108 Bargara Rd
Bundaberg East, Qld, 4670
IMPACT Community Services has been awarded almost $20,000 for investment in new technologies.
Minister for Manufacturing Cameron Dick congratulated IMPACT, which was one of two Bundaberg organisations out of 13 across the state to share in almost $220,000 under the latest round of The Queensland Hackerspaces Grant program.
Hackerspaces – community spaces where people can use shared equipment to develop projects, build products and tinker with technology – continue to grow in popularity as places to create, learn and socialise.
IMPACT Community Services Managing Director Tanya O’Shea welcomed the $19,246 grant, which would be used for a new 3D printer and a Microsoft Surface Hub Pro.
Ms O’Shea said the organisation was committed to delivering innovative opportunities to members of the community.
“This will enable our local youth to learn how to turn their ideas into manufactured products. Hackathons are also planned for the space to challenge and inspire our members,” Ms O’Shea said.
“We have got a 3D printer coming and also a large Surface Hub Pro, which is like a huge tablet; we can use then for all sorts of things, such as presentations and other learning skills.
“It’s about trying to get people interested in exploring new and exciting skills and opportunities.”
She said the grant was an extension of IMPACT’s CoderDojo program, which supported young people between seven and 17 to access free programming workshops.
Mr Dick said hackerspaces held real value for communities.
“They get people engaged with advanced manufacturing and help them gain the knowledge and skills needed for our jobs of the future,” Mr Dick said.
Bundaberg’s Make the Maker was also successful in this round of funding.
The Queensland Hackerspaces Grant program is an initiative of the Palaszczuk Government’s Advanced Manufacturing 10-Year Roadmap and Action Plan.
To learn more visit dsdmip.qld.gov.au/hackerspaces
IMPACT’s CoderDojo is held fortnightly on Wednesdays at the organisation’s 108 Bargara Rd site.
The next session is Wednesday, March 11.
For more information go to https://coderdojo.com/
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