Deadly Coders 2023 Impact
2023 has been a breakthrough year for Deadly Coders: we substantially expanded our program delivery, established our charitable status, formalised governance and reporting structures, and proudly welcomed many new corporate and government program sponsors. We’re honoured to have delivered programs to more than 1250 Indigenous students across the country, with the generous support of our valued sponsors. At a glance, our key delivery achievements include over 1000 students enrolled in digital coding platforms, 250 students attending in-person programs (both incursion and intensive formats) and 13 individual programs delivered.
In addition to these accomplishments, we are proud to report the following key achievements for 2023:
Official recognition and ACNC Registration:
One significant milestone of 2023, was the establishment of Deadly Coders as an independent and standalone charity, with Public Benevolent Institution (PBI) status. Our registrations with both the Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations (ORIC) and the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commissions (ACNC) were finalised. We also established a majority Indigenous Board of Directors, formalising the governance of our charity and providing invaluable guidance as we grow and expand our program delivery.
Significant in-person program expansion:
In 2023, Deadly Coders delivered engaging in-person coding programs to more than 250 students. For the first time in 2023, we expanded our program footprint throughout New South Wales, delivering engaging 2-day coding programs to young students in Tamworth, Dubbo, Casino, Lismore, Ballina and Kingscliff. These programs introduced Indigenous students in each location to Arduino Gamepal coding programs, which teaches students to program a handheld gaming device via a combination of coding, robotics and electronics concepts.
In addition to our New South Wales programs, Deadly Coders also continued its face-to-face program delivery across Queensland, delivering a combination of 2-day intensive workshops in and 8-week incursion programs in Minecraft Coding and MiniTendo across Brisbane (QUT Gardens Point, Cornubia, Kedron, Acacia Ridge), Townsville and Murgon throughout 2023.
National digital program expansion:
With the support of the Federal Government Makers Grant, and the Queensland Government, Deadly Coders has begun an ambitious national program which will brings online self-paced coding programs to 5000 Indigenous students nationally. In 2023, this program kicked off by starting 1000 students on their digital technologies learning journeys using this platform. In 2024, we anticipate delivering a further 4000 licenses across the country to spark a love of digital technologies with many more students in 2024.
Welcoming 11 new program sponsors:
None of these achievements would be possible without the generous backing of our supporting partners. In 2023, we welcomed a raft of new partners that have powered our expansion to reach more Indigenous students across the country. In 2023 we were proud to welcome: Queensland Government, Shell Energy, Joblink Plus, Marsh Insurance, Wugu Nyambil, New South Wales Government (REIP Program), Systra, BECA, Brisbane Lions, Lenovo, and Hockey Australia. Our partnerships have different areas of focus, and included donations of cash, venues and computer equipment for our program delivery and participant mentoring support. The expansion and growth of our sponsorship program in 2023 has been integral to fund and facilitate our program expansions both in 2023, and into the future.
A Year of remarkable growth:
The Deadly Coders growth story in 2023 has been transformative – both for our partnering schools and students who have been so engaged in learning new skills, and our partners who have embraced and powered our growth in 2023.
As Deadly Coders looks ahead to 2024, these achievements serve as testament to the transformative power of digital literacy in empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth and shaping a more inclusive and equitable technology landscape. We are proud to have recently established a partnership with the Tech Council of Australia, and are continuing discussions with other industry bodies to further contribute to policy development giving Indigenous representation to these important discussions.
Deadly Coders’ is focused on delivering our mission of bringing meaningful, hands-on STEM education and learning to every Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander primary and secondary student in Australia in the next 10 years. We look forward to continual growth and expansion into the future will continue to drive positive change for years to come.
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