Merri-Bek Tech AGM. 2025-09-17

Sarah Webber, Maggie Cowling, Simon Hildebramdt, Flora Hill, Rob Eales, Matthew Stevens, Wade Robert, Jade Ambrose,

• Project launched Oct 2023
• Incorporated 6th march 2024
• Volunteer cohort Sep-Nov 2024
• Objectives (see slide): reducing carbon emissions, increasing…
• Volunteer engagement (see slide): 26 ongoing participants; 1 resilitant technology meet up; 3 solarpunk meetup; 2 event stalls; 2 talks; 3 regularly meeting working groups
• Mission (see website):
• Mission Progress: Volunteer cohort directed towards use of Rasberry Pis; Proof of concept cloud node talking to other nodes in peer-to-peer way and running example app
• Documentation of workflow and ready for app development
• Mission status is at risk; PoC node not providing any current apps or services, no work on the battery storage; no work done on LoRA coms. There is still time.
• Software being stewarded: Matrix, Bonfire, and Dokuwiki

Social Media Working Group (Sarah)

• A few meetings so far.
• A few platforms discussed: Bonfire, Mastadon, Lemmi, Friendifer.
• Ben and Sarah are keen to drive forward.
• Mostly as social challenge to shift people onto a system that is familar enough for use in disaster

• 3 run so far
• New faces each time
• Nice intersection of social and technical perspectives
• Needs a more sustainable plan.

• Income and Expenditure (see slide).
• The biggest cost is equipment, but this is also an asset
• Monthly costs approx. $150 per month (including operating expenses include location hire and digital ocean)
• Donations main source of funding
• Grants are difficult and uncertain,
• Membership contributions would help make the association more sustainable
• Long term may be able to offer services that generate revenue
• If there is capital expenditure we will need grants.

Thanks to Simon, Maggie, Rob, Matt, Jade

Committee’s job is minimal legal and financial compliance to act as a container for the various projects we initiate.

Treasurer: Nomination for Rob by Maggie, seconded by Simon. Secretary: Simon nominated by Maggie, seconded by Jade President: Jade nominated by Maggie, seconded by Simon Committee members:

• Self-Nomination by Maggie, seconded by Sarah
• Self-Nomination by Wade, seconded by Rob
• Self-Nomination by Sarah, seconded by Maggie

Membership fees proposed (yearly):

• Solidarity $100
• Full $40
• Concession /Precarious $10
• Aboriginal & Torres Straight Island: $0

Recurring Donations without membership: $10+ Discussion in favour; no amendments: Motion moved by Jade; Passed unanimously