This article describes the Australian Informatics Competition (AIC), a non-programming competition aimed at identifying students with potential in programming and algorithmic design. It is the first step in identifying students to represent Australia at the International Olympiad in Informatics. The main aim of the AIC is to increase awareness of programming among students and to provide an incentive for them to explore it as a discipline. In particular, it is hoped that students with programming ability will develop it and take part in the Australian Informatics Olympiad.