About Us …

Ballarat Hackerspace is a self-led, volunteer-driven, non-profit workshop and community hub where makers of all kinds come together to explore, learn, and create. Members gain access to our workshop, fully stocked with tools, resources, and a wealth of shared knowledge from our talented community. Every dollar we raise goes right back into enhancing our space – members even help decide what tools or equipment we’ll add next!

We’re inspired by 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 us. Whether you’re just starting your journey or already deep into your hacker passions, we welcome anyone with a curiosity for how things work and a willingness to share and learn together.

We’re committed to connecting with the wider community, partnering with local institutions, and welcoming anyone interested in diving into the world of hands-on exploration. Come be part of Ballarat Hackerspace, where curiosity and creativity have no limits!

What is a hacker?

When we talk about "hacking," we’re referring to its traditional meaning: of creating things with technology, making and reusing technology for different purposes. Many people use terms like "maker," "makerspace," and "making" to capture the same spirit of creating, adapting, and repurposing technology in innovative ways.

What drives us is the collaborative journey of tackling challenges, often through technology but just as much through sheer ingenuity. It’s about taking on the intellectual 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 your half-baked, late-night idea—held together by a bit of hot glue, duct tape, and determination come to life and actually work!

We embrace every part of the process, from the brainstorming to the messy hands-on work, and celebrate the resourcefulness and creativity that come with crafting unique solutions.

Since our creation in 2014, we've become a core part of innovation in Ballarat. Our members learn skills that expand their ability, increase their skills and employability (in an ever-changing world), and express themselves through their craft. From prototyping ideas for a new business that solves a unique problem, to a person pushing themselves to learn new skills by getting hands-on, and therefore opening new career opportunities or hobby passions.

Whether you're new to the hobby and doing your first project, or have been making stuff your entire life and just want access to some more tools/space and some company, we welcome all skill levels.

What we provide

We have a wide variety of equipment that caters to most of the hobby, such as:

• A room full of 3D printers (mostly Prusa, and a few others)
• 2 x 900x600mm 100watt CO2 laser cutters that can do wood, acrylic, cardboard, etc
• Lots of PCB soldering/reflow/repair equipment
• Electronics components, consumables, kits, and all the associated tools
• Electrical test equipment such as oscilloscopes, power supplies, and more
• Large format vinyl plotter/cutter for making stickers/decals
• Woodworking and basic metalworking tools
• A small CNC mill that can do wood, acrylic, foam, and aluminium
• A mini metal lathe equipped for aluminium and mild steel turning
• A kitchen with a really good coffee machine (vital!)
• … lots lots more, and growing all the time.

There's also Workshops that are open to members and the general public, and large group projects to work on together.

If all this sounds like your kind of good time, and you’re ready to build, learn, and dive deeper into technology, we’d love to have you join us at our space. Come be part of a creative community where curiosity and hands-on learning thrive!