MakerSpace Access is a self-led creative space where participants can independently use specialist equipment to work on their own projects. Staff oversee safety and provide general guidance with the resources and tutorials within the space. This is a partnership brought to you by Central Coast Council and the University of Newcastle.
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// Opening Hours //
a) During university semester:
- Drop-In: Monday to Thursday from 10am–3pm
- Bookings Only: Tuesday afternoons from 4pm–6pm
b) During university holidays:
- Bookings Only: Monday to Thursday from 10am–12pm
c) University of Newcastle's Semester Dates
- Semester 1: 26 January – 24 April 2026
- Midyear Session: 25 May – 3 July 2026
- Semester 2: 17 August – 13 November 2026
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// Participant Requirements //
To use MakerSpace Access, participants must meet the following requirements:
- Be aged 16 years or older (photo ID required).
- Hold a valid library membership (free to join).
- Wear enclosed shoes at all times.
- Complete a safety induction annually.
- Safety inductions can be booked separately or completed as part of the first 30 minutes of your equipment booking.
Note: University of Newcastle students must make their bookings via the university's LibCal portal.
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// Equipment //
Equipment bookings run for 2-hour sessions at $5 per session as per the Council's current Fees & Charges. All equipment below can be booked online, subject to availability and maintenance.
a) 3D Printers
- Equipment: Bambu Lab H2C, H2D, X1C, P1S models.
- File format: STL files accepted.
- Timeframe: 5-hour prints only; collect during library hours once complete.
- Software: Bambu Studio (slicing), Tinkercad (design).
- Accessories: Textured plates, filing tools, pliers, flush cutters, digital callipers.
- Materials: MakerSpace-supplied PLA filament only.
- Consumables: Standard PLA filament - 10c per gram, Advanced PLA filament - 20c per gram.
b) Sewing Machines
- Equipment: Brother A150, Brother NV1300 or Brother NV1800Q.
- Accessories: Irons, bobbins, fabric scissors, needles, pins, rotary cutters, tape measures, zipper foot.
- Materials: Bring your own lightweight fabric, subject to staff approval (leather, vinyl and heavy denim excluded).
- Consumables: A small selection of coloured thread and fabric scraps available and free within reasonable use.
c) Overlocker Machine
- Equipment: Husqvarna Viking Amber Air S 400.
- Accessories: Fabric scissors, needles, pins.
- Materials: White thread only (pre-installed).
- Consumables: Small fabric scraps available for practice and free within reasonable use.
d) Embroidery Machine
- Equipment: Brother Innov-is NV800E.
- Software: 138 built-in designs, 11 built-in fonts.
- Accessories: Medium hoop size only, embroidery scissors, bobbins, needles, pins.
- Materials: Bring your own lightweight fabric, subject to staff approval (leather, vinyl and heavy denim excluded).
- Consumables: Soluble stabiliser backing, a small selection of coloured thread and fabric scraps are available and free within reasonable use.
e) Vinyl Cutting Machines
- Equipment: Cricut Maker 4, Cricut Explore or Cricut Joy.
- Software: Cricut Design Space.
- Accessories: EasyPress, light/medium/heavy 30.5x30.5cm mats, coloured Cricut pens, transfer tape, weeding tools, spatulas, scrapers, transfer tape, brayers, trimmer, scissors, cutting mats.
- Materials: You can bring your own materials, subject to staff approval (thick materials excluded).
- Consumables: Coloured paper and cardstock are available and free within reasonable use. Vinyl is charged by size, XS (2×2cm) - $0.50, S (5×5cm) - $1, M (15×15cm) - $2, L (30×30cm) - $5, XL (30×60cm) - $10.
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// Drop-In Tools //
A selection of handheld tools is available for creative activities, subject to space capacity. Drop-in tools are free to use and not bookable. They are available on a first come, first served basis, during our Drop-In hours (see Opening Hours above). These include:
- Textile handheld tools for activities such as knitting, crocheting, felting, embroidery and cross stitching.
- Craft equipment for activities such as card-making, scrapbooking, origami, jewellery beading, macramé and lino printing.
- Art equipment for drawing and painting such as graphite pencils, watercolours, pastels, coloured markers and acrylic paints.
- Badge making equipment to create 44mm or 25mm badge designs.
- Hot tools such as irons, glue guns, heat gun and Cricut EasyPress.
- General workshop and hand tools, such as pliers, cutters and measurement tools.
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// Consumables and Materials //
- Consumables are available to purchase during your session at the current Council Fees & Charges rate. See each equipment's consumables above for pricing.
- You are encouraged to bring your own materials, subject to staff approval.
- Some material exclusions are listed above for each equipment (e.g. thick materials, electrical equipment, 3D printer filament are excluded across the space).
- There is a range of materials available free of charge, within reasonable non-commercial use. This includes coloured paper, card stock, envelopes, adhesives, pens, pencils, markers, watercolours, paints, beads, glitter, thread, fabric and other general craft and textile materials.
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// Workshops //
Looking for learning opportunities with our equipment? We offer free facilitated MakerSpace Skills workshops to support equipment use, alongside targeted paid programs for youth, children and community sessions for all ages. Visit our MakerSpace What’s On for all the latest workshops, programs and session bookings.
Gosford Regional Library MakerSpace