Local Government Minister David Templeman, Mirrabooka MLA Janine Freeman and Stirling Mayor Mark Irwin.
Camera IconLocal Government Minister David Templeman, Mirrabooka MLA Janine Freeman and Stirling Mayor Mark Irwin. Credit: Supplied/Kristie Lim

Mirrabooka Innovation Lab opens

Kristie LimEastern Reporter

LIBRARY users can now test out robotics and bring their creations to life at the new Mirrabooka Innovation Lab.

Stirling Mayor Mark Irwin, Local Government Minister David Templeman and Mirrabooka MLA Janine Freeman opened the lab located in Mirrabooka Library today.

The State Government funded $50,000 towards the project, which encourages the sharing and experimentation of 3D printers, robotics, software, music production and other technologies.

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The lab is the first of its kind among the City’s six libraries.

Cr Irwin said visitors could take part in workshops, collaborative projects and events run by library staff, industry experts and volunteers.

“Not only does it have the ability to connect people from all backgrounds with technology and each other, it provides them with a physical learning space where they can create, experiment and learn, using a variety of digital tools,” he said.

City library services manager Viv Barton said the City urged schools and the community to join programs and work in the lab.

Mr Templeman said the lab would improve library users’ creative and technological skills.

“Local libraries are also a hub for the community, and I am sure this project will only encourage these social ties,” he said.

Mirrabooka MLA Janine Freeman said the lab was important for the Mirrabooka area, which had an employment rate of 21 per cent.

For more information, visit https://www.stirling.wa.gov.au/Libraries/Pages/default.aspx.

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