Left: Geoff Schoonakker and actor Myles Pollard, who ‘performed’ as Anzac Tom.
Camera IconLeft: Geoff Schoonakker and actor Myles Pollard, who ‘performed’ as Anzac Tom. Credit: Supplied/Emma Goodwin

Anzac Tom app a winner for North Metropolitan TAFE students

Laura PondJoondalup Times

AN app featuring an animated soldier has won a group of Joondalup-based Tafe students a State award.

North Metropolitan Tafe and digital production company Frame AR received a WA Information Technology and Telecommunications Alliance Incite award for most creative media and entertainment technology for its Anzac Tom augmented reality app.

The free app allows users to bring to life the character of World War I soldier Tom McKinnon, played by actor Myles Pollard, at the State War Memorial in Kings Park.

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Visitors can hear about the soldier’s experiences before, during and after the war and can have their picture taken with him.

The app has been downloaded more than 5000 times, is installed at the Army Museum of WA and 12 regional schools and is part of the park’s guided tour.

Tafe lecturer Travis Badge said it was the first project of its kind in Australia.

“Working in augmented and virtual reality has given our students an unparalleled opportunity to work with cutting edge technology and a leading producer of digital content,” he said.

“Augmented and virtual reality is the future of entertainment and communications and we are ensuring that North Metropolitan Tafe students are part of it.”

They will represent WA at the Australian Information Industry Association Awards in September.

More: Young paying their respects digitally