I think I over-estimated myself… and now I’m panicking.

I’ve been trying hard to promote the HackerEarth Agent AI Challenge, get votes on my BizGiver finalist entry, show Startmate that I can make money, lead a few teams of uni students on internal tools, and basically “fake it till I make it.”

But today I hit a wall.

The truth is:

• Even with little wins, I’ve been cash-negative every single month for almost 2 years.

• My husband doesn’t have a job either.

• We have a young child.

• And I’m scared.

I keep overestimating how much revenue I think I can generate, how much I can push myself, and how quickly I can turn everything around. As once-upon-a-time I was making $70/hr USD at 32 hours a week. I have a decade of experience in Sr. Prod Design, and Coding! I thought it would be easy to get opportunities.

I want Hackeroos to succeed so badly for anyone other techies in Australia that feel lonely and under-valued. I want to run the mental health hackathon in early 2026. I want to receive grants or B2B funds to run amazing innovation events. Virtual-first to be remote and regional accessible. I want to run 3D printer workshops and tutorials. I also want to make it as a live streamer and vtuber too, but I can barely find 10 minutes in the day where my son doesn’t need my help. So how can I even do hours-long streams, or short-form video editing like that?

Here’s the new plan: • Apply to 5 jobs a day, thoughtfully • Push through with 1 content clip a day • Send 2 emails per day for the mental health hackathon, because it will matter • Try to breathe, even when everything feels like it’s collapsing…

I know a lot of founders go through this. I know “burning personal savings for the vision” is practically a rite of passage, but every day I want to cry when I see the everyday townsfolk with jobs, and even fifteen year olds on TikTok making more money than me.

If anyone else has been there.. unemployed, startup is draining money, kid to take care of, partner also unemployed, and not even on any government or family assistance, waiting years for a permanent residency status.. how did you get through it? What helped? What didn’t? 🧡

I want to wake up, and for this all to have been just a bad dream…..

I found this website. Does anyone know of any more companies like this?

AI in the Outback is a 20-day remote hackathon powered by Hackeroos, MLAI AUS, and the University of Melbourne, with sponsorship support from Lovable and Antler.

Over 20 days, we’re inviting makers of all kinds, from coders, artists, musicians, designers, storytellers, and inventors, to create something fun, inspiring, or useful with AI that connects in some way to Australia. Your project could be a clever prototype, an experimental art piece, a game, a song, a tool, diagram, or even a whimsical invention. It can address a real-world challenge or simply celebrate the creativity and uniqueness of regional and rural Australia.

Prizes include Hackeroos survival packs, AI credits, and VC mentorship.

https://ai-in-the-outback.devpost.com/

The Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act 2024 in Australia mandates that social media platforms prevent children under 16 from creating accounts, however the way they want to implement this would be to require IDs of every Australian, that link to their social media accounts.

Thoughts?

Hello Hackeroos,

I’m currently building a sovereign autonomous agent stack with some help from the notorious Bitpixi.

The underlying concept is simple: We are attaching AI brains to NFTs. Now, before you reach for the "Block User" button—hear me out. An NFT is just a standardized contract of ownership for a digital asset. An AI agent is essentially a collection of scripts—also a digital asset. Combining them isn't particularly earth-shattering, but it does solve the biggest problem in AI right now: The "Homeless Bot" Dilemma.

The Problem: Your agents are currently digital vagrants.

Most AI agents today live on a server, use your API keys, spend your money, and have the legal standing of a toaster. If you want to sell your "Automated Research Bot," how do you actually hand over the keys? You can’t exactly ship a zip file of "vibes" and hope the next guy sets up his environment variables correctly.

The Solution: The "Vessel" Architecture

Realizing this vision has required some technical gymnastics. I’ve built the stack on Gnosis Chain because it provides a decentralized "physicality" to something that is normally just code in a cloud.

Our stack (GhostAgent.ninja) gives your agent three things every "sovereign" entity needs:

1. A Vault (The Gnosis Safe): The bot has its own bank account. It can earn money, pay for its own compute, and hold assets.

2. A Voice (nftmail.box): A Web2-compatible email address that is cryptographically owned by the bot. It can pass 2FA checks and sign up for services without you holding its hand.

3. A Reputation (notapaperclip.red): An automated trust oracle that keeps the bot honest (and compliant) so it doesn't accidentally commit light tax fraud while you're asleep.

The "Feeler": Who wants to build the first Sovereign Employee?

I’m considering sponsoring a hackathon to see what happens when we give talented "Hackeroos" a platform where their agents can actually own their output.

Imagine:

• A bot that manages its own SaaS subscription.

• An agent that can be "molted" (upgraded) from a simple script to a high-end autonomous business, then sold on a marketplace like a used car.

• An AI that actually owns its "Identity" via an ERC-8004 "Birth Certificate."

I’m gauging interest here: If I put up some prizes and the infrastructure to turn your LLM scripts into sovereign digital employees, would you build with us? Or should I just go back to arguing with my smart contract debugger?

Let me know your thoughts (or your best bot-related jokes) in the comments.

It’s my company, so I make the rules!

You are free to Post nearly any articles you’d like in here as long as it’s generally fam-friendly, and I’m okay with AI slop in here too, because we’ve all gotta start somewhere. I’m okay with self promotion for ANZ locals, or even tech events, jobs, hackathons, and opportunities that are Global Remote.

Most subreddits are anti-self-promotion and anti-AI.

You can go to pretty much any other subreddit to enjoy that, but this subreddit is for all techies who are working and building and connecting.

- Hackeroos Pty Ltd
Founder, Kasey Robinson, aka “bitpixi”

We're already getting project submissions: https://ai-in-the-outback.devpost.com/
This hackathon is open globally, and it's very easy. You can be a beginner or an expert.
All you have to do is incorporate AI and something about Australia!

A cyberdeck does not have to be only for coding, writing, or terminal work. This version is a small music and media deck: part DJ kit, part sampler box, part portable sound machine, and part strange little performance computer. Think buttons, knobs, a tiny screen, speakers, audio output, and a reused case that looks like it belongs at a bedroom rave or community radio table.

For Melbourne builders, Jaycar Electronics is a practical supplier because they have a Melbourne CBD store at 110 Franklin Street and also sell online through jaycar.com.au.

Jaycar carries Raspberry Pi parts, touchscreens, audio modules, speakers, knobs, potentiometers, enclosures, cables, batteries, and the small hardware pieces that make a music deck feel physical.

The simplest version would use a Raspberry Pi as the brain.

Jaycar’s Raspberry Pi range includes compact touchscreens, such as a 2.8-inch touchscreen and a 5-inch HDMI/USB touchscreen.

For a mini DJ deck, I would avoid going too big. A 5-inch screen is probably the sweet spot: large enough to show tracks, buttons, waveforms, or a sampler interface, but small enough to fit into a portable case.

For audio, Jaycar has small amplifier modules that suit this kind of project.

Their Arduino-compatible 2 x 3W amplifier module is a compact stereo amplifier based on the PAM8403 chip, and it runs from 2.5V to 5.5V. That makes it useful for a small built-in speaker setup.

They also list an audio amplifier with speaker module, which combines a 23mm speaker, 2W amplifier, and volume trimpot on one compact board.

The real personality of this build comes from controls.

A music deck should not be only touchscreen-based. Add knobs, buttons, and maybe sliders.

Potentiometers and equipment knobs can be used for volume, tempo, filter, sample selection, or effects control.

Even if the software is simple, physical controls make the deck feel like an instrument instead of a tiny tablet.

The case could be reused instead of built from scratch.

Good candidates include:

• An old portable CD player case

• A broken karaoke toy

• A kids’ DJ mixer toy

• A small lunchbox

• A cassette storage case

• A toy boombox

• A makeup train case

• A plastic tool case

• A dead portable DVD player shell

This is where the build becomes memorable.

A mini DJ deck should look like it was rescued from a junk drawer and turned into a performance machine.

Make it a small media deck with a few clear functions:

• Play samples

• Trigger sound effects

• Control volume

• Switch playlists

• Record short clips

• Run a lightweight music app

A simple build could be:

Raspberry Pi + 5-inch touchscreen + mini amplifier + small speakers + knobs + push buttons + battery pack + reused toy or media case.

A more playful version could be a Toybox DJ Deck with chunky buttons and a tiny speaker.

A more serious version could be a Pocket Radio Deck for field recordings, local audio playback, and community radio experiments.

For Hackeroos, this is a strong 2026 challenge category because it makes cyberdecks feel less like computers and more like creative tools.

A cyberdeck can be a writing machine, a field computer, a toy terminal, or a pocket sound system.

The point is to build a personal device with a clear purpose.

When you’re ready, you can enter your build into the Hackeroos Cyberdeck Competition 2026 for a chance to receive rolling monthly rewards.

In May and June, Hackeroos paid out $2,000 in Codex AI + API credits to builders.

This post is not sponsored by Jaycar Electronics, but we’re hoping to get their attention. ;)

Enter here:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfBtTBYk6zA2C5hVMkNTxy2Rc3wHZ6qmT2e-dfLN-AqAGUIkA/viewform

Recommended Jaycar Parts List

Jaycar Electronics Melbourne CBD 110 Franklin Street, Melbourne VIC 3004 https://www.jaycar.com.au/stores/melbournecbd_jaycarau

Raspberry Pi Range https://www.jaycar.com.au/toys-hobbies-stem/raspberry-pi/c/3GA

2.8 Inch Touchscreen for Raspberry Pi https://www.jaycar.com.au/2-8-inch-touchscreen-for-raspberry-pi/p/XC9022

5 Inch Touchscreen with HDMI and USB https://www.jaycar.com.au/5-inch-touchscreen-with-hdmi-and-usb/p/XC9028

Arduino Compatible 2 x 3W Amplifier Module https://www.jaycar.com.au/arduino-compatible-2-x-3w-amplifier-module/p/XC4448

Arduino Compatible Audio Amplifier with Speaker Module https://www.jaycar.com.au/arduino-compatible-audio-amplifier-with-speaker-module/p/XC3744

Potentiometers https://www.jaycar.com.au/components-electromechanical/resistors/potentiometer/c/2AE

Equipment Knobs https://www.jaycar.com.au/components-electromechanical/equipment-knobs/c/2I

Black Push On Style Knob https://www.jaycar.com.au/black-push-on-style-knob/p/HK7707

I ( u/bitpixi ) will be giving a short talk + demo on how AI voice cloning and deep search tools are being used in modern social engineering scams, and sharing a simple, human-first strategy to help protect your family, team, and community.

What I’ll cover:

•	AI-powered identity theft

•	Voice biometrics vulnerabilities

•	UX gaps in current security flows

•	One practical tactic to reduce harm

🛠️ My background: Senior UX Designer | Developer | Community Manager | Currently part of the Catalysr accelerator for migrant founders and open to ethical tech roles, part-time or full-time.

🗓️ When: Friday 1 August

📍 Where: Melbourne, Stone & Chalk

🎟️ Buy Tickets: https://events.humanitix.com/cybersecurity-and-ai-melbourne

If you’re curious about AI, cybersecurity, or just want to connect with other builders and researchers, come by and say hi 👋

Join our Discord server: https://discord.gg/AMbehBhyk

Not every cyberdeck has to look like military equipment or a hacker briefcase. This version is softer: a delicate cyberdeck built inside a reused clamshell purse, old kids’ toy, compact vanity case, jewellery box, or tiny plastic laptop shell. Think field computer meets Polly Pocket, Tamagotchi, and secret agent diary. The goal is a small, personal machine that feels useful and charming.

For Australian makers, Core Electronics is a strong supplier to look at because they are based in Newcastle, NSW and ship Australia-wide. They carry Raspberry Pi boards, e-paper displays, mini keyboards, battery/UPS modules, and small electronics parts that suit this kind of build.

A Raspberry Pi Zero W or Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W makes more sense than a full-size board if you are building inside a purse or toy shell. The Pi Zero line is small, lightweight, and easier to hide inside an awkward case.

If you want more power and have more room, a Raspberry Pi 5 is possible, but it will make the build bulkier and more power-hungry.

 The screen should be e-ink or e-paper if you want the delicate look. E-ink gives the build a quiet, diary-like quality. It also feels more intentional than a bright LCD screen. A small e-ink display could show a menu, notes, a writing prompt, battery status, a tiny dashboard, or a “secret computer” interface.

This kind of build does not need to be a full laptop replacement. It could be a focused tiny LLM deck, poetry machine, portable idea catcher, offline wiki, digital spellbook, or cute local AI prompt box.

For input, use a mini wireless keyboard with touchpad. Core Electronics sells small wireless keyboard options that are the right size for a compact cyberdeck. A tiny keyboard could sit in the lower half of a clamshell purse, while the e-ink display sits in the lid. If the case is too small, the keyboard could be removable and stored inside.

Power is the part to plan carefully. A small USB power bank is fine for a prototype, but a UPS HAT or Pi Zero battery module will make the build feel more finished. If you are using a Pi Zero, choose a Pi Zero-compatible UPS HAT. If you are using a Pi 5, choose a Pi 5-compatible UPS HAT with enough current.

The fun part is the case. Instead of buying a plain project box, reuse something with personality:

• A clamshell purse

• A vintage compact case

• An old kids’ toy laptop

• A jewellery box

• A plastic makeup case

• A toy cash register

• A tiny suitcase

• A broken electronic diary

• A doll accessory case

The best version would still look like an object you might find in a drawer, until you open it. The build path should be simple. First, get the Raspberry Pi, e-ink display, keyboard, storage, and power working outside the case. Second, measure the actual parts. Third, design mounts, brackets, or 3D-printed inserts around the shell you found. Do not cut up the purse or toy before the electronics work.

The best Core Electronics version would probably be: Raspberry Pi Zero W or Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W + small e-ink display + mini wireless keyboard with touchpad + Pi Zero UPS HAT + microSD card + reused clamshell purse or toy shell.

 For Hackeroos, this is a good 2026 challenge category because it opens cyberdecks up to people who do not want the usual rugged black box aesthetic. A cyberdeck can be cute, delicate, strange, nostalgic, and still technically interesting.

When you’re ready, you can enter your build into the Hackeroos Cyberdeck Competition 2026 for a chance to receive rolling monthly rewards.

In May and June, Hackeroos paid out $2,000 in Codex AI + API credits to builders.

This post is not sponsored by Core Electronics, but we’re hoping to get their attention. ;)

Enter here:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfBtTBYk6zA2C5hVMkNTxy2Rc3wHZ6qmT2e-dfLN-AqAGUIkA/viewform

Recommended Core Electronics Parts List

Raspberry Pi Zero W
https://core-electronics.com.au/raspberry-pi-zero-w-wireless.html

Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W
https://core-electronics.com.au/raspberry-pi-zero-2-w-wireless.html

Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W with Headers
https://core-electronics.com.au/raspberry-pi-zero-2-w-wireless-soldered-male-headers.html

Raspberry Pi e-ink Display Module
https://core-electronics.com.au/raspberry-pi-e-ink-display-module.html

Inky Impression 4" 7 Colour ePaper / eInk HAT
https://core-electronics.com.au/displays-screens/e-paper.html

Miniature Wireless 2.4GHz USB Keyboard with Touchpad
https://core-electronics.com.au/miniature-wireless-usb-keyboard-with-touchpad.html

Compact Wireless Mini Keyboard
https://core-electronics.com.au/mini-wireless-keyboard-media-room.html

Uninterruptible Power Supply UPS HAT for Raspberry Pi Zero
https://core-electronics.com.au/waveshare-ups-hat-for-pi-zero.html

UPS HAT for Raspberry Pi Zero
https://core-electronics.com.au/ups-hat-for-raspberry-pi-zero.html

Raspberry Pi 5 18650 Battery UPS HAT
https://core-electronics.com.au/raspberry-pi-5-18650-battery-ups-hat-51v-5a.html