Join a Lab | The Lab

Where are you located?

All Labs are organised locally and applications are made directly to a Lab nearest to you. Some Labs are associated with larger organisations who manage or auspice The Lab and some Labs are organised by individuals or small groups of parents or carers in their local area.

Use the links on individual locations listed below to access venue and session information on a local Lab.

All Labs operate independently and there may be variations in the schedule and cost of sessions between Labs.

Once you have identified a Lab near to you please register your interest by using our online registration system. Your registration will go directly to your local Lab.

PLEASE NOTE: Because of our .org.au email address, emails from The Lab will often go to your junk mail. Please check your junk mail if you are expecting confirmation of registration from The Lab. Marking mail as ‘Not Junk’ in your email app should solve this problem for future messages.

Click on the button below to register for a Lab near to you.
Please keep note of the password you set to login at a later time.

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Castle Hill, NSW

The Lab, at Museums Discovery Centre, Castle Hill , runs on Sunday Morning from 10:30-12:30 during School Terms.

At the Museums Discovery Centre we focus on technical and creative skills, offering mentoring by experienced professional tutors in gaming, coding and media production. While providing a safe environment for social development, we strive to optimise the agency of all group members. The sessions are held in a museum setting including access to galleries displaying inspirational artefacts and collections.

There is a dedicated meeting room located next to the Lab space for parents who wish to stay on site. General entry to the museum is included.

To register your interest please click on the orange REGISTER button on this page and register your details and those of your child. Select the Castle Hills Lab from the list at the top of the child registration screen.

Hornsby, NSW

The Lab Hornsby is currently at capacity and has a waitlist.

To register your interest in joining the waitlist please click on the orange REGISTER button on this page and register your details and those of your child. Select the Hornsby Lab from the list at the top of the child registration screen.

For further information please email admin@thelab.org.au

Mascot, NSW

The Lab at Mascot commenced sessions in term 2, 2023.

To register your interest please click on the orange REGISTER button on this page and register your details and those of your child. Select the Mascot Lab from the list at the top of the child registration screen.

Thanks for your support.

Rhodes, NSW

The Lab Rhodes is hosted by City of Canada Bay Libraries and has been running since 2018.

In The Lab Rhodes we focus on technical and creative skills, supported by professionals in coding, digital design, gaming, 3D printing and more. Suited for mature participants aged 13 to 16, our program is tailored to encourage social growth in a secure and supportive environment.

All sessions are run at The Learning Space, Rhodes on Thursday afternoons from 3:30pm to 5:30pm for 9-weeks during school terms. Parents are welcomed to stay in the library space where there are workspaces and free WiFi.

To register your interest please click on the orange REGISTER button on this page and register your details and those of your child. Select The Lab Rhodes from the list at the top in the child registration screen.

Please note for participants aged 10 to 13, we host The Lab Five Dock. We apply this age guide to target the group’s needs and interests.

Five Dock, NSW

The Lab Five Dock is a new program for 2024 and hosted by City of Canada Bay Libraries who have been operating Labs since 2018.

In The Lab Five Dock we focus on building foundational skills, with mentors supporting participants in gaming, coding and 3D printing. Designed specifically for children aged 10 to 13, we emphasise a welcoming atmosphere for social development, along with a vibrant mix of technology and fun!

All sessions are run at Five Dock Library on Monday afternoons from 3:30pm to 5:30pm for 9-weeks during school terms. Parents are encouraged to stay in the library space where there are workspaces and free WiFi.

To register your interest please click on the orange REGISTER button on this page and register your details and those of your child. Select The Lab Five Dock from the list at the top in the child registration screen.

Please note for participants aged 13 to 16, we host The Lab Rhodes. We apply this age guide to target the group’s needs and interests.

Banyo, Qld

The Lab at Banyo runs sessions on Thursdays from 4pm – 6pm, with option of 6:30pm finish at Banyo Library Meeting Room 1 during school term dates.

To register your child for the Banyo Lab please click on the orange REGISTER button on this page and enter your and your child’s details. Select the Banyo Lab from the list on the top of the child registration screen.

You can contact the Banyo Lab at joshua@thelab.org.au

Ipswich, Qld

The Lab at Ipswich runs sessions on Sunday mornings from 10 -12pm and Sunday afternoons from 2-4pm at the YMCA Community Centre Ipswich (The Villa) 98 Limestone Street.

To register your child for the Ipswich Lab please click on the orange ‘Register’ button on this page, and enter you and your child’s details. Select the Ipswich Lab on the top of the child registration screen. We’ll get back to you with session details very soon.

Redlands, Qld

We’re excited to have a new Lab commencing at Redlands.

Participants are encouraged to bring their own laptop or other device, including personal gaming devices.

The Lab at Redlands runs at The Link YMCA Youth Centre Redlands at Victoria Point on Saturday Mornings from 10-12pm. Bookings are essential.

To register your interest please click on the orange REGISTER button on this page and register your details and those of your child. Select the Redlands Lab from the list at the top of the child registration screen.
We’ll be in touch with more details in the next few weeks.
Thanks for your support.

Sumner, Qld

The Lab at Sumner is hosted by Endgame eSports, a technology venue in the Western suburbs of Brisbane. Endgame is excited to provide a warm and inclusive community-centred environment.

Endgame has a unique focus on developing the social capacity of the kids by utilising shared passion for games and other technologies, such as 3D printing. The mentors at Endgame are gaming and technology enthusiasts from diverse backgrounds, including sports, teaching, gaming, and computer building.

Sessions will run on both Tuesday and Thursday afternoons during school term from 4:30pm to 6:30pm.

To register, please click on the orange REGISTER button on this page to enter your details, and those of your child. Select the Sumner Lab from the list at the top of the child registration screen.

Toowoomba, Qld

In weekly sessions during term times at The Lab, our tech professionals and mentors support young neurodiverse people from ages 6 to 18 years develop connections, social, technical and vocational skills through common interests and activities. Our participant led social gaming, programing, coding, Lego, robotics and digital design activities are supportive, engaging, educational, and fun.

Providing a safe and inclusive environment, breakout spaces are available and all parents, carers and support workers are welcome to stay or use these facilities as needed.

East Creek Community Centre
43 Kitchener St
East Toowoomba

Wednesday 3:30pm – 5:30pm during the school term

To register your interest please click on the orange REGISTER button on this page and register your details and those of your child. Select Toowoowoba from the list at the top of the child registration screen.

For further information please email toowoombahighfields@thelab.org.au

Highfields, Qld

We are currently seeking expressions of interest from those in Highfields and surrounds to recommence sessions in Highfields.

In the meantime, families who are able to travel to Toowoomba are welcome to join our Toowoomba Lab.

For further information please email toowoombahighfields@thelab.org.au

Melrose Park, SA

The Melrose Park Lab operates at The Benevolent Society. Unit 1 / 34-40 Bennett Avenue, Melrose Park, SA
Two sessions run on Saturdays from 10am to 12.30pm & 1 to 3.30pm

• Ample parking is available on-site.
• There is a waiting area at Reception, if you wish to stay.

To register your interest please click on the orange REGISTER button on this page and register your details and those of your child. Select the Melrose Park Lab from the list at the top of the child registration form.

Elizabeth Vale, SA

The Elizabeth Vale Lab operates at Shop A1.B / 44 John Rice Avenue,
Elizabeth Vale, SA.
Sessions are held on Saturdays from 10am to 12.30pm.

• Enter the library and head to the Helen Barnes room at the rear of the library.
• Parking is available locally. There are both street parks or a shopping centre nearby.
• There are some coffee shops nearby.
• You can stay nearby at the library if you wish to stay.

To register your interest please click on the orange REGISTER button on this page and register your details and those of your child. Select the Salisbury Lab from the list at the top of the child registration form.

Avondale Heights, Vic

The Avondale Heights Lab will run sessions on Wednesday 4.30pm – 6.30pm at the Avondale Heights Library and Learning Centre; 69 Military Rd, Avondale Heights

Term 3 Dates: Tuesday 11 July – Saturday 16 September, 2023 (10 weeks)

Cost: $27 per session ($270 Term fee) for Moonee Valley residents; $54 per session ($540 Term fee) for non-Moonee Valley resident; payable at the start of Term,

The fee covers the cost of our mentors, who are professional programmers, graphic designers, 3D modellers and software designers.

To apply and reserve a place for your child, please register by clicking on the orange REGISTER button on this page and select the Avondale Heights from the list at the top of the child registration form

For further information please email carers@mvcc.vic.gov.au

See a program flyer here: https://thelab.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/The-Lab_MVCC_T3Flyer_2023.pdf

Ballarat, Vic

Sessions are held at the Ballarat Tech School, 136 Albert St, Ballarat Central on Wednesday afternoons from 4.30 to 6.30 pm.

The cost will be $30 per session (for participants with no NDIS support) or $44 (where NDIS support is accessed) with session dates following the school term.
To register your interest please click on the orange REGISTER button on this page and register your details and those of your child. Select the Ballarat Lab from the list at the top of the child registration form.
For further information please contact ballarat@thelab.org.au

Bendigo, Vic

The Bendigo Lab is hosted by the Bendigo Tech School. Sessions are held on Wednesday afternoons from 4 – 6pm during school term dates and are offered at no cost.

For registration enquiries please contact admin@thelab.org.au.

Carnegie, Vic

The Lab at Carnegie Library runs sessions on Tuesday afternoons, 4.30 – 6.30pm.
The library is located at 7 Shepparson Avenue, Carnegie. Bookings are essential.

Please register by clicking on the orange REGISTER button on this page and register your details and those of your child. Select the Carnegie Lab from the list at the top of the child registration form.

Caroline Springs, Vic

The Lab at Caroline Springs runs sessions on Saturday afternoons from 1 – 3pm at the Caroline Springs Library. The cost is $62.60 for each two hour session where a participant has NDIS funding. Please contact admin@thelab.org.au for information on non-NDIS fees.
Please register by clicking on the orange REGISTER button on this page and register your details and those of your child. Select the Caroline Springs Lab from the list at the top of the child registration form.

Docklands, Vic

The Lab at Docklands will commence sessions soon, exact date TBA. Sessions will be held on Saturday mornings from 10am – 12pm.

To register your interest please click on the orange REGISTER button on this page and register your details and those of your child. Select the Docklands Lab from the list at the top of the child registration form.

Ferntree Gully, Vic

The Lab Ferntree Gully runs sessions on Wednesdays 4 – 6pm for 9 – 15 year olds.

The Lab is at: 22 Willow Rd, Upper Ferntree Gully

The cost is $25 per session ($20 concession) payable by the term.

To register your interest please click on the orange REGISTER button on this page and register your details and those of
your child. Select the Ferntree Gully Lab from the list at the top of the child registration screen.

Contact No: 9758 7081

Nth Fitzroy, Vic

The Lab at Bargoonga Nganjin, Nth Fitzroy Library runs sessions from 1:30-3:30pm on Saturdays. The library is located at 182-186 St Georges Rd, Fitzroy North. Bookings are essential.

To register your interest please click on the orange REGISTER button on this page and register your details and those of your child. Select the Fitzroy Nth Lab from the list at the top of the child registration screen. You’ll be contacted as soon as we have more information about a start date.

Richmond, Vic

The Richmond Lab sessions will be held at the Richmond Library, 415 Church St, Richmond.
To register your interest please click on the orange REGISTER button on this page and register your details and those of your child. Select the Richmond Lab from the list at the top of the child registration screen.
We’ll be in touch with more details in the next few weeks.

Yarraville, Vic

The Lab Yarraville is held at The Phoenix Youth Centre on Saturdays from 11am to 1:30pm.

This Saturday group is a social gaming group in which participants and mentors are able to help with any issues or questions. There is opportunity for participants to game together, either on consoles or online together in the same room.

To register your interest please click on the blue Join a Lab button on this page and register your details and those of your child. Select the Yarraville Lab from the list at the top of the child registration screen.

Frankston, Vic

The Lab Frankston
The Lab was established in Frankston in 2013 and now operates at Ebdale Community Hub, 20 Ebdale Street Frankston, off Wells Road.

DAYS & TIMES – SCHOOL TERMS ONLY

TUESDAYS
4:30pm-6:30pm

FEES
What you will pay depends on whether you have NDIS funding.The current cost of a Lab session for participants WITH NDIS funding is $44.14 on weekdays and $59.34 on Saturdays. Lab fees are within NDIS price guidelines.

For participants WITHOUT NDIS funding, please contact us as fees and conditions vary.

To register your interest please click on the REGISTER button on this page and register your details and those of your child. Select the Frankston Lab from the list at the top of the child registration form.

We will be in touch as soon as we can to let you know when a place will be available and to answer any questions.

Participants are encouraged to bring their own laptop or other device, including personal gaming devices. A limited number of loan laptops are available.

We look forward to hearing from you.

All enquiries to:
The Organiser
thelabfrankstonvic@gmail.com

Geelong, Vic

The Lab Geelong was established in March 2013.

The Lab Geelong is thankful for the support of Just Better Care.

The Lab Geelong currently runs the following sessions;

Wednesday
5:00pm-7:00pm

Friday
5:00pm-7:00pm (session for mature age participants, 16+)

Saturday
9.30am-11.30am

Saturday
11.30am-1.30pm

To register your interest please click on the orange REGISTER button on this page and register your details and those of your child. Select the Geelong Lab from the list at the top of the child registration form.

Greensborough, Vic

The Lab Greensborough runs one session per week, every term during the year. Our sessions occur every Wednesday from 3:45PM to 5:45PM.

There is no cost to participate in The Lab Greensborough.

To register your interest and be put in the wait list please click on JOIN A LAB button on this page and leave your details. Please select GREENSBOROUGH from the list.

Highett, Vic

The Lab Highett runs on Mondays and Wednesdays from 4.30 – 6.30pm during school terms at The Peterson Centre, Cnr Peterson Street & Highett Road.

To register and for location details, please click on the orange REGISTER button on this page and register your details and those of your child. Select the Highett Lab from the list at the top of the child registration form.

Manor Lakes, Vic

The Lab at Manor Lakes runs at the Wyndham Library – Manor Lakes Branch on Monday afternoons from 5 – 7pm.

This is a new venue and will commence sessions as soon as possible. Please register your interest by clicking on the orange REGISTER button on this page and select the Manor Lakes Lab from the list at the top of the child registration form.

As a not for profit activity it’s important for us to be able to offer sessions as soon as we have sufficient numbers. We appreciate your support as we build numbers to commence sessions.

Moonee Ponds, Vic

The Moonee Ponds Lab will run sessions on Saturday 10am – 12pm and 1pm-3pm at the Sam Merrifield Library; 762 Mt Alexander Rd, Moonee Ponds

Term 3 Dates: Tuesday 11 July – Saturday 16 September, 2023 (10 weeks)

Cost: $27 per session ($270 Term fee) for Moonee Valley residents; $54 per session ($540 Term fee) for non-Moonee Valley resident; payable at the start of Term,

The fee covers the cost of our mentors, who are professional programmers, graphic designers, 3D modellers and software designers.

To apply and reserve a place for your child, please register by clicking on the orange REGISTER button on this page and select the Moonee Ponds Lab from the list at the top of the child registration form

For further information please email carers@mvcc.vic.gov.au

See a program flyer here: https://thelab.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/The-Lab_MVCC_T3Flyer_2023.pdf

Mornington, Vic

The Lab Mornington operates from ‘The Corner’ Mornington Youth Centre at 91 Wilsons Rd, Mornington (cnr Nepean Hwy).

Sessions currently run on Mondays from 4.30 – 6.30pm during the school term.
Additional sessions are likely to be added soon, so please register your interest even if you cannot attend the current Monday session.

To register your interest please click on the orange REGISTER button on this page and register your details and those of your child. Select the Mornington Lab from the list at the top of the child registration form.

Niddrie, Vic

The Niddrie Lab will run sessions on Tuesday 4.30pm – 6.30pm at the Niddrie Library; 483 Keilor Rd, Niddrie

Term 3 Dates: Tuesday 11 July – Saturday 16 September, 2023 (10 weeks)

Cost: $27 per session ($270 Term fee) for Moonee Valley residents; $54 per session ($540 Term fee) for non-Moonee Valley resident; payable at the start of Term,

The fee covers the cost of our mentors, who are professional programmers, graphic designers, 3D modellers and software designers.

To apply and reserve a place for your child, please register by clicking on the orange REGISTER button on this page and select the Niddrie Lab from the list at the top of the child registration form

For further information please email carers@mvcc.vic.gov.au

See a program flyer here: https://thelab.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/The-Lab_MVCC_T3Flyer_2023.pdf

Reservoir, Vic

The Lab Reservoir is located at The Reservoir Neighborhood House. Following on from the Digital Enterprise Project, passionate staff and participants were eager to continue its success.

Sessions run every Saturday during the Victorian school term for two hours. There is a morning session at 10am-12:00pm and an afternoon session at 12:30pm-2:30pm.

Sessions are semi-structured with the term 2 program focusing on content creation. Participants are welcome to explore the topic of the day, or let us know what you’re interested in and our dedicated mentors will be more than happy to guide you along.

Term fees are payable at the beginning of the term.

To register your interest please click on the orange REGISTER button on this page and register your details and those of your child. Select the Reservoir Lab from the list at the top of the child registration form.

Please contact admin@reservoirnh.org.au for further details.

Warrnambool, Vic

A new Lab is set to open at Warrnambool in Sth West Victoria very soon. Sessions will be held at One Day Studios at the old Fletcher Jones factory. To express your interest in attending sessions please click on the orange REGISTER button on this page and register your details and those of your child. Select the Warrnambool Lab from the list at the top of the child registration form.

Werribee, Vic

A new Lab is set to open in central Werribee soon.
More details will be posted here when they are available.
Please register your interest by clicking on the orange REGISTER button on this page and register your details and those of your child. Select the Werribee Lab from the list at the top of the child registration form. We can then contact you directly when we have session times and a starting date.

Canberra, ACT

The Lab in Canberra is run at Marymead, 255 Goyder Street, Narrabundah (or online, if required).

Sessions are on Wednesdays 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm, during school terms.

Marymead is a registered NDIS provider so all NDIS participants are welcome to join. If you wish to use your NDIS plan, the cost is $424.80 for 10 weeks ($42.48 per session), this can be claimed from the ‘Core’ category.

For Non-NDIS participants, the cost is $30 per session.

Please register your interest by clicking on the orange REGISTER button on this page and register your details and those of your child. Select the Canberra Lab from the list at the top of the child registration form.

Hobart, Tasmania

Lab sessions run at the Glenorchy Library on Saturday mornings between 10am and Noon. Bookings are essential.

Please register your interest by clicking on the orange REGISTER button on this page and register your details and those of your child. Select the Hobart Lab from the list at the top of the child registration form.

WA Online, Western Australia

This is an online group for participants in Western Australia.

Please register your interest by clicking on the orange REGISTER button on this page and register your details and those of your child. Select the WA Online Lab from the list at the top of the child registration form. See the linked document below for details of the Lab Online WA sessions.

https://thelab.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/The-Lab-Online-FAQ-2023.pdf

The Lab Online, National

The Lab Online has been running since 2016 and has evolved into an engaging social environment well beyond what we traditionally associate with video conferencing. The enthusiasm of participants and the mentors skills make it much more than video conferencing. With a high ratio of mentors to participants there’s plenty of opportunities for social gaming and tech skill development where desired.

The Lab Online is available in four sessions a week; Monday and Wednesday at 4.30pm, Tuesday at 4 and 6.30pm. All times AEST. (Tuesday 6.30 AEST = 4.30 AWST for participants in Western Australia).

Please see the link below for more information on The Lab Online

https://thelab.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/The-Lab-Online-FAQ-2023.pdf

The Lab Online

The Lab Online delivers The Lab program in an online format for participants either unable to access a face-to-face venue or who simply prefer a virtual social environment.

We’re currently offering four sessions a week; Monday and Wednesday at 4.30pm, Tuesday at 4 and 6.30pm. All times AEST. The Tuesday late session commences at 4.30pm ASWT for participants in Western Australia though this group includes participants from across the country.

The sessions are very social and there’s plenty of support from the mentors to account for differences in participants’ communication styles. Participants have a lot of fun and there’s a lot of social gaming and tech development activities for those that want to develop skills. Depending on the group we have two to three mentors and 8 to 12 participants in each session.

Jobs at Labs

Brilliant Minds Need Smart Mentors

Whether you are a university student, recent graduate, or a mid-career professional who is looking for a side gig, join us as a mentor and make a difference to young people in your community.

Mentoring roles at The Lab are well paid part-time positions and provide an opportunity to enhance your technology, professional practice, and interpersonal communications skills. If you are interested in games, digital technologies and most importantly supporting, guiding and mentoring some of the most creative and brilliant minds, join us now.

The Role of the Mentor
The Lab aims to encourage social engagement through a young person’s interests in games and technology. The mentor’s role is to support participants technology and skill development experience during Lab sessions and to foster a fun and positive environment. Participants at Lab sessions don’t have a disability, but they are different from other kids in many brilliant ways. You’ll find few behavioural issues in a Lab session and mentors are not expected to be teachers, disciplinarians or therapists. Mentors are there to assist young people to share their interests, to develop new skills and to have fun whenever possible.

Mentors have a wide range of experience with popular video and tabletop games, games development, coding, artwork, video or digital media in a variety of areas.

The Lab Mentor’s role and Responsibilities.pdf

Read more about mentoring at The Lab and what’s involved: Introduction to Mentoring at The Lab.pdf

Mentoring at a Lab
The Lab is very unlike school in that there’s no formal structure, but there is a theme of supporting participants interests in technology skill development. Mentors encourage opportunities for skill development, whether coding, video editing or whatever a participants interests might be (within the mentors expertise) but don’t dictate what participants do and when they do it. The Lab is a participant led activity and that’s what makes it so enjoyable for participants. The mentors are there to support, encourage, but not to direct.

For more information please contact us at admin@thelab.org.au, include your current CV with emphasis on your games and technology experience, whether coding, designing or just as a passionate game player. Please indicate the Lab venue most appropriate for you.

We welcome and encourage applications from all applicants regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, cultural background, sexual orientation or disability. Please let us know if you require specific arrangements or need any additional support during the application process.

Mentoring at The Lab Frequently Asked Questions

What time commitment is required for being a mentor?
Labs operate during school term dates with one or two two hour sessions a week. The number of weekly sessions and hours for mentors grows as the number of participants at a Lab increases. Consistent attendance by mentors at Lab sessions is very important so it is essential that if you make a commitment to join a Lab, you can make it to every session where you are scheduled.

I don’t have any experience working with young people on the autism spectrum, can I still work as a mentor?
Yes, absolutely. The Lab provides extensive induction and training for your role as a mentor. There is also the support of the many experienced mentors around the country who can support you with many years experience at The Lab.
Young people in Lab sessions have some differences from other young people, but we see these differences as strengths and that’s one of the features of The Lab program.

What does the recruitment process look like after I submit my resume?
There are many Lab venues around the country so please let us know where you are located. The National Coordinator will review your CV and forward to the local Lab in your area where the local organiser will be in touch to talk over the phone. Not all Labs have vacancies at all times so we may have to keep your details on file for when a position becomes available. The Lab Network also runs an online program and this is another opportunity for new mentors.

Is there a deadline for applications?
We’re accepting applications all year round. Please contact us at admin@thelab.org.au to express your interest.

Can I apply to mentor at multiple Labs?
Yes, in capital cities there are several Labs in the same region and provided the session times don’t clash you are free to work across multiple venues.

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