Robo-boost for Discovery

MORE robots are on their way to the Discovery Science and Technology Centre thanks to a grant from the Federal Government.

The centre was a recipient of $18,200 from the national Stronger Communities program, which will be used for new scientific and educational equipment.

Member for Bendigo Lisa Chesters said the new robots will benefit students in the region.

“These new robots will make sure that the Discovery Centre continues to play an active role in encouraging and fostering digital literacy for children”, she said.

Centre manager Alissa Van Soest said the new robots have increased the capacities of STEM education at Discovery.

“Having these additional robots has meant that Discovery are able to work with even more schools across Victoria,” she said. “Just this week we’ve been using the robots with our girls in STEM program, Small School Program and Early Years Learning Centres.”

“Term four has been a hectic term. Many schools have been trying to catch up on the opportunities they missed out on throughout the year.

“Without these robots we would not have had the capacity to support as many schools as we have.”

Round six of the Stronger Communities program saw 13 Central Victorian organisations sharing $150,000 in funding.

“The Stronger Communities Programme is an exciting opportunity for our invaluable community organisations, offering support to regional infrastructure, programs and events,” Ms Chesters said.

“It is a highly competitive fund so I commend the hard work of the Discovery Centre.”