Townsville technology company DakTech, QUT help socially disadvanted communities

An innovative Townsville tech company has joined forces with QUT to combat isolation and loneliness in socially disadvantaged communities.

Oliver Jesshope (right) uses sustainable Reishi mycelium and the 3D printer for his project under the watchful eye of DakTech mentor Paul. He said it was uplifting to have the opportunity to be supported in a creative project of his own.

An innovative Townsville tech company has joined forces with the Queensland University of Technology to combat isolation and loneliness in socially disadvantaged communities.

QUT PhD student Michael Bromage, a research intern with IT and software-solutions company DakTech, is leading the $50,000 project along with Professor Marcus Foth and Professor Greg Hearn from the QUT School of Design and Dr Kim Osman from the Digital Media Research Centre.

Mr Bromage said the project involved both design and community engagement to create a safe, accessible environment for creativity at DakTech’s Maker Space.

“The aim is to improve digital inclusion to enhance social and economic outcomes for participants,” he said.

“We flip the standard programming model on its head, and start by listening to participants’ dreams, desires and struggles to begin to know someone and to help them know themselves, their relationship with community and how to activate their creative energy.”

Queensland University of Technology PhD student Michael Bromage is a research intern with IT- and software-solutions company DakTech. Picture: Supplied

Program participant Estelle Hope said developing her idea for a unique tool to help people learn how to improve their drawing skills had been a life-changing opportunity and the catalyst for fulfilling long-held dreams and aspirations. Picture: Supplied

Mr Bromage said they helped participants form a micro-project inspired by their own values, helping them to access resources and connect with others to get their projects rolling.

He said the labels ‘socioeconomic disadvantaged’, ‘homeless’, ‘lonely’, ‘low-income’ or ‘unemployed’ were not normally associated with “creativity, innovation and aspiration”.

“Foremost, I am fascinated by the creativity of humans – many who are lost in demographic labelling that can make individuals with unique lived-experience and creative ideas invisible in our communities,’ he said.

“Helping people be seen and activating their creativity through self-inspired micro-projects is fascinating, particularly finding ways to connect Townsville’s ‘creative underground’ with adequate resources.”

Participant Marisa Ansell said her project was learning to make a video documentary about the local Food Pantry.

It involved formulating a plan, using her phone to interview people and using high-powered design laptops, software and internet platforms to edit and publish video.

She said the program allowed her to learn new skills that helped her achieve childhood goals of making a real difference to the community using media.

“In this case I am aiming to draw attention to how local people are helping feed people impacted by the cost of living increasing,” she said.

“Townsville’s ADRA Food Pantry provided me with food and I want to give back.”

DakTech’s Maker Space. Picture: Supplied

DakTech owner Daniel Kendall said its mission was to improve the world through technology.

“So, this opportunity to open up the Maker Space to a more diverse community that fosters creativity and innovation through technology is something we are grateful to be a part of.”

Professor Foth said QUT brought senior research expertise in participatory design and media studies to the project.

“The idea is to address digital inclusion challenges faced by people from socially disadvantaged communities and to facilitate community engagement, skill development and connected learning and training,” he said.

“The project emphasises everyday forms of creativity in lay people to instil pride and joy, focusing on developing purpose, social connections, and digital skills among participants.”

The project is backed by the Queensland Government through the Department of Communities, Housing, and the Digital Economy through the Communities Innovation Fund with a grant of $50,000.

Originally published as Townsville technology company DakTech, QUT help socially disadvanted communities