The Daydream Machine Story
Daydream Machine is owned and run by Luke Ferguson, a Canberra-based Youth Support Worker, who was named the 2022 ACT Local Hero and awarded the 2019 Excellence in Support Work at the Chief Minister’s Inclusion Awards, as well as the 2021 Outstanding Youth Worker at the Youth Coalition Awards for his work in this field with the students of The Woden School, Year 7-12 ACT school for students with disability.
Luke is passionate about empowering young people with disability - he saw a real need in Canberra for somewhere neurodivergent young people could find like-minded friends, so he set up Daydream Machine as a place where they could belong and spend time on the activities they love. Daydream Machine opened its doors in January 2022 and immediately became a hive of activity - providing an exciting, inclusive, safe, supportive community space for its students. Luke believes the real key to Daydream Machine’s success is maintaining a sense of fun in everything it runs.
Daydream Machine was awarded a Commendation in Inclusion in Business at the 2022 Chief Minister's Inclusion Awards.
Daydream Machine uses the power of music, art and creativity to break down barriers to participation and enhance self esteem of young neurodivergent people, shifting the focus to their innate gift to spark joy in others. Daydream Machine's activities are removing stigma and changing people's perceptions of what young people with disability are capable of.
In mid-2024, Daydream Machine relocated to a larger, purpose-built studio to accommodate the growing number of participants joining the program. As word spread about the Daydream Machine, the demand for spaces quickly outgrew the original location.
The new premises allows for more flexible group activities, and dedicated zones for music, technology, art, and social engagement. It has opened up new opportunities for collaboration and community-building - ensuring that every young person who steps into Daydream Machine has the room and resources to thrive.