A workshop run by its members.

What is a hacker?

Hacking in its traditional sense

When we talk about "hacking", we mean its traditional meaning: creating things with technology, and making and reusing technology for different purposes. Many people use "maker", "makerspace" and "making" for the same spirit of creating, adapting and repurposing.

What drives us is the collaborative journey of tackling challenges, often through technology but just as much through sheer ingenuity. It's the puzzle of figuring it out, and the thrill of solving a problem your own way, even if others have done it before. There's something deeply satisfying about seeing a half-baked, late-night idea, held together by hot glue, duct tape and determination, come to life and actually work.

We're part of a global movement that began in Germany in 1995, grounded in the belief that everyone should have the chance to make, build, hack and learn about the world around them.

“Playfully doing something difficult, whether useful or not, that is hacking.”

Since we started in 2013, we've become a core part of innovation in Ballarat. Members learn skills that expand what they can do, help their employability, and let them express themselves through their craft, from prototyping an idea for a new business to picking up a new career or hobby.

Whether you're doing your first project, or have been making things your whole life and just want more tools, space and company, we welcome all skill levels.