Global creative collaboration event Good For Nothing 2014 kicks off in Sydney

This weekend saw global movement Good For Nothing (GFN) launch in Sydney, with a dedicated and passionate crowd from the creative industries giving up their time and applying their skills and energy to accelerate the work of local not-for-profit and social enterprises. For free.

Established in London around five years ago, GFN is an ever-growing community of thinkers, do-ers and makers that collaborate at gigs – lasting up to 48 hours – throughout the year. GFN has spread like wildfire throughout the UK and Europe since launching, delivering all kinds of creative solutions to over 100 organisations worldwide for free. 2014 will see the chapters of the global movement unfolding in Auckland, Perth and Sydney.

Organisers Carl Moggridge, Craig Adams, Helen Smith and Reza Chady, were joined by over 40 web developers, writers, designers, strategists, communications specialists, artists, marketers, researchers, coders, UX folk, creatives, ideas people and technologists who brought along their skills and passion to help three local cause-led projects.

    • Blue Starfish is a project of Transition Bondi – seeking to turn the world famous eastern suburb into a 100% sustainable seafood destination.

    • The Whole Elephant is an educational platform seeking to spread the good word of Systems Thinking; informing and inspiring businesses and change-makers on the benefits of a systemic approach to solving complex social issues.

    • Help me with it is developing a community that connects people who need help with people who can volunteer their time to fix, teach, cook, care, shop, transport, sort, garden and more.

Nicole Endacott from The Whole Elephant was overjoyed at the opportunity to have a group of such talented people working on behalf of her organisation.

Says Endacott: “I was blown away by the people who worked on The Whole Elephant. It was incredible to have their expertise and input, something which we would not have been able to afford without Good for Nothing. I was amazed at what everyone accomplished this weekend, they really brought everything to life and in such a short timeframe.”

Says Moggridge: “Without doubt this weekend demonstrated what can be achieved when you simply create an environment for talented, down to earth people to work together on projects they are passionate about. We did more in two days than many brands and agencies do in months. However most importantly we all had fun and helped three organisations get well on the way to making the world a better place. It was awe inspiring and we can’t wait for the next one.”

To register your interest and be part of the first of many GFN gigs in Sydney, click here.