NOVA open evening: A night of connection and community
On Wednesday, 12 February, NOVA opened its doors for its first Open Evening of the year setting the tone beautifully for what's ahead.
The evening was an opportunity to introduce NOVA as a space for innovation and events, welcome the local community through the doors and share what's new. With a warm, intimate atmosphere and plenty of great conversation, it was exactly the kind of night NOVA was built for.
The evening kicked off with Alex Cook, Interim Director of the UNE Smart Region Incubator (SRI), who set the scene with an overview of the SRI and the important role it plays in the region. Alex spoke about the SRI's core mission which is supporting and connecting Founders, running tailored programs for startups and small businesses, and building meaningful links between the university and the broader community. Since launching, the SRI has supported over 320 Founders, 57% of whom are women, and has helped create more than 675 jobs and attracted over $30 million in investment into the New England region. It's a track record that speaks to the real impact innovation can have when programs and support are designed and delivered locally.
Next up was James Pryor from Armidale Regional Council, who spoke about the valued relationship between Council and the SRI. James highlighted the shared commitment to fostering innovation and economic growth across the region, a partnership that continues to strengthen and one that makes spaces like NOVA possible.
Rebekah Velez, Operations and Community Manager, then took the floor to introduce NOVA itself which is the physical home of the SRI and a purpose-built space for innovation, business and events in the heart of Armidale. Rebekah walked guests through what NOVA offers and how the space works, before leading attendees on a tour of the building - from the coworking and hot desk areas through to the meeting rooms, podcast media studio, theatrette and into the Innovation Hub, where Sam Duncan of GX Lab spoke about the Hub and the exciting work being done to support new ideas and ventures across the New England area.
The group then heard from two NOVA residents, Chloe Spillane of ChloeCareers and Allira Cutmore of Yinarr Yarnz who shared their personal experiences of being based in NOVA. They spoke about the benefits of working in a professional environment, the benefits of having a flexible workspace to base themselves from and the importance of the community and connections that come with it. Their stories were a genuine highlight a reminder that behind every desk and every booking, there are real people building and growing business.
To close out the presentations, Rebekah returned to unveil the NOVA Membership, a brand-new offering designed to give businesses, organisations and individuals a professional home at NOVA.
The NOVA Membership is built around the idea that great work happens when people have access to the right space, the right tools and the right community. It's designed to be flexible, affordable and genuinely useful, whether you're a local business needing a professional meeting space, a freelancer looking for a focused work environment, or a community organisation after an accessible and well-equipped venue.
For just $200/year (excl. GST) or $25/month, NOVA Members receive:
Hotdesk access — a professional workspace at NOVA whenever you need it
25% off all bookable spaces — including meeting rooms, the theatrette and the podcast media studio
50% off SRI masterclasses and workshops — ongoing learning and development opportunities led by industry experts
Exclusive access to member events — including networking gatherings and more
E-news spotlights — visibility for your business or organisation through the NOVA and SRI communications network
One guest hotdesk pass each month — bring a colleague, client or collaborator along to experience the space
A NOVA Membership isn't just about access to a space but more so about being part of a growing community of businesses, Founders, creatives and organisations who are all invested in seeing the New England region thrive. It's a front door to the SRI's innovation ecosystem, a network of like-minded people and a professional environment that's designed to help you do your best work.
With the formalities wrapped up, guests stayed on for nibbles and drinks, while the introductions, ideas and organic conversations bubbled away, the kind that only happen when you get the right people in the right space. The energy was positive, relaxed and genuinely warm, the perfect reflection of the community that's growing around NOVA.
If you'd like to find out more about NOVA, the NOVA Membership, or are interested in attending a future event, we'd love to hear from you. Get in touch anytime. Our door is always open 😊