ANZ, in partnership with Griffith University and Amazon Web Services (AWS), will host a Hackathon in Brisbane on 23 and 24 October, bringing together students, academics and industry experts to tackle one of Australia's fastest-growing threats: cybercrime.
Held over two days, the inaugural Hackathon will see student teams work through realistic cybercrime simulations, supported by ANZ mentors, Griffith University experts and Queensland Police Officers. The event is designed to foster innovation, build cyber resilience, and develop the next generation of tech talent in the state.
The overall winners will be awarded internships with ANZ, offering students a direct pathway into the tech workforce.
ANZ Acting Group Executive, Australia Retail, and Managing Director, Queensland, Bruce Rush, said the initiative offers a solutions-focused approach to evolving cybercrime threats, and further reinforces ANZ's ongoing commitment to Queensland.
"This Hackathon is more than a competition - it's a strategic investment in Queensland's digital future that will build a local future-ready workforce. Students will gain hands-on experience in responding to cyber threats, while building the skills and mindset needed to protect our communities.
"Cybercrime is one of the fastest-growing threats facing Australians today. Through this Hackathon, we're empowering students to think critically, respond swiftly, and stay ahead of emerging risks. Partnering with AWS and Griffith University ensures we're combining global expertise with local talent to build a safer digital future - staying a huge step ahead of this evolving issue," said Mr Rush.
Cybercrime continues to pose a serious challenge across Australia, with Queensland seeing a significant rise in digital threats. The 2023-2024 Australian Signals Directorate's (ASD) Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) Annual Cyber Threat Report revealed:
· One new cybercrime report was made approximately every six minutes
· More than 87,400 national cybercrime reports were made to ReportCyber
· 30 per cent (approx. 26,220) of these reports were attributed to Queensland, which is disproportionate to its population size
The Hackathon is the first initiative to emerge from ANZ's strategic partnerships with Griffith University and The University of Queensland, announced earlier this year following ANZ's acquisition of Suncorp Bank. The partnerships are designed to unlock Queensland's potential by advancing research, training, and workforce development across key areas including cybersecurity, digital innovation, ESG, and sustainable finance.
"We are deeply committed to unlocking the full potential of the Queensland economy. These collaborations allow us to tap into Queensland's deep well of academic expertise and emerging talent, helping industries and communities thrive in an increasingly digital world," said Mr Rush.
Griffith University's strengths in digital innovation, fraud prevention, and cybersecurity are central to ANZ's work in protecting customers and communities from scams and financial crime.
Griffith University Vice President Industry and External Engagement Professor, Bronwyn Harch, said cyber resilience is not just about technical skills, it is about teamwork, communication, and the ability to respond under pressure.
"The Hackathon gives students the tools and experience they need to protect Australians in a rapidly evolving digital landscape," Professor Harch said.
Across two days, students will work together and with mentors to explore and solve three distinct cybercrime scenarios. Alongside the Hackathon, all participants and ANZ employees will receive 'mini lectures' from Griffith University experts, AWS and Queensland Police representatives, covering topics such as the psychology of cybercrime and risk management strategies. These sessions aim to deepen understanding and further foster a culture of vigilance across the bank.
