New Fab Lab for creatives

Published on 07 May 2024

A Hunter-first new facility in Lake Macquarie provides a cutting-edge space for people of all ages to create, invent, learn and innovate.

The digital fabrication laboratory, or ‘Fab Lab’ for short, joins a network of more than 1700 similar venues in 100 countries across the globe.

The facility in the lakeside suburb of Swansea, features a variety of equipment for digital fabrication prototyping, as well as a program of activities for learning, sharing ideas and collaborating on global Fab Lab challenges.

Equipment includes a 3D scanner and printers, a laser cutter, computer-controlled cutting and engraving machines, a green screen room, vlogging equipment, virtual reality headsets and high-powered computers for game design, graphic design and rendering.

Lake Macquarie City Council Fab Lab Lead Claire Chaikin-Bryan says the facility provides a hub for local innovators to come together, filling a gap in the region’s ‘makerspace’ market.

“This is an opportunity for us to build a network of local innovators, and to really nurture that concept of collaboration and knowledge-sharing,” she says.

Access to the Fab Lab is via public workshops, open days or the ‘Lake Make Club’ membership program.

Ms Chaikin-Bryan says the program has options for hobbyists, commercial users, students and families.

“Casual access options are also available for people who just need one-off access, or who want to try things out before they commit to a longer-term membership.”

Fab Academy is a new program offering a unique and transformative educational experience that combines technical skills, creativity, global connectivity and the potential for personal and professional growth.

The intensive 20-week course on how to make (almost) anything, teaches students to envision, design and prototype projects using digital fabrication tools and machines.