When I first started Mobilist and this blog I wasn’t sure the idea would take off, but (nearly) 2 years later I am happy to report that – well – it has! It’s now time to up the stakes and create a new, more professional home on the web. So welcome to the brand new Mobilista, full of all sorts of mobile industry goodness for Australia!

OK, that was a little bit of sensationalist headlining to grab the uninitiated. Sorry. If you’re not familiar with Google’s Android, it’s probably worth a quick recap.

Here are my Mobile predictions for Australia in 2009. They are naturally leaning towards Mobile Web and Mobile Advertising, as that’s really my thing. If you’re interested in more general, global trends, check out the links at the bottom of this article.

I’ve previously mentioned that Twitter is a great tool for staying in touch with Mobile industry professionals. I follow many people in the mobile industry in Australia and around the world, and stay up to date with what they’re doing on a day to day basis.

I’m hoping to use this blog as a starting point to create a community around the Mobile Advertising industry in Australia. I plan to leave the ‘industry association’ stuff to the experts but I think we can all benefit from an ongoing conversation in a more informal way.

There’s been a bit of talk lately about how we can work together to build the Mobile Advertising industry in Australia. I think there is definitely a place for formal Industry Associations, but i also believe there is much that can be achieved with ‘informal’ associations.

So you think you’re ready to run a mobile advertising campaign? This guide to Mobile Advertising in Australia should help you get something off the ground.

MEGA (Mobile Enterprise Growth Alliance) started in Adelaide last year and is now rolling out in Victoria & NSW. It’s an industry led programme in which leading mobile industry experts guide participants through the development of new business ideas over a 2 month period.

The fourth Australian Mobile Phone Lifestyle Index (AMPLI) survey is out now.