This week Inside the DIF, we highlight those Melbournians who ask the big questions. Kicking off with Melbourne Knowledge Week questioning, 'what if we could shape a future we could all be proud of?' Girls in Tech asks what it means to be ‘in tech’. Infoxchange's Connecting Up Conference and Fintech Australia's Intersekt helps us understand how purpose lead organisations drive better outcomes through tech. We profile Debbie Daddon AM, who steps up to make assistive technology more accessible with TOM:Melbourne Makathon. What do you think? Let us know via DIF social channels.

FEATURED EVENTS

Connecting Up Conference & NFP Tech Awards

Wed 6 - Fri 8 May 

The right tech is vital for not-for-profits to maximise their impact and
enable new ways of working. That's why the Connecting Up Conference is here to help the Australian community sector get the most out of digital, training and strategy.

Melbourne Knowledge Week 2021

Mon 26 April - Sun 2 May

This year you can get the MKW experience across four awesome venues. The Meat Market is the central hub for daily exhibitions and events. You can also explore Wesley Place Hub, urban green space, the iconic State Library Victoria Hub or check out the freshly opened Melbourne Connect Hub to get hands-on with innovations.

Seven days of events that celebrate our potential for innovation.

• City Shaping + Design
• Entrepreneurship
• Society + Ethics
• Sustainability
• Technology + Data
• All topics

Girls in Tech Australia Conference 2021

Wed 12 May

Every voice counts. Every person is needed. Find your community, sharpen your skills and learn how to thrive in tech! Join this inspiring 1-day hybrid conference at Cargo Hall in Melbourne or Online.

Digital Inclusion Spotlight:

TOM:Melbourne Makeathon Showcase

Sun 2 May 2–3.30pm

TOM:Melbourne Makeathon kicked off in March and Mary Henley-Collopy is back as the 2021 TOM Ambassador for Need-Knowers. Mary has provided Disability Awareness Education sessions to ensure that TOM provides an optimal experience for all involved. Tune in to the TOM:Melbourne Makeathon showcase, where teams present their prototypes for need-knowers specific challenges. It promises to be an exciting, rewarding and heart-warming event.

People who make the DIF: Debbie Dadon AM

People who make the DIF features Melbourne philanthropist Debbie Dadon AM. Debbie established TOM:Melbourne, in 2016. Tikkun Olam is a Jewish concept defined by acts of kindness performed to perfect or repair the world. TOM creates and build products that improve the lives of people with a disability, where there is no obvious or current solution in the market. “We’ve seen so many people in our community benefit from when makers and need-knowers connect, it can really change lives,” Ms Dadon said.