Shared space, shared purpose: Meet Canberra’s difference-makers
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Earlier this year, local property developer Molonglo offered a game-changing opportunity for one lucky Canberra business: a six-month sponsored residency in the stunning 221 London Workspaces in the CBD.
Hoping to help a business doing innovative, creative, or purpose-driven work that makes Canberra better, the residency was designed to support local entrepreneurship and take it to the next level.
Receiving 39 applications, Molonglo was overwhelmed by the calibre of businesses that reached out – which is why instead of one organisation, they’ve awarded the residency to three.
“We couldn’t reach a consensus,” explains Molonglo Community Engagement and Communications Manager Mariella Knaus.
“All three businesses were meeting an important unmet need in the community and while different in output, each equally demonstrated their capacity to deliver meaningful social benefit.”
Hoping that the residency will make a significant impact to the performance of the residents – and believing that working from a well-conceived workspace can play a critical role in business success – Molonglo is proud to be able to provide quality workspace to such impressive organisations.
Here, we meet the three businesses now calling one of Canberra’s most gorgeous workspaces home.
Tech Policy Design Institute
The mission: We are Australia’s newest independent think tank, shaping technology for the benefit of humanity – and proudly female-founded to boot.
Why did you apply for the residency and what does winning mean to you?
After three years of incubation, TPDi officially spun out of ANU in January this year. One of the first questions people ask when they hear the news is: “Where are you based?” Securing a bricks-and-mortar home gives our think tank a real sense of presence and credibility. We are still pinching ourselves that it’s not just any office—we’ve landed in such a beautifully designed space.
What’s the best part of being co-located with other businesses who have similar aims of making a difference?
In just a few weeks, we’ve already had inspiring conversations with fellow residency winners and tenants – whether in the hallways, the stunning shared spaces, or over morning tea. There’s a real energy here. It’s incredibly motivating to be surrounded by people who aren’t just identifying problems but are actively working on solutions. That shared sense of mission creates a special kind of community.
How will the residency help you take the next steps in your business journey?
We have big ambitions for the Tech Policy Design Institute. Technology touches every part of our lives – from how kids use social media, to the risks of scams, to enabling a clean, green economy. At TPDi, we bring together government, industry, and civil society to think differently about how we can harness technology for good. This residency gives us not just a beautiful base to do that work from, but also a vibrant and supportive environment to grow in.
Himayat Support Services
The mission: In many languages, Himayat means ‘advocacy’, ‘protection’ or ‘support’. That’s our mission – Himayat provides culturally competent care to people in need in the ACT, while creating meaningful opportunities for work for migrants and refugees, especially women.
Why did you apply for the residency and what does winning mean to you?
We are so stoked to have won this residency because having an office space in the heart of the city has changed everything for us. It gives us a huge platform to take forward what we are trying to do for diverse communities here in Canberra.
For some members of the Himayat team, this is the first opportunity they’ve had to work in an office. It’s so wonderful to be able to empower our staff and clients and to show to them that the Canberra community does care about their issues.
What’s the best part of being co-located with other businesses who have similar aims of making a difference?
It has been such a privilege to meet the other businesses working in 221 London and finding out more about the amazing work they are doing. It’s really inspiring – and the best part is that everyone has been super lovely and great to talk to.
How will the residency help you take the next steps in your business journey?
It has pushed us to dedicate ourselves to this mission full-time and we have already seen huge benefits to having a dedicated space that is safe and accessible for our staff to come to.
We cannot wait to see what heights we will grow to by the end of the residency, and we cannot thank the team at Molonglo enough for this opportunity.
Yarn Speech
The mission: To reduce lengthy speech pathology waitlists by providing families with clinically backed apps that ensure accessibility of healthcare, especially in rural and remote areas of the country.
Why did you apply for the residency and what does winning mean to you?
Finding that sweet spot between networking and privacy can be tricky as a startup! Winning this residency gives us exactly what we need – a beautiful space where we can close the door when needed but also connect with other innovators. We also now have the opportunity to make the space our own (like showcasing the amazing children’s books that feature on our platform). At Yarn, we’re incredibly thankful for purpose-driven organisations like Molonglo who support startups in Canberra, and we’re thrilled to join this community of other companies who share our passion for making a difference.
What’s the best part of being co-located with other businesses who have similar aims of making a difference?
The ability to exchange practical knowledge and experiences. Whether sharing resources, offering advice, collaborating on initiatives, or simply having someone to talk to, it’s extremely valuable for Yarn. It’s also been great to connect with others who are facing similar challenges and discuss what inspires them to create positive change, which motivates us as a team to keep pushing to make the world a better place.
How will the residency help you take the next steps in your business journey?
We have big plans at Yarn, and the residency will give us the space and resources we need to grow as a team and take the next steps in our business. Having a dedicated office will help us focus on key projects and meet with clients in a professional setting. Also, being co-located with other like-minded businesses will provide valuable opportunities for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and support. We’re convinced this environment will help us move faster, solve problems more creatively, and really accelerate our journey forward.
