Prime Minister loves thrill of science

28 August 2007

The innovative Kids' Science State program, which delivers science learning to more than 100 thousand regional Western Australians each year via a fleet of bright orange buses, has won the Prime Minister's Award for Excellence in Community Business Partnerships (WA).

Scitech and the Rio Tinto WA Future Fund entered into a five year partnership in 2003 to create the comprehensive state-wide science education program.

Scitech CEO Alan Brien said, "The partnership has created enormous benefits to us as partners and the community as a whole. We now have Rio Tinto staff as volunteers in a range of programs, particularly in the Pilbara and Kimberley. This includes Rio Tinto scientists collaborating with Scitech staff and local schools; liaison officers assisting with touring logistics and the company providing professional development opportunities to senior Scitech staff."

Rio Tinto Iron Ore CEO Sam Walsh said, "Inspiring interest and careers in maths and science is of vital importance to the future of Western Australia. Through Kids' Science State we can help engage students, teachers and communities in science education programs in regional areas and assist in building scientific literacy."

The partnership was developed from a detailed five year strategic business plan which provides Kids' Science State with $1.562 million from the Rio Tinto WA Future Fund, $1 million from Scitech and in-kind staff support to the value of $500,000 from the Department of Education and Training.

"This is something that is as important to Scitech as it is to Rio Tinto. We are delighted this partnership has been recognised by the Prime Minster's Awards for Excellence in Community Business Partnerships and congratulate Scitech on delivering such a unique and innovative program," said Sam.

Alan added, "At a time when Western Australia faces teacher shortages in the education sector and skills shortages in the mining industry, creative solutions are all the more vital."

The partnership has resulted in the presentation of alternative ways of learning about the environment and science in everyday life; the creation of a strong community focus on science in rural and remote areas of the State; and the inspiration of young people to take up worthwhile and satisfying employment opportunities in science related fields that will support Western Australia's economic base in the long term.

The national finals of the Prime Minister's Awards will be announced in October.