• Co-working space opens at Charles Sturt University in Port Macquarie
• The new space, located at the Innovation Hub, is a partnership between the University and Port Macquarie-Hastings Council
• TV presenter and writer Todd Sampson opened the space on Tuesday 25 May

A new co-working space at Charles Sturt University in Port Macquarie will encourage innovation within the community.

The centre at Charles Sturt’s Innovation Hub features co-working desks, private acoustic booths, a 12-person boardroom, a pitch space, a projector and live-feed cameras, a Zoom booth, WiFi access, a shared kitchen and access to a selection of university leisure and library facilities.

The University partnered with Port Macquarie-Hastings Council to deliver the co-working component of the Innovation Hub, with council’s economic development team facilitating the administration of subscriptions and services for the new facility.

Council will also partner with the University to deliver a range of programs and presentations during the year to complement the established Founders Collective initiatives and innovation programs on offer across Charles Sturt’s regional footprint.

Charles Sturt Director of External Engagement in Port Macquarie Ms Kate Wood-Foye said this partnership has provided a valuable service and key connection point for the Port Macquarie community

“The new hub is a purpose-built facility presenting an exciting opportunity for local innovators, start-up founders and business owners to immerse themselves in this shared working space supporting the foundations of the local innovation ecosystem,” she said.

“It is a fantastic development for local regional community and industry, and encourages collaboration between the business community, our students, academics, and researchers – we hope to see some exciting projects develop in the coming months.”

Port Macquarie-Hastings Council Manager of Economic and Cultural Development Ms Liesa Davies said residents have desired a space like this for years.

“The Innovation Hub provides an ideal collaboration and co-working space to enable sharing of ideas, knowledge and resources,” she said.

“It is something that has been desired in our region for a number of years and we’re thrilled that Charles Sturt University has embraced the opportunity to collaborate in support of local innovation, jobs and economic growth.”

TV presenter, innovator, entrepreneur and writer Mr Todd Sampson officially opened the space at Charles Sturt in Port Macquarie on Tuesday 25 May.

The co-working space is available to use from 9am to 5pm weekdays with early bird services from 7am to subscribers.

Visit council’s website to submit a co-working application.

The University and council were successful in obtaining $15 million in funding for the Innovation Hub as part of the $66 million Stage 2 expansion of Charles Sturt in Port Macquarie.