The Australian Cyber Collaboration Centre (Aus3C), in partnership with the Australian Federal Police (AFP)- led Joint Policing Cybercrime Coordination Centre (JPC3), delivered the largest-ever re_B00TCMP event in Adelaide on Wednesday, 10 September 2025, welcoming a cohort of 43 South Australian high school students to Lot Fourteen for a full-day, immersive experience in ethical hacking, cyber safety, and career discovery in the digital frontier.
This growing interest in cyber defense comes at a time when cybersecurity risks in Australia are surging. In South Australia alone, the number of roles focused on cyber security is expected to double by 2030, reflecting the rapidly growing demand for cyber skills in the state.
Following successful pilots in Sydney (2024) and Hobart (June 2025), the third re_B00TCMP iteration was designed to inspire tech-savvy students to harness their skills for good; showcasing the positive power of ethical hacking, cyber resilience, and digital innovation.
Led by the JPC3 and delivered in collaboration with South Australia Police, the Department for Education, and Aus3C, the one-day program featured interactive workshops, industry-led sessions, and direct mentorship opportunities.
AFP Detective Superintendent Marie Andersson said that the program taught students early in their life about the boundaries around legal and ethical online behaviour so they had the tools to explore the internet responsibly.
“It’s about encouraging curiosity while helping them understand what’s legal, what’s ethical, and how to use their skills for good,” Det Supt Andersson said.
“We were blown away by the talent and curiosity on display at re_B00TCMP. Programs like this ensure those skills are nurtured, guided, and harnessed to strengthen our communities.”
“The program not only gives young people the guardrails they need to navigate the online world safely and confidently but also aims to inspire them to build a safer, smarter cyber future for everyone.”
Hands-on Learning with Real‑World Mentors
Hosted at Lot Fourteen, the event included:
- Keynote by Usayd Marikar (Starknex), sharing his journey from teenage hacker to ethical cybersecurity leader
- ‘Behind the Cybercrime Scenes’ with AFP and SAPOL cybercrime officers
- Workshops in cryptography, lock-picking, and Capture the Flag (CTF) challenges
- Panels with Fortinet, UniSA, and the AFP Dandelion Program (supporting neurodivergent individuals)
- Parallel sessions for parents and educators on digital safety and youth support
Building South Australia’s Cyber Future
With cyber threats rising, Australia needs more skilled, diverse, and resilient talent. re_B00TCMP is helping to bridge gaps between education, law enforcement, and industry.
“Cybersecurity isn’t just a technical skill; it’s a national priority,” said Guy Roberts, Interim CEO of the Australian Cyber Collaboration Centre. “We’re proud to help students take their first steps into this exciting and essential field, right here in South Australia.”
All students received Certificates of Completion and access to follow-on mentorship and networking opportunities.
Australia’s cybersecurity snapshot – 2023/2024 (cyber.gov.au):
- Over 36,700 calls to the Australian Cyber Security Hotline, an increase of 12% from the previous period
- The Australian Signals Directorate’s Australian Cyber Security Centre received over 87,400 cybercrime reports: on average, a report every six minutes
- Average cost of cybercrime per report for individuals up 17% to $30,700
- Average cost of cybercrime per report for businesses:
- Small business: $49,600
- Medium business: $62,800
- Large business: $63,600
- Many SMEs report being unable to fully recover after major cyber events (Cyber.gov.au)
Fast Facts
- Date: Wednesday 10 September 2025
• Location: Lot Fourteen, Adelaide
• Participants: 43 high school students – largest cohort to date
• Partners: AFP (JPC3), SAPOL, Aus3C, Department for Education
• Past Events: Sydney (2024), Hobart (June 2025)
• Next Steps: National expansion and mentoring/training pathways
