Thursday, 11 May 2023

SHARING TECH SAVVY SKILLS IN MEREDITH

Meredith locals will be able to learn how to use technology like 3D printing and virtual reality, thanks to support from the Andrews Labor Government.

Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Development Michaela Settle today launched the mini-tech hub at the Meredith Sharing Shed. The new hub is backed by $20,000 from the Labor Government’s Living Local Fund.

The Meredith Sharing Shed is a volunteer-run organisation that includes a space to bring together locals to share their talents and expertise in an accessible and free environment. It also holds information sessions for businesses, hosts markets and food swaps, and has a community garden.

Support from the Living Local Fund has enabled the volunteer run organisation to purchase a new 3D printer and virtual reality headset to establish a mini-tech hub. The equipment will allow locals to attend workshops to learn how to use this new technology.

The workshops are delivered in partnership with RMIT’s Activator entrepreneur program, with the introductory classes teaching the step-by-step process to bring an idea to life.

The Living Local Fund is part of the Government’s Our Regions: Living Local Initiative strengthening communities.  Since 2020 the Fund has supported more than 400 projects in regional and suburban Victoria.

Local councils and community organisations receive grants up to $200,000 for infrastructure projects. Smaller investments of up to $20,000, like the Meredith Sharing Shed, are awarded for smaller upgrades to community facilities.

The Living Local Fund is part of the Government’s record investment of more than $36 billion in regional and rural Victoria since 2015. For more information visit rdv.vic.gov.au/living-local

Quotes attributable to Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Development Michaela Settle

“Hi-tech isn’t just for the big cities. This project will give Meredith locals a hands-on experience with new technology; bringing community together and building IT skills."

"The Meredith Sharing Shed is providing a place to nurture ideas, which is why we invest in our communities through the Living Local Fund - so they can connect, grow and thrive.”