Aus Hospital Nominated in Global Webby Awards

One of Australia’s top children’s hospitals has been nominated for a global Webby Award for a game app that shows a behind-the-scenes view of hospital life.

Called Ed and the Curious Crew, the app has been nominated in the mobile sites and apps  section of the 2016 Webby Awards.

Described as the “internet’s highest honour” by the New York Times, the Webby Awards honour excellence on the internet, including websites, interactive advertising, online film and video, and mobile web sites. Established in 1996, the awards are presented by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences.

The app is designed by the The Royal Children’s Hospital Education Institute in Melbourne where teachers make the hospital space a learning place for kids with chronic illnesses.

The app sees children engaging with the hospital’s furry friends, the volunteer dogs, and allows them to collect coins in the fundraiser game. It explores how hundreds of meals are made each day, plus additional interactive events.

The developers said the free app is a passport for a child to explore some of the hospital’s hidden assets. It also opens doors to bigger themes like education, volunteering and sustainability.

Five international organisations have been nominated in the Not for Profit and charitable categories, including New Zealand’s Heart Kids Born Fighters campaign.

Public online voting for finalists closes on Friday.