THE Southern Grampians Shire Council Digital Education and Innovation Hub (DigiHub) will return to town tomorrow to offer residents and visitors tech-based entertainment and innovation.

The DigiHub event is free for all members of the public and will be held in The Hub Hamilton from 1-7pm, providing tech fanatics, Science Technology Engineering, the Arts, and Maths (STEAM) students, tinkerers, and gamers with the opportunity to experience virtual reality, 3D printers, drones, animation devices, robots, and gadgets.

The event will also feature education providers who can offer career advice regarding pathways into digital creative industries.

The Australian Esports League (AEL) will also host their first Esports event in western Victoria - the highly anticipated Esports Cup - which will be accessible to all and with competitions and free play scheduled across the weekend.

Southern Grampians Shire Council mayor, Bruach Colliton, said Council were thrilled to have the DigiHub return to town after the last event took place back in 2019.

“We are excited that the much-anticipated DigiHub and Greater Hamilton Esports Cup is finally here after the original events unfortunately had to be rescheduled last year due to COVID-19,” he said.

“Young people across the Greater Hamilton region have been really vocal in telling us what type of activities they would like to participate in within our region, so it’s great to finally see these digital activities become available right here in Hamilton for our community to enjoy.

“Council remain committed to doing more to support young people and to provide access to a range of non-traditional events.

“We can’t wait to see everyone get behind these activities, learn, have a go at something new, have some fun, and see where digital opportunities might take you.”

Locals can use the Esports tournament to show off their talents in popular games such as Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Minecraft, Just Dance 2022, Halo, Rocket League, and Mario Kart 8.

A free drop-in play zone will also be available to the public from tomorrow until Sunday.

The competition begins on Saturday, where people of all ages can battle it out in the open challenge in Super Smash Bro’s Ultimate (SSBU) and Mario Kart, with Sunday reserved for high school students to compete.

Awards will be presented to the best players at the end of each day, with the total prize pool consisting of cash prizes and gaming accessories, with a total value of over $1000.

Players will be able to try out all the latest gaming gear, with spectators also able to get involved through commentary provided by professional shoutcasters commentating the activities as they happen.

Local Cosplay fans will also be provided the opportunity to meet internationally award-winning Cosplayer @vyecos who will be at The Hub Hamilton from 11am on Saturday and Sunday.

This event is supported by the Southern Grampians Shire Council, FReeZA, and the Western District Health Service.

To register for the free event, visit ael.org.au/events/2021-greater-hamilton-esports-cup.