Labor’s start-ups and digital innovation spokesman Ed Husic was on hand on Friday, April 29 to participate in a panel discussion on innovation as part of Regional Innovation Week and unveil the new space at CoWS Near the Coast.

The space includes a 3D printer, a digital audio station and digital media bar with digital music production software as well as synthesizers available.

“Any conversation about boosting innovation activity in Australia that doesn’t involve Bega Valley isn’t a conversation worth having because it instantly overlooks the energy that is in this region.”

Mr Husic said the Labor Party was looking to set up a regional innovation fund if elected to government aimed at enticing young people to stay in rural areas.

“I’m very uncomfortable with innovation being only looked at as a wealth generator,” he said.

“Don’t get me wrong it is important but not the be all and end all.

“There is a role for government to provide support and guidance,” he said.

Mr Husic expressed his tech-savvy side, streaming the launch live to Twitter, drawing over 50 live viewers to the event from around the world.

Co-founder of 2piSoftware and Into IT Sapphire Coast Liam O’Duibhir said he was excited by the potential the space brings the community.

“We’re opening it up to more colourful people from the world of art,” he said.

“We have this growing community of innovators that collaborate and support each other’s work, but Regional Innovation Week is about building future aspirations.

“This natural landscape is a big part of why we are here, and now we need to add in the layers of technology and infrastructure that allows this innovation economy to grow further,” he said.

2pi Software’s Carsten Eckelmann is also excited by the potential for innovative thinking the space will provide the Bega Valley.

“It was for nerds and geeks and now it is also for artists who produce beautiful things,” Mr Eckelmann said on Friday during the launch.