A creative technology library aimed at disengaged youth and increasing digital literacy for older adults is now open in Williamston following a redevelopment partly funded by the Andrews Labor Government.
Minister for Local Government Shaun Leane today joined Williamstown MP Melissa Horne to officially open the Creative Technology Hub at Seaworks, following a $115,000 grant from the Labor Government's Living Libraries Infrastructure Program.
The Hub is a hands-on, interactive and tech-savvy community workshop space offering exciting new and emerging technologies.
Programs and activities on offer focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) and among the collection of tech is an industrial grade 3D printer, laser cutter, 3D scanner, green screen kit and virtual reality headsets. Library members can also borrow robotic kits to program at home and improve their robot-coding skills.
Staff at the Hub also engage with young people and those looking for work, helping them to upskill by experimenting with the technologies on offer and in turn expanding their employment options.
The Creative Tech Hub is just one example of how the Government's Living Libraries Infrastructure Program helps councils and regional library corporations provide high-quality library infrastructure to meet the needs of growing communities. Over the past seven years, the Program has invested more than $42.6 million dollars into 109 library infrastructure projects, representing a total project cost of $297.2 million.
A partnership project between Seaworks and Hobsons Bay City Council, the Hub was also supported with sponsorship from Gandel Foundation, Toyota, Raeco, AV Jennings and Here Studio.
For more information on Living Libraries and other local government grants programs, visit localgovernment.vic.gov.au.
As stated by Minister for Local Government Shaun Leane
"Libraries are changing rapidly and they are now a place where the community can access cutting-edge tech and learn new skills."
"We're investing in delivering state-of-the-art libraries right across our suburbs so they can always be a place where people can come to meet, connect and create."
As stated by Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne
"The Creative Tech Hub is a real asset to the Williamstown community and is making learning fun by engaging people and giving them the opportunity to learn valuable digital literacy skills."
