Gala Dinner

to reach out to all industries around the application of

was a centrepiece of DIF2019. Hosted by the AIIA, the

digital technology and the opportunities it presents for

iAwards is the premier awards program for

business innovation, productivity growth, process

Australia’s technology industry and attracted 800

efficiencies and enhanced competitiveness.

participants including many from interstate and

Sectors engaged included advanced manufacturing, autonomous vehicles, agriculture, aged care, transport, tourism, digital health, creative industries, fashion, education, retail, financial services, food, disability services, local government, new energy, water, mining, small business and youth employment.

Representatives of these sectors were involved with DIF through both private and public events covering topics such as emerging technology, business

overseas. [13] Victorian entrepreneurialism was celebrated and supported through LaunchVic's YeahNah Conference - the showcase of homegrown entrepreneurs. Other events supporting entrepreneurship and tech career pathways included the Upstart Challenge in Geelong and Runway DIF Street Party in Ballarat. Whilst Pantala hosted an event exploring the Role of Large Multinational Corporations within the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem in Melbourne.

transformation, digital skills, regional growth, improving customer experiences and more.

Managing Future Resources DIF2019 included 28 events focused on agriculture covering such opportunities as IoT on farms, innovation in the grains industry, weed control with drones, with blockchain in the supply chain events still to come.

Melbourne Water hosted a Water Innovation Day. The

[13] National iAwards Pitchfest, Andrew Tulloch IDBE 29.08.19

Pearcey Institute facilitated a Cross Industry Digital Solutions Roundtable on Innovation in Water Management. A Smart Mining Networking Event was hosted by BHP, Southern Innovation and AustMine.

In Horsham, at the Grains Innovation Park, more than 100 secondary students heard how technology such as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (drones) are being used by Agriculture Victoria science staff to improve crop varieties for farmers. Research scientist Sahand Assadzadeh was joined by Balmoral Community

[14] Horsham Grains Innovation Park AgVic 29.08.19

College students Ewan Weaver, Joel Rees, and Will Lyons. [14] Picture: Samantha Camarri.

The Future of Mobility Forum, hosted at the Robert Bosch Australia facility in Clayton, showcased autonomous and electric vehicle technologies and policy direction across Victoria. An audience of more than 200 heard from local and international business experts about cutting-edge technology and innovation that will transform our State and the world, while creating well-paid jobs here in Victoria. [15] 2019 Inside the DIF ezine

[15] Future of Mobility Forum 29.08.19

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SportsTech is booming Melbourne is the nation’s Sports capital and home to the Australian Sports Technology Association (ASTN) and more than 110 sports-tech startups. An estimated 65% of Australian sports technology businesses are based in Victoria, including sports management software, online games, VR/AR/MR, eSports, OTT, and Fantasy Sports. This emerging sector is expected to grow globally to US$93 billion by 2027 and Victoria is well placed to ride the wave.

ASTN with the support of LaunchVic established Australia Sports Tech Week as part of DIF2019, attracting international and national visitors.

Highlights included Olympics Netherlands, FC Barcelona and the Boomers vs Team USA basketball games. [17] The showcase Australia Sports Tech Conference (STC19) attracted 2,000 people with a passion for data, digital and technology in the sports, media and entertainment industry.

Minister Pakula opened DIF2019 announcing the Victorian Government continued support for this fastgrowing sector and confirmed funding of $350,000 through LaunchVic. ASTN will deliver four accelerator programs to scaling startups focused on human performance and sports technology.

The Melbourne Esports Open (MEO) 2019 was held for the second year attracting a huge audience of 17,000* fans, a 40% increase on last year. This year, MEO featured three major regional tournaments across League of Legends, Overwatch and Rainbow Six Siege.

Note that the audiences involved with this program are not included

*

in the DIF total audience numbers.

[17] Bernadet van Os, Performance Manager Technology, TeamNL, from The Netherlands presented a keynote on Innovation and Technology Olympics

“Victoria is producing an amazing array of SportsTech innovation and our companies are taking those products to market here and abroad with great success. The accelerator programs that we’re backing through LaunchVic will help further propel Melbourne and Victoria into the future.”

Martin Pakula MP, Minister for Jobs, Innovation and Trade

[16] Sydney-based ISCA sport management students annual field trip included the Australian Sports Analytics conference

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Special Projects In 2019 funding was allocated to special projects designed to extend the reach of the Festival to new audiences, engage different partners and showcase digital opportunities across Victoria.

DIF Back to School The DIF Back to School Program was introduced in 2019 to enable students, parents and teachers to engage in the Festival. Industry speakers volunteered their time to raise awareness of the wide range of opportunities offered by careers in technology. The program was delivered in partnership with the Department of Education Digital Learning team.

In just one example, Geelong-based entrepreneur, Leighton Wells [18] visited his local school and shared his experience on Twitter. Gary Hindle the STEM teacher who hosted Leighton shared his BTS experience at the final DIF Mixer on 19 November. [19] Gary reported that Leighton’s visit captured the attention and imagination of students at Rollins Hill Primary and encouraged them to consider how they might have a different future – creating tech, not just using it.

#BTS by numbers •

70 schools registered and 60 matched with speakers that met their topics and timeframes

•

15 schools were ‘regional’ or ‘rural’

•

45 schools were ‘CBD’ or ‘metro’

•

10,000 members of school communities including

[18] Leighton Wells Geelong-based entrepreneur presenting to Grade 5/6 at Rollins Hill Primary School

students, teachers and parents* •

75% of both schools and speakers rated their experience as between 4 and 5 out of 5

•

11 staff from Deloitte volunteered

“A few months ago, I answered the call for volunteers to go back to school for the #DIFvic, got matched to a regional school & talked to kids about careers in STEM. Today, I got to see the numbers for #DIF2019. Let's do it again next year & make Victoria the innovation state!”

[19] Gary Hindle STEM Teacher Rollins Hill Primary School accepting Certificate of Appreciation from Kathy Coultas 19.11.19 *Note that the audiences involved with this program are not included in overall DIF audience numbers.

Gyle visited Ballarat Specialist School

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Braindate@DIF2019

Global Tech Leaders In partnership with the Australian Information Industry Association, the Victorian Government hosted the 5th Annual Global Tech Leaders’ Dialogue (GTLD) [22], a key initiative of DIF. The GTLD brings together technology leaders from government and industry from across the world to share challenges, discuss opportunities, examine effective policy instruments and build relationships. It positions Melbourne as the ideal location for open discussions about the impact of technology on represented economies. International awareness of the talent and vibrancy of Victoria’s digital innovation ecosystem is promoted as GTLD delegates are encouraged to participate in DIF events as speakers and audience members.

In 2019 twelve countries participated in the GTLD to discuss two topics: Technology Governance and Ethics; and The Role of Innovation Hubs. Participants included representatives from France, India, Israel, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, UK, USA and Australia.

[20] Instagram post of Braindate Lounge 29.08.19

DIF2019 offered business matching with a difference!

DIF Braindates provided Festival participants with a new way to find and meet new people with relevant interests. Braindates were knowledge sharing meetings held one-on-one or in groups at the DIF Braindate Lounge at the Victorian Innovation Hub on 29 August.

Dr Amanda Caples, Victoria’s Lead Scientist hosted a group Braindate posting the topic “How can AI accelerate achievement of UN Sustainable Development Goals?” which proved very popular. [21]

[22] Global Tech Leaders Dialogue 28.08.19

In addition to the GTLD delegates, DIF 2019 actively sought to attract technology experts to attend and speak at local events across the State exposing Victorian communities to thought leadership in relation to digital innovation. The experience was so positive that many of international speakers have expressed interest in returning for DIF2019.

Working with Global Victoria and the Victorian Government Trade and Investment Offices around the world, DIF 2019 was proud to host international delegations from Malaysia and Thailand, an international sports tech mission and support

[21] Victoria’s Lead Scientist hosts a Braindate exploring AI and the Sustainable Development Goals

2019 Inside the DIF ezine

international agricultural technology visitors as part of Global Table.

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DIF Hub 2019 The DIF Hub Program is a key feature of the Festival

Table 1 DIF Hub 2019 Program

and designed to provide a light touch opportunity to engage with DIF themes. The DIF Hub makes

Digital Economy Day 2.09.2019

technology awareness and information accessible by

• Digitising the Economy with Victorian Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions

offering mini conferences that are both short in duration and free of charge. See Table 1 DIF Hub 2019

• Intro to Crypto Currency with Crypto Consulting Institute + Cointree + Coinstop

Program

• Cyber Security in the Digital Economy with Cyrise + Women in Security + WiseLaw + HackHunter

In 2019 the DIF Hub was hosted at the Victorian Innovation Hub at the Goods Shed North as part of a

• Quick Hacks - How to Hack Your Online Profile + Small Business in the Digital Economy with Sue Ellson

new partnership with LaunchVic and Stone and Chalk.

DIF Hub 2019 ran over 5 days from Monday 2 to Friday 6 September with three sessions offered per day: a morning session with tech experts sharing their latest

AI Futures Day 3.09.2019

innovations; a lunch ‘n’ learn session with industry

• Solving Global Problems: Data, AI and Future Systems with isgood.ai + DSI4AU + IEEE

representatives and a deep dive discussion with thought leaders every afternoon. This year one-hour

• AI for Real Problems navigating dyslexia with Dystech

DIF Hub Boardroom Sessions were introduced to allow demonstrations of software or roundtable discussions

• Is Your Industry AI Ready? With the Pearcey Institute

to explore an issue. The sessions allowed for deep conversations and personal connections with positive feedback suggesting the concept worked.

Connected World Day 4.09.2019

DIF2019 personal journeys

• Satellite Based Augmentation System with Frontiers SI

Connecting locally to create impact globally

• Mixed Reality - What is there for me? With Readify

AI Futures was a theme across DIF2019, prompting

• Innovation in Water Management Cross Industry Solutions in IoT with the Pearcey Institute

Ruth Lewis to post a Braindate on Ethics and AI [21].

This sparked conversations with the Victorian Lead Scientist and others interested in the challenges facing society’s successful adoption of emerging

Future of Work Day 5.09.2019

technology. Through meeting the DIF team, Ruth

• Empowering Girls Futures with Girls in Tech, Superstars of STEM, Empowered Girl

was invited to be a panelist on the DIF Hub AI futures day Solving Global Problems: Data, AI and Future

• Women in IoT Roundtable with IoT Hub

Systems session. Ruth shared the importance of

• Surviving and Thriving in the Digital Economy with We Teach Well + Weploy + Bradley Deacon

foresight in preparing us for the future. Ruth then joined The Pearcey Institute roundtable, Is your

• Microcredentialing with the Latrobe Valley Authority

industry AI ready? Given her work with IEEE standards Ruth connected with Greg Adamson,

• Startups & Councils 'Lightning Decision Jam' with Marketing Entourage + Entrepreneurs&Co.

Chair, IEEE Ad Hoc Committee on IEEE Ethics Programs and is now representing Australia on this important international body.

Inclusion & Impact Day 6.09.2019

“I hit a personal milestone today –

• Tech 4 Humans with DSI4AU

I had my first real public speaking

• Harnessing digital innovation to create shared value with Dystech + Exaptec + Making Authentic Friendships + Kolossus Digital

opportunity…about empowering and setting the future workforce up for success at the DIF Hub.”

•

New Visual Language with Piqify

Alex Post, Girls in Tech Australia

•

Digital Inclusion for First Nations with IE Digital

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REGIONAL VICTORIA Connecting regional communities with ideas and opportunities DIF2019 achieved strong growth in regional Victoria,

DIF2019 worked actively with the Regional Partnerships

connecting positively with all nine Regional

and many regional and rural communities to promote

Partnership areas. Across regional and rural Victoria

awareness of the opportunities for technology skills to

160 events were held in 50 venues in 37 towns. This year

support business growth and local jobs. The Festival

the Regional DIF involved an estimated 5,000 people,

focused on the importance of providing regional and

representing an increased engagement of 40%.

rural students with knowledge of the opportunities

Funding through the Connecting Regional

associated with careers in technology.

Communities Program provided financial support for 84 DIF events in 47 venues in 23 towns across nine

The popularity of DIF2019 programs such as the Big

Regional Partnerships areas in 2019.

Day In which attracted 250 students from schools

A successful regional engagement strategy delivered

had 15 regional and rural schools register to host an

by the DJPR DIF team in consultation with Victorian

industry speaker, are positive signals that DIF is

Government Regional Offices, resulted in strong

achieving a growing awareness of the importance of

DIF2019 brand awareness and a genuine enthusiasm to

STEM skills and the opportunities for digital careers.

connect and create technology and innovation related events across regional communities. Smaller towns, particularly, were very appreciative of the DIF team’s

around Wangaratta; and the DIF Back to School which

DIF2019 provided regional and rural communities with information, connections and practical examples of

effort to travel and connect with their communities.

how technology may be used to improve productivity

New locations involved with DIF in 2019 included

Regional Growth Summit, hosted by Marketing

Mildura, Swan Hill, Cowes, Ararat, Halls Gap, Banyena

Entourage as part of the Bendigo Invention and

(tiny hamlet in the Wimmera), Portland, Warrnambool

Innovation Festival, which offered case studies, panel

and Torquay. The DIF Mallee was a great success. [8]

discussions and demos of the best of breed online

Events varied in size, format and duration, ranging

tools. The Summit included an online masterclass

from bespoke workshops to large conferences.

demonstrating how by using the appropriate online

Across regional and rural Victoria DIF2019 pushed the discussion on technology driven innovation opportunities beyond connectivity, towards the critical journey businesses and communities need to make towards improved technology capabilities and adoption.

This is particularly relevant in fields where traditional methods are deeply entrenched, such as in manufacturing, farming and processing, but also in tourism and hospitality. Barriers to moving into the digital economy are still strong, change presents challenges made more difficult by lack of information and lack of skills.

2019 Inside the DIF ezine

for regional business. One good example was the

tools, small business, startups and even fledgling online businesses can create a presence for their product range. The masterclass explained how to make the technology do the hard work – from promotion, to social media, to data analytics, storage, payments and website builds – to deliver positive results for businesses.

Clearly DIF is having a positive impact in regional and rural Victoria, as a catalyst for tech uptake, tech transition, capability lifting, business development and community engagement. DIF2019 facilitated some excellent opportunities for communities in each Regional Partnership area to engage with the digital economy.

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Barwon

Central Highlands

Geelong + Torquay

Ararat + Ballarat + Coimadai

Barwon held 35 events in Geelong and Torquay

Central Highlands held 33 events across the region.

highlighted below. #futureAUS – a five-day Festival of co-working, worklife balance and start-up workshops and panels at the RACV Club Torquay as well as a Blockchain Day. Geelong Innovation Summit, including a Smart Materials and Smart Machines Conference was hosted by the Geelong Manufacturing Council. Technology for Geelong and Creative Geelong both ran sessions for the local tech and non-tech communities.

Little Blobs of Clay – An Evening with Adam Elliott was hosted by the City of Greater Geelong. A huge success with Oscar-winning Elliott sharing his experiences in animation and digital short-film making with a rapt audience. This was a feature event of the Geelong Small Business Festival which continued to be held in August despite the changes to Business Victoria funding.

DIF Back to School program organised industry speakers to visit three Geelong schools Rollins Primary School; Bell Park North Primary School and Western Heights College and talk about digital careers.

[24] Ballarat DIF on Instagram 31.08.19

DIF Street Party – a tech careers day in collaboration with Runway, Upstart Ballarat, Ballarat Tech School and Federation University. [24] Digital Innovation and Ballarat’s Future presented by Bernard Salt and hosted by the City of Ballarat. MAVHack – local solutions to the waste problem. Open Source Workshop for software enthusiasts and the Grampians Tourism Masterclass. Meanwhile in Ararat, 60 secondary students enjoyed a full day participating in GamEd workshop, hearing from games developers, animators and studio owners about skills for a games career. [25]

[23] Christine Couzens MP visits Gordon TAFE 04.06.19

Next level DigiTech and Digital Skills Taster tech expo and careers showcase hosted by Gordon TAFE in collaboration with Geelong Tech School. Local MP, Christine Couzens attended part of the day’s activities, getting involved in some tech puzzles and builds. [23]

2019 Inside the DIF ezine

[25] GamEd workshop Ararat 30.08.19

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Gippsland

Great South Coast

Bairnsdale + Cowes + Sale + Warragul

Portland + Warrnambool

In its third year Gippsland held 24 events as part of the

Great South Coast played host to 6 events in 2019.

annual Festival which has grown in scale and reach.

Minecraft to Marvel – a day of workshops to introduce

Binary Shift was held in Sale and attracted around 150

those interested to the world of games animation,

attendees. First held as a small one-day event in

game play, physics, graphics and rendering.

Traralgon in DIF2017, Binary Shift has grown into a twoday conference program hosting panels, workshops and an expo hall. [26] Support was also provided to a range of local activities across Gippsland, DIF2019 provided the vehicle for the launch of a new co-

The event was hosted by South West TAFE in preparation for a new Games Development course to be offered in 2020. They definitely won the best window display. [27]

working space – The Huddle – in Cowes; supported the third term professional development day of the Education Technology Consortium Victoria (ETCV) at Lardner Park; hosted a VR experience for students at the Bairnsdale LLEN; hosted an evening with demographer Gill Hicks, streaming the event live to all the LaTrobe Women in Business members across Gippsland. Five primary schools participated in DIF Back to School in Lucknow, Bruthen, Cowes, Drouin, Nambrok and Denison.

[27] Minecraft to Marvel Warrnambool

Portland launched a very successful Modern Small Business Online program, a combination of elearning and face to face mentoring to assist small businesses [26] Binary Shift team

Goulburn

with marketing and social media. Developed by Glenelg Shire in collaboration with Marketing Entourage.

Shepparton + Beveridge + Wallan Goulburn held 6 events that engaged young and old alike. I Wish I’d Asked Goes Digital - Wanganui Secondary Students helped Shepparton Villages Aged Care Facility residents experience virtual reality, supported by Shepparton South Rotary. [28] Writing for Social Media - for small business and tourism business owners to improve their brand visibility in a crowded market, hosted by Your Project Partner. DIF Back to School hosted industry speakers at Beveridge, Wallan and Wilmot Road Primary School.

[28] Shepparton VR experience across the generations

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Loddon Campaspe

Mallee

Bendigo

Mildura + Swan Hill

The Loddon Campaspe region held 15 events including

DIF2019 welcomed the Mallee region for the first time

the second annual Bendigo Invention and Innovation

with 16 events across the festival period. Events such

Festival.

as the Sunraysia Agri Business Summit, hosted by

In 2019 BIIF was a 6-day event comprising of key note speakers, panels, workshops and a range of stakeholders’ key to Bendigo’s future tech success

Mildura Regional Development, were a strong sign that the North-West is looking to engage with technology driven innovation, and with DIF.

such as the new Bendigo Tech School, LaTrobe

Swan Hill also played a major role in the Region’s DIF

University, Bendigo Bank, Bendigo Health and Coliban

engagement Paul Dillon delivering a huge two-week

Water.

Mallee DIF program at his co-working space, Mallee

The 2019 program included an opening day BIIF Symposium program with speakers on topics such as “Not all startups come from Silicon Valley”, “Funding your Ideas” and “Creative Entrepreneurship”. [29]

[29] BIIF Symposium Panel Bendigo

Other highlights of the week included a Lego Serious Play event at the new Bendigo Tech School, a Regional Growth Summit, the Festival of Failure and the muchanticipated Invention and Innovation Awards.

Bendigo Hospital opened its doors for people to learn more about Innovation at Bendigo Health – an opportunity to see innovation in action in the health setting as well as viewing the newly launched Bendigo Health Accelerator (BHx) – regional Victoria’s first health accelerator which will open in 2020.

The Accelerator, in conjunction with the Melbourne Health Accelerator (MHx) will provide early-stage health start-up companies the opportunity to access a world class digital hospital to validate, test and potentially accelerate their start-up into the health sector.

Rising which included Code the Mallee, Tech Tuesday, social media and small business workshops as well as an AgTech Showcase Day and Solar Boat Challenge.

YouTube Female Creator’s Workshop [30]

[30] YouTube Female Creator’s Workshop Swan Hill

Wimmera Southern Mallee Horsham + Warracknabeal + Banyena Wimmera Southern Mallee held 6 events which focused on their main economic driver – agriculture and in particular grain farming.

Ag Innovation Day was hosted by Agriculture Victoria at the world class Grains Innovation Park in Horsham, showcasing a gene bank, robotics, drones and the world of technology on farms. Drone instruction and certification was part of the fun at the Annual Horsham Agricultural Show, showcasing some of the roles in that drones can play in agriculture. Small Business Canva workshop was hosted by the Yarriambiack Shire to assist small businesses in Warracknabeal.

Social Media for Retail Workshop was delivered in the tiny Wimmera town of Banyena by Partners in Ag.

In the Macedon Ranges Shire, Gisborne Primary School was also a part of DIF Back to School program.

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Ovens Murray Benalla + Wodonga + Wangaratta Ovens Murray held 19 events across the region with

Digital Inclusion, hosted by local digital marketing

new partners and venues keen to get involved.

company, Digital Gold in Wangaratta provided short

Big Day In hosted in Wangaratta by ACS Foundation, in

robotics passion by Galen College students, whose

conjunction with Charles Sturt University. A first for

recent VEX World Championship success has led to

regional Victoria and under the DIF banner, the event

further robotics challenges. GoTAFE hosted two iHub

attracted more than 250 students – thanks to the

Innovate and Create sessions – an open house for

Department of Education and Training for funding

students and parents to explore the GoTAFE

buses –to hear from local tech business owners and

technology course offerings.

entrepreneurs about their journeys to success. [31]

talks by local tech entrepreneurs and a showcase of

Victoria’s North East was actively engaged with DIF once again. Benalla Innovation Festival and Future Work Summit was hosted by the Benalla Rural Shire as an opening event for regional DIF2019. AWISE (Albury Wodonga Innovation Summit and Expo) hosted by The Hub lead by the Northeast DIF Champion, Guy Rowson.

WISE Up was an addition to this year’s NEDIF to enable students to hear about careers in tech featuring Michelle Mannering, the “Hackathon Queen” and DIF Champion who relished the opportunity to return to her home region and share stories with local media.

[31] Big Day In Wangaratta

[32]

"DIFvic is a great opportunity for the Wangaratta community to learn more about how digital technologies are used in a variety of different sectors, including how digital technologies can facilitate growth for people in Wangaratta,” Ilena Young, Charles Sturt Wangaratta Regional Study Centre

[32] Michelle Mannering at North East Digital Innovation Festival Wodonga

2019 Inside the DIF ezine

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Colac wins Chinese tourism dollar through digital technology

Want evidence that Victoria’s annual Digital Innovation Festival has impact? Take Colac’s use of QR codes to net the Chinese tourist dollar on the Great Ocean Road. By Georgina Jerums In the next decade, the number of Chinese tourists holidaying in Victoria is set to surge, bringing financial windfall with it. By 2027, it’s expected that Chinese tourism will funnel $7 billion into our state. Provided relevant digital marketing is put in place, that is.

To win over Chinese tourists, Victorian retail, hospitality, accommodation, food, services and tourism need to have communication in place to which Chinese tourists can relate, such as QR code technology. Abbreviated from ‘Quick Response’ code, users scan a readable label, or code, on their mobile device to download information about a business in their language of choice.

While not in widespread use in Australia, QR codes are commonplace and instantly-recognisable via WeChat and other social media sites in China, home to 1.4 billion people.

Colac – with a population of 12,000 people about 150 kilometres from Melbourne – fully understands that tech trend.

Getting on the QR code bandwagon to woo Chinese tourists is proving a business win for the town, which greets 2000 Chinese tourists heading to and from our world-famous Great Ocean Road each week.

In February, just before the Chinese New Year, Colac introduced regional Victoria’s first-ever QR code technology at 22 of its tourism businesses, with QR stickers advertising goods and services in Mandarin Chinese on their storefronts.

“Those participating have reported up to a 15 per cent increase in the number of Chinese customers visiting their businesses since February” says Colac Chamber of Commerce CEO, Mark Sherry. "They can scan your unique QR code that directs them to your online business profile in both Mandarin and English.”

2019 Inside the DIF ezine

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"With the QR code, you’re demonstrating to Chinese customers that you welcome them into your store with open arms," Colac Chamber of Commerce CEO, Mark Sherry.

[33] Mark Sherry, Colac Chamber of Commerce

Alternatively, international tourists can access without the need to scan by visiting www.gdayfriends.com – they’ll find a map of where they’re

visiting and can zoom in to find Chinese-friendly businesses that have done Chinese customer success training (for example, a counter card of Chinese phrases for staff) and who welcome their custom. This map is accessible in China before people visit Australia."

Branded as G’Day Friends, the rollout comes after the Colac Chamber of Commerce held a session for Colac and surrounding regions at the state-wide 2018 Digital Innovation Festival (DIF), to show how local tourism companies could benefit from mobile technologies to enhance the Chinese visitor experience.

"We recognised the potential, and that’s why we hosted the DIF workshop," says Mark. "The QR code is an accessible, easy-to-use, modern approach via a digital medium to engage a growing demographic: the Chinese tourist influx. The new Chinese tourist wave is one of the fastest-growing business opportunities Australia has seen, presenting huge opportunities to engage. G’Day Friends is accessible to all businesses who want to capitalise on the steady stream of Chinese tourists travelling through, or staying in, their community."

Even so, there’s still a fair way to go to get the message out. "There’s currently less than a handful of regional places who have adopted the QR code promotion: it’s in its infancy," says Mark. "Colac Chamber, however, recognises the potential for the future and we were determined to get on board at ground level. Being a forerunner, it does take time before such innovation catches on, however we continue to slowly build it towards something big into the future."

While feedback from Chinese tourists is minimal due to the language barrier, Mark says tutorial videos provided to retailers by G’Day Friends – focusing on basic Chinese language to engage customers – are slowly helping to change that. “This has been most informative but mispronunciations or accents can lead to humorous interactions helping to break the ice between cultures, which is important and very much part of the aim of productive interactions.”

For regional business owners who are serious about capitalising on the growing Chinese customer market, Mark offers up the following: "I’d encourage regional business owners to get on board as, like anything in business, it’s all about involvement. The more who become involved, the greater the potency of engagement and [34] G’Day Friends Steps to scanning a QR code

marketing."

Evidence of that potency is seen in the fact that G’day Friends has been implemented in hospitality and retail businesses in the Southbank precinct and at Melbourne Airport. It has also been working with Life Saving Victoria, as well as local governments in Geelong, the Surf Coast Shire, Colac and the Otway Shire to promote water safety though the technology. Such a strong preliminary track record paves the way for even bigger QR code collaborations down the line.

2019 Inside the DIF ezine

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DIGITAL ENGAGEMENT

[35] DIFvic Online Event Hub

Social media

DIFvic Online Event Hub

Still a startup in terms of its social media network, DIF

DIF2019 was supported by the DIFvic Online Event Hub.

only launched its digital accounts in July 2018. The

First opened for DIF 2018, DIFvic has developed into a

focus in 2019 was on leveraging social media to engage

central portal providing information and access to

the ‘under 30’ audience with Instagram followers

tech and innovation related events held across

doubling this year to 424. Twitter gained 307 new

Victoria throughout the year[35] In 2019 the

followers, an increase of 71% and engagements

DIF.vic.gov.au website performance exceeded

increased by 30%. LinkedIn had 4,274 Impressions total

expectations demonstrating a great return on

that averaged to 305 Daily Impressions. and YouTube

investment for the State. DIFvic is achieving high and

also performed well with 3,900 impressions, 1,100 views.

growing brand awareness with significant increase in organic search. Results show 68% were new visitors and 81,765 page views - a 135% increase on 2018. Cross

Inside the DIF

promotion across VicGov websites was central in

The introduction of the Inside the DIF blog and eNews

driving traffic referral page views for that time period

were central to driving the content strategy. Posting

vic.gov.au 40%, innovationnetwork.vic.gov.au 9% and

across channels enabled effective promotion resulting

connection.vic.gov.au 7%.

in increased reach. DIFvic mailing list of almost 1,500

Demographic data from the website is only representative of 38 % of total users but does provide some indication of engagement across gender and age. [Table 2] Visitors were 51.5% male compared to 48.5% female which is higher than ICT industry.

subscribers had an average of 40% open rate.

Features included DIF On the Road (April) and the Regional Program (August). The most popular blog post was “Using technology for real social impact” which shows the interest in creating an inclusive digital economy.

Table 2 Demographics by Age

People who make the DIF series profiled Dr Amanda 65+ 55-64 45-54 35-44 25-34 18-24

Caples, Victoria’s Lead Scientist; Susan Harris, CEO,

4.39% 7.24%

Intelligent Transport Systems Australia (ITS Australia);

18.48%

Gavin Smith, President, Bosch Australia and Gary Buck,

28.11% 35.87%

iAwards Chief Judge.

5.90% 0%

10%

2019 Inside the DIF ezine

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30%

40%

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Online Events Online events were specifically developed to include audiences that were unable to attend physical events.

The 2019 DIF Hub program was livestreamed with a professional film crew turning the venue into a live studio audience. This extended the reach of the program and provided opportunities for speakers to develop their confidence on camera - for many it provided their first “live to air� public speaking experience. [37]

A PivotLIVE Masterclass event, with MC Leighton Wells, of Geelong based Pivot Summit and interviewer Monty Hamilton from PWC, was streamed live from San Francisco to a virtual audience of about 30 people. Brian Solis, a US based tech entrepreneur and author, gave a one-hour masterclass, including Q and A about improving productivity and creativity as well as managing digital distractions in a connected world. [36]

The inaugural Regional Growth Summit, delivered by Marketing Entourage, was held as part of the Bendigo Invention and Innovation Festival and was livestreamed to 16 local government economic development offices. This mixed-model of delivery enhances accessibility, increasing opportunities for people to attend in a way that suits them.

Glenelg Shire hosted a Modern Business Online series, aimed at assisting local businesses owners to take the steps to move their systems and marketing into the digital economy. Around 170 people subscribed to the initial workshops.

[36] PivotLIVE Masterclass

[37] DIF Hub Digital Economy Day Cybersecurity live stream 02.09.19

2019 Inside the DIF ezine

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MEDIA REACH Regional Radio Advertising

Press Coverage

The DIF2019 radio campaign reached a potential 600k

Traditional media engagement was driven by the

listeners across regional Victoria. A targeted budget

event hosts as they reached out to their target

saw total market value delivering a 2 : 1 return on

audiences through appropriate channels. Regional

investment. Over the two weeks of the Festival 276 ads

newspapers actively covered local events in the lead

ran across 12 local radio stations in 10 regional centres.

up to, during and post the Festival which shows the

As the largest markets, Ballarat and Geelong had two

interest of DIF. ABC Mildura covered the GamEd

stations each to reach different audience demographics. [38]

Sunraysia workshop interviewing Phoebe Watson, Game Developer and Game Design student at RMIT and David Parkin from Luggarah courtesy of by Jennifer Douglas. [39]

“People living in regional Victoria often have less positive digital experiences to those in the city which is why we’re investing significantly to fix the digital divide by using technology to lift and transform regional industries and communities – and the Digital Innovation Festival is an important part of this.” Minister [38] Radio Stations advertising DIF2019

for Regional Development, Jaclyn Symes

[39] Phoebe Watson, Game Developer and Game Design student at RMIT 03.09.19

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VICGOV COLLABORATION DIF reaches out across all Victorian Government departments, fostering interdepartmental collaboration and demonstrating how digital innovation can address challenges and transform government services.

In 2019 the DIF team engaged broadly across government, to leverage existing investments and create a cohesive narrative around digital innovation and the benefits of joined up government.

Individuals from across Victorian government attended and spoke at many DIF events. Victoria’s Lead Scientist Dr Amanda Caples, deserves special recognition as a DIF Champion who played a significant role in promoting awareness of the value of STEM and innovation throughout the Festival.

Several government agencies and departments contributed to the delivery and success DIF2019, including: Agriculture Victoria was actively involved in demonstrating the use of tech on farms across several regional and rural locations. Focusing on food innovation, two major new events, Global Table and Seeds and Chips, were part of the Festival with cross promotion.

Business Victoria continued to support DIF and promote through their digital channels with feature articles on digital tech, open innovation and the future of work for SMEs. Small Business Festivals continued locally in Geelong and Ballarat and funding was also provided to Bendigo Invention and Innovation Festival.

Creative Victoria and JIBE partnered to support the YouTube Creators program enabling women in regional Victoria to develop online content creation in Swan Hill as part of the Mallee Digital Innovation Festival.

Global Victoria’s international network of Victorian Government trade and Investment Offices provided support to international delegates participating in the Global Tech Leaders Dialogue. The Deputy Commissioner for Southeast Asia arranging a Malaysian trade mission to attend DIF and the iAwards.

LaunchVic hosted the DIF Hub at the Goods Shed North and for the third year delivered Yeah Nah, its flagship event for the startup and entrepreneur community. CivicLabs launched the first Civic Tech Meetup and the DIF Hub livestreamed and recorded the event to extend the reach to local government.

Regional Development Victoria worked with the DIF team to engage with the nine regional partnerships with support from the digital marketing promotion.

Regional Development Victoria worked with the DIF team to engage with the nine regional partnerships. Whilst Visit Victoria through the Melbourne Convention Bureau continued to engage with DIF to attract international events.

Department of Education and Training partnered with DIF for the successful, inaugural delivery of the DIF Back to School program which saw tech industry professionals visit schools and speak to students, teachers and parents.

Department of Premier and Cabinet hosted a meeting of State and National CIOs, a Roundtable discussion on sharing data attended by representatives of local and international governments and Chief Data Office, Julian Hebden delivered the keynote to the inaugural North West Data Analytics Forum in Moonee Ponds.

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Delivering Outcomes DIF builds awareness of the opportunities of the digital economy so that the benefits may spread across the state: • • •

Supports development of advanced technology capability Supports development of broad digital and data literacy Fosters grass roots involvement of all sectors of the economy and community

• • •

Stimulates the pipeline of STEM skills and opportunities for digital jobs Promotes Victorian digital capabilities to a national and global audience Increases adoption of emerging technology in priority industries

As part of DIF2016 founder of US based, Girls in Tech, Adriana Gascoigne, launched Girls in Tech (GIT) Australia in Melbourne [Pic R]. Since then GiT has engaged over 50,000 women across the country. In 2019 at the DIF Hub Future of Work Day, Alex Post shared her story of how GiT supported her career transition from the US to Melbourne. Posting on LinkedIn she had met a personal goal speaking at DIF which dozens of colleagues recognized.

At a DIF briefing in Warragul in 2017 a handful of regional entrepreneurs decided to work together to host Gippsland’s first ever tech conference.

The result was Binary Shift [Pic L] which in its third year has become a leading regional entrepreneur conference. Since then GippsTech, has registered as a social enterprise and successfully received both state and national grants to run the Startup Gippsland program for 46 businesses and the Work My Own Way for SMEs until 2022

As part of DIF2018, the Colac Chamber of Commerce held a workshop aimed at using technology to win the Chinese tourism dollar.

Chinese New Year 2019 saw Colac introduce regional Victoria’s first-ever QR codes at 22 of its tourism businesses, with stickers advertising goods and services in Mandarin Chinese.

Storefronts participating reported up to a 15 per cent increase in the number of Chinese customers visiting their businesses on the way to and from the Great Ocean Road.

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Digital Innovation Festival An initiative of the State Government of Victoria

Digital Innovation Festival Victoria Authorised by the Victorian Government Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions 122 Exhibition Street Melbourne Victoria 3000 Email digital.innovation@ecodev.vic.gov.au Š Copyright State of Victoria 2019 2019 Inside the DIF ezine

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