Sydney Startup Hub-based Tank Stream Labs will become “mission control” today for a world-record-breaking global coding event for children – Moonhack 2018.
Code Club Australia, also based at the Sydney Startup Hub, is hosting the Moonhack 2018 event, which is expected to attract 30,000 students globally.
“Moonhack is a terrific initiative which celebrates the anniversary of the moon landing on 20 July 1969 and which is all about getting kids excited about STEM and inspiring the next generation of Australian scientists,” said NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Small Business John Barilaro.
“Last year Moonhack broke the record for the most children around the world coding on the same day with 28,575 kids taking part,” he said.
“This year Moonhack is aiming to have 30,000 kids participating at events around the world, creating games and animations about space.
“This is a fantastic event led by Code Club Australia which is inspiring children in Australia and around the world to learn how to code games and animations about space and improve their general coding skills.”
Almost 2,000 Australian schools now involved
Sydney will be one of the first global events in this year’s series, with Moonhack 2018 launching in Auckland, New Zealand – the closest city to the International Date Line – and continuing around the globe.
Code Club Australia General Manager Louise Baker said Code Club Australia had grown from a pilot program at a school in Western Sydney to almost 2,000 schools.
“Our mission is to ensure that all children are given the chance to learn to code,” Dr Baker said.
“Our Moonhack campaign is an opportunity to set a world record, with our aim being to get as many kids as possible coding over a 24-hour period. We want to ensure that every child in Australia is given an opportunity to shape their world and their future.”
Tank Stream Labs CEO Brad Delamare said Code Club was about ensuring no Australian child was left behind in the future.
“For the next generation of Australians to be competitive, we must urgently invest in the tech skills needed to compete in the new global market,” Mr Delamare said.
