DNC Co-Working Space

Since the pandemic and lock-downs, the work-from-home trend has been embedded across the Shire with a large influx of tree-changers and locals with Melbourne-based jobs choosing to work from home.  However, internet and mobile services are patchy at best across the Shire, with more remote areas unable to access NBN, impeding people’s ability to work from home.

Hepburn Shire Council identified a need for co-working spaces.  DNC will fill this gap.  We are about to launch our soon-to-be-completed Co-Working Space to help address this issue for community members.

Co-working is an arrangement in which workers from different companies or groups share an office space.  It allows cost savings and convenience through the use of common infrastructures, such as equipment, utilities and receptionist and custodial services, and in some cases refreshments and parcel acceptance services.

We already have a number of community members using DNC’s spaces for remote working, some because not all home spaces are suitable for productive work because of:

  • Families with high needs children or adults who can be disruptive
  • Lack of physical work space
  • Lack of privacy
  • No NBN available or affordable and/or
  • Lack of mobile reception

DNC already plays a key community hub role and is known for being a welcoming place to gather, learn and share.  By adding a ‘welcoming place to work’ we will lift the profile of the Centre within the community and help fill a gap created by the cancellation of the Council Community Hub project.

This Co-Working Space will enable community members to work individually or in groups or teams by accessing our infrastructure and facilities.  The Co-Working Space (together with kitchen facilities) will be available 8 am to 6 pm weekdays, and via prior arrangement on weekends.  The space has:

  • 1 Lone desk (sit or stand)
  • 8-seat Co-working table
  • 2-seat coffee/chat space
  • 4 Lockable private storage spaces

To complement these resources, Reception, Printing and Shower/Laundry facilities will be available from 9 am-4pm  Monday to Thursday  and  9 am-1:30 pm Friday

Other available spaces (dependant on availability) include:

  • An 8-seat Board Room with Video Conferencing facilities
  • A 60-seat education Room with Projector/Video Conferencing facilities/Free Tea and Coffee

The Co-Working Space has been made possible thanks to a grant from the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR) Strengthening Rural Communities Program.

We will soon be “launching” this exciting new facility and service.  Watch this space!  In the meantime if you’d like to ‘get in ahead of the rush’ or just find out more about our Co- Working Space call our Manager, Danny, on 5348 3569.

 

DNC Joke of the Week

A husband and wife go Christmas shopping.

The wife suddenly noticed that her husband was missing and as they had a lot to do, she called him on her mobile.

The wife said “Where are you, you know we have lots to do?!”

He said, “You remember the jewellers we went into about 10 years ago, and you fell in love with that diamond necklace?  I could not afford it at the time and I said that one day I would get it for you?”

Little tears started to flow down her cheek and she got all choked up.

“Yes, I do remember that shop….” she replied.

“Well I am in the bar next to that.”

 

[If you’ve got a better joke, (and doesn’t everyone??) send it to  admin@dncentre.org.au  and we’ll publish it. (Remember, this is a family publication! ?).  We’ll even include your name if you wish – or you can protect your anonymity!]