AV studio gives future filmmakers and musicians a head start at the Clubhouse

3 August 2015

It’s hard to believe the YWCA Computer Clubhouse has been open for less than a year – arriving for the launch of our audio-visual production studio on Thursday 30 July, there were so many members in the space, busy working on their projects, that the room was crowded and full of energy!

The YWCA Computer Clubhouse is an out-of-school learning space for young people from the Tuggeranong region, providing access to the latest in software and technology, and helping build pathways in future careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

The audio-visual production studio (AV studio) is the latest addition to our Clubhouse. It’s a dedicated space with the latest in video and sound recording equipment, including a green screen, professional lighting, brand new cameras, Mac computers loaded up with all the editing software needed, and more. The studio has been made possible through the generous support of our partner, Lockheed Martin Australia.

Our members are already busy using the space to create short films, edit their work, and dive into music production.

We celebrated the launch of the AV studio with a special event at the Clubhouse, bringing together our corporate and philanthropic partners, the Steering Committee, and members. Clubhouse member Ella opened the event with an acknowledgment of country, and we heard from Frances Crimmins, Executive Director of YWCA Canberra and Julie Dunlap, Lockheed Martin Information Systems & Global Solutions (IS&GS), Vice President, Australian Programs.

Both Frances and Julie touched on the importance of the Clubhouse in providing avenues into careers in STEM for young people, especially as STEM continues to account for the vast majority of career opportunities, and will continue to grow in the future.

Julie also shared her personal journey to leadership as a woman in STEM, and highlighted the importance of people from diverse backgrounds and with unique experiences entering the industry.

Our members demonstrated some of the awesome projects they’ve been working on, including coding and web development, photography, fashion design and robotics. Cameron and Angus, who are keen users of the AV studio, interviewed some of our partners and Steering Committee members in front of the green screen, for a special video they’ll be producing.

It was exciting to be able to demonstrate the growth of the Computer Clubhouse over the past nine months to our partners, and to give members the chance to share their projects with attendees.

The Computer Clubhouse is testament to what can be achieved when the community, government, philanthropic and corporate sectors work together with a shared vision and common goal.

Stay in touch by following the YWCA Computer Clubhouse on Twitter, and liking us on Facebook.

: 3D-printed objects created by our members.

: Members enjoying using the editing suite in the AV studio

: Getting stuck into crafts.

: Practicing tunes on the ukeleles!

: Clubhouse member, Ella, giving an Acknowledgment of Country

: Frances Crimmins, Executive Director of YWCA Canberra, speaking about the Clubhouse journey.

: Julie Dunlap, Lockheed Martin Information Systems & Global Solutions (IS&GS), Vice President, Australian Programs, sharing her experiences as a woman in STEM.

: Tarshia from Lockheed Martin Australia hanging out with Clubhouse member, Luke.

: Heidi Zajac, YWCA Canberra Board Director, Sherri Lake, Richardson Primary School, Minister Joy Burch, Frances Crimmins, YWCA Canberra and Hala Batainah, Microsoft.