I don't believe Linux Australia is the first port of call. Rather, conferences/meetups that are supported by Linux Australia would be the way to go. Basically,

I don't believe Linux Australia is the first port of call. Rather, conferences/meetups that are supported by Linux Australia would be the way to go. Basically, it needs to be very grassroots, and start with (capable) people who are genuinely interested in this and not distracted by other things that are a waste of attention. Any other strategy will likely be even more difficult and less likely to take fruition.