Greater Hamilton will become Victoria’s digital innovation epicentre next month when a dynamic cyberworld of engaging tech-focused activities and opportunities for youth is activated on Friday 28 May 2021.
First piloted in 2019, the highly successful Digital Education and Innovation Hub (DigiHub) is a free, hands-on event aimed at students and school leavers, that builds on the Digital Innovation and Smart Agriculture (DISA) 2021 Festival being held earlier in the week.
Event co-ordinator, Leesa Iredell, says more than 200 students of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics), tinkerers, gamers and tech-heads are expected to take part in DigiHub at the HUB, Gray St, Hamilton, from 2pm-7pm.
“We’re bringing together digital educators, makers, innovators, creators and enthusiasts to showcase the many possibilities that the digital economy offers and highlight the digital skills that could be needed for the future,” she explains.
“It’s going to be a very hands-on event featuring an exciting array of digital technologies including drones, virtual reality, 3D printers, and robots in pop up labs, free play zones and other creative spaces.”
Participants will also be able to connect with a variety of education providers to see the opportunities currently available to primary and secondary students, along with insights into career pathways in digitally-creative industries.
The digital buzz continues over the weekend, with The Greater Hamilton Esports Cup; a free weekend of gaming for all ages in The Hub on May 29-30. The live-streamed, commentated event hosted by Sydney’s Australian Esports League (AEL) will feature games with a cult following like Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Rocket League, Just Dance 2021 and Mario Kart 8, with cash prizes and gaming accessories up for grabs.
Southern Grampians Shire Mayor, Bruach Colliton, says Council are thrilled to be bringing the event to Greater Hamilton.
“Young people in our region, my own kids included, have told us these are the kind of events they want more of,” he says. “Council are committed to doing more to support youth and provide access to events outside of traditional sports for young people in our community, so we hope to see heaps of people getting involved,” Cr Colliton said.
Registrations for Greater Hamilton’s Esports Cup are free, and will open soon at www.ael.org.au
For further information on the DigiHub or the Esports Cup, contact event co-ordinator, Leesa Iredell, on 0458 724 011.