From Boston to Bathurst – The Clubhouse Network opens a cutting-edge tech hub in western New South Wales. Clubhouse Bathurst is now part of the international Clubhouse Network and will be funded by Regional NSW, while the not-for-profit organization, Social Futures, will manage The Clubhouse. Social Futures also runs Clubhouses in Lismore and Ballina. Watch video 
Now there are more than 125 clubhouses in 20 countries that introduce learners to creative technology. Clubhouse Bathurst will provide young people (aged 12 to 18 years) with a safe and supported space to explore technologies like video and sound editing, movie making, and animation creation along with mentors. The Clubhouse is equipped with sound and video editing, games, robotics, and also traditional crafts.
Executive Director of The Clubhouse Network, Lisa Cook, this week travelled to Western Australia from her base in Boston. “I am inspired by our partnership with in support of young people in NSW. Together we are poised to support the next generation to develop technical and interpersonal skills, set long-term goals, and become their best selves. Most importantly, we will prepare youth to become future leaders in the digital workforce and in their communities.”
She is accompanied by colleague, Matt Burke, The Clubhouse Network’s Community Manager, who said: “In my time with the Clubhouse Network, I’ve seen so many incredible things happen for the young people of our global community. Sometimes, it’s as small as a tiny spark of an idea or an affirmation that pushes a member forward just enough to try something new. Sometimes the convergence of mentorship, community support, and technological resources set a course that leads that member to a life of success based on a pathway of their own design. With the right team in place, the possibilities are endless and from having witnessed the incredible work they’ve done in their existing Clubhouse spaces, I’m so excited for the ways the Social Futures team will impact the future as they expand their reach and impact to more youth in New South Wales.”
Social Futures CEO Tony Davies said it is an honor to host the visitors from Boston and he loves The Clubhouse motto: Where Technology Meets Imagination. “This encapsulates the program’s goal of teaching young people to use the latest tech tools to create and express themselves,” Mr. Davies said. “Think of all the flow-on benefits for young people learning to do things like code games, edit movies and animate cartoons – they are being challenged to think, develop new concepts, find the technologies to realise new ideas, build their multimedia skills, and ultimately believe in themselves, grow in confidence, and realise they have so much to offer their community and the world. It is so exciting to see the Clubhouse model arrive in Bathurst, and Social Futures is looking forward to strengthening our connections to this beautiful city.”