Digital Innovation Festival opens window on virtual reality

A WORLD of digital technology and innovation will be unveiled in Mildura next week as part of a statewide festival that drives industry, entrepreneurs and students to “not only be different, but make a difference”.

Hosted by Mildura Regional Development (MRD) and ANZ, the fourth annual Digital Innovation Festival hits Sunraysia on Tuesday and features two key events — a virtual reality masterclass and lunch with disruptor and behavioural change agent Dominic Thurbon.

MRD project officer Sharon Morrell said although the event had a focus on digital innovation, organisers ensured there was relevance to the region and local economy.

“(The events) build on some of the things we already do well here, but also bring in some new technology to help us out,” she said.

“Virtual reality was an emerging technology and now it is here.

“It is being used for training purposes, on machinery and in (occupational health and safety) and (personal protective equipment) in some of the bigger farming industries here.”

She said the virtual reality masterclass — hosted by Ignition Immersive studios — would teach participants how to learn, produce, create and immerse targeted audiences using the latest technology.

Mr Thurbon’s workshop would offer insights about how Sunraysia could strive to be the “best of the best” in a rapidly changing world.

“Dominic is going to offer his thoughts on how we — as a region — can come together and be in front,” Ms Morrell said.

“Instead of working solo, we should work collaboratively.

“We are better placed to do something in our region than the cities are because there are too many people in the city, that therefore can’t work together for these collaborations.

“If (the community) collaborates together, we could be huge.”

Mr Thurbon’s workshop will cover regional towns’ challenges around sustainability, demographics and population drift, attracting top talent and preserving what makes the community “so unique and precious”.

Minister for Regional Development Jaclyn Symes said the festival gave people living in regional Victoria the opportunity to be a part of a digital experience they may not normally be exposed to.

“Often (they) have less positive digital experiences to those in the city, which is why we are investing significantly to fix the digital divide by using technology to lift and transform regional industries and communities — and the Digital Innovation Festival is an important part of this.”

The virtual reality masterclass will be held on Tuesday from 12.30pm to 4.30pm at SuniTAFE.

The lunch with Mr Thurbon is on Friday from noon to 2pm at the Quality Hotel Mildura Grand.

Both events are free and open to any interested persons including school children, start-ups, entrepreneurs, farmers, business, industry and local community.

For more information and to register interest, go to dif.vic.gov.au.