iTWire journo nominates for Linux Australia council

By David M Williams
Thursday, 08 January 2009 03:32

Opinion and Analysis

Linux Australia is undergoing its annual election process; if you're a member be sure to register your vote to further the cause of Linux in 2009! (Plus! iTWire columnist nominates!)

Linux Australia is the peak body for Linux User Groups (LUGs) around Australia. This is a total membership of some 5,000 users, developers, students and just generally passionate Linuxphiles.

Linux Australia supports local user groups, advocates the use of free and open source software and solutions at national levels, runs the successful Linux.Conf.Au conference each year and administers grants, among other activities.

At this time - and for the next four days - all council positions are vacant. Current Presidential nominees include well-known members and activists James Turnbull and Stewart Smith.

As well as the Presidency, a Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer are required along with three ordinary committee members.

If you are a member of Linux Australia, be sure to make your vote heard this election period. If you are not a member but support the causes and beliefs you can join up - for free, no fee required - online.

For some breaking news - perhaps not wide world worthy - I've thrown my hat in the ring to be an ordinary committee member.

Hopefully my editor will permit me some personal space here to spruik a little.

In my case, I've been a Linux advocate since 1991 - having been awestruck by the power and simplicity and elegance of UNIX when I began University in 1990. This passion was a characteristic of my early career. My first full-time position was at an aluminium smelter in December 1992 where, among other things, I took responsibility for the new breed of Ultrix workstations that our formerly VAX-oriented plant took delivery of. In 1994 I returned to my alma mater - but not as a student, instead as a UNIX systems manager, for two years.

As years passed I've moved into various other roles with more businessy-sounding titles and less nuts-and-bolts hands-on stuff but I've retained my deep love for this operating system. What's more, as I've increased my involvement in the world of corporate finance and boardrooms I'd like to think I've also gained the ability to intelligently articulate the case for Linux at high levels.

And, of course, the fact you're reading these words now points to my little blog here at iTWire where twice a week I speak on all things Linux and open source. I'm proud of the fact that my blog has been regularly SlashDotted, Dugg, and generally read around the world. And, if successful, I think it's a unique opportunity to increase awareness of the work of Linux Australia.

Thanks for the soapbox :)