Australian Free Software Association
A community of Australians passionate about free software.What is free software?
Free software is software that respects your freedom. Specifically you may:
- use it for any purpose,
- study it,
- modify it, and
- share it
The opposite of free software is proprietary or non-free software.
For more information, read What is free software, by the Free Software Foundation.
Purpose
The purpose of the Australian Free Software Association is to:
- Connect people interested in free software issues
- Share knowledge and experience
- Support and encourage free software advocacy
- Work together on solving issues local to Australia
We are in no way in competition with existing GNU/Linux user groups or national organisations such as Linux Australia. We aim to fill a niche for people with specific interests in free software issues.
We share the values of the Free Software Foundation on the GNU Project. We're part of LibrePlanet, a network of free software groups all around the world.
News
25 June 2011
Added a wiki to help us collaborate on trade agreements like ACTA and the TPP, among other things.
18 September 2010
Thousands turned out to celebrate Software Freedom Day at local events all around the Australia. Events featured talks, workshops and a chance to meet groups working on and working with free software.
15 September 2010
Richard Stallman began a speaking tour taking him to every capital city in Australia.
12 August 2010
1000 Australians have signed a letter against software patents. This letter has been sent to Senator Kim Carr.
26 July 2010
240 members of the Australian software industry have signed a letter to Senator Kim Carr calling for software patents to be abolished.
25 July 2010
The Australian Free Software Association was started. We hope this organisation will provide an outlet for Australians with specific interests in free software and related issues.
Mailing list
We run a low traffic mailing list. Please join up.
Local discussion groups
Local discussion groups are a great way to meet others who share your interest in free software. Please let us know if you'd like to list a free software discussion group in your area.
Melbourne Free Software Interest Group
Each month (third Thursday), we choose one or more free software issues for discussion. It is a relaxed "sit around and chat" type event. No prior knowledge is expected. Hope to see you there!
More about Melbourne Free Software Interest Group
For more information
For more information, please contact Ben Sturmfels <ben@softwarefreedom.com.au>.