Programming Opportunities: We are looking for programs to be delivered during the following times:
- During the day on weekdays: Ideal for adult workshops and home school workshops. These sessions can run anytime between 9am and 3pm on Wednesdays, Thursdays or Fridays.
- After school: Targeting school-aged children and teens, these sessions can run from 3:30pm on Wednesdays, Thursdays or Fridays.
- Weekday evenings: Perfect for adult workshops or formal meetups, offering flexibility for participants who may not be available during the day. These sessions can run from 6pm on Wednesdays, Thursdays or Fridays.
- Sundays during the day: Open for family-friendly workshops or community-based sessions, anytime between 9am and 5pm.
- School Holidays: Engaging holiday programs that captivate children and teens with hands-on activities.
Why the Fab Lab? Located in the vibrant community of Windale, the Fab Lab is a cutting-edge facility equipped with the latest technology and tools for digital fabrication, including 3D printers, laser cutters, and more. This is a unique opportunity to lead programs that utilise these resources, fostering creativity, innovation, and learning. Note that instructors for programs that will utilise the Fab Lab equipment will need to go through an induction process and need to prove proof of their prior experience.
Beyond the digital fabrication equipment, the Fab Lab is also the ideal space to run art and craft workshops.
What We’re Looking For: We invite educators, makers, artists, technologists, and community leaders to submit an Expression of Interest. We are particularly interested in programs that:
- Encourage creativity and/or innovation.
- Promote STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education.
- Engage the local community and foster collaboration.
Topics may include, but are not limited to:
- Digital fabrication skills
- 3D modelling
- 2D design
- Coding
- Electronics (e.g. Raspberry Pi, Arduino, Microbit etc.)
- Robotics
- Internet of Things (IoT)
- Digital literacy
- Art classes
- Craft classes (Including Cricut)
- Game design
- Meetups
- Hackathons
- Protothons
Fees to use Fab Lab: For programming that is free for attendees, the provider will not incur a fee by Lake Macquarie City Council for use of the Lake Mac Libraries Fab Lab space, unless the program has been enabled by a grant. In such cases the provider may incur a fee by Lake Macquarie City Council for use of the Lake Mac Libraries Fab Lab space, this will be negotiated on a case by case basis.
For programming that attendees pay for, the provider may incur a fee by Lake Macquarie City Council for use of the Lake Mac Libraries Fab Lab space, this will be negotiated on a case by case basis. For example, programming run at no profit by the provider might not be charged fees depending on the circumstances and use of Fab Lab equipment.
In cases where a fee is charged this may be:
- A flat fee
- A fee per attendee
Location: The Fab Lab is conveniently located in Windale, providing easy access to the broader Lake Macquarie/ Newcastle region. Our space is designed to be welcoming and accessible to all, with a strong emphasis on inclusivity and community engagement.
How to Apply: Interested individuals or organisations are invited to submit their EOI by filling out the following form.
For more information, or to discuss your ideas, please contact fablab@lakemac.nsw.gov.au or 02 4069 0322.
Please note that this is a rolling EOI, and applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. You are welcome to apply at any time. Applications will have their initial assessment undertaken within 10 working days of their submission. Requests for further information may be made to the applicant by Council during this time.
Each application will be assessed on:
- Alignment with what we are looking for (see section above)
- Availability of the Fab Lab space
- Past experience of the proposed provider
- Diversity of programming i.e. does the application contribute to different programs being able to be delivered at the Fab Lab
Applications for programs that run over time e.g. a year, multiple school terms or holidays. They will be reassessed as set out in the successful applicant's agreement with Lake Macquarie City Council.
Fill
Out