Canberra Kids Celebrate at Questacon

2 December 2005

Last night Questacon’s 2005 annual Family Christmas Celebration gave nearly 600 disadvantaged children and their families from the Canberra region the chance to learn about science at Australia’s National Science and Technology Centre in an exciting and educational setting.

Australian Government Science, Education and Training Minister Brendan Nelson dropped in to support and help launch the celebration. He went on to demonstrate his drive and personal commitment to raising literacy levels by reading to a group of young children in the Mini Q Exhibition. The book he chose, “Who Sunk The Boat?” by Australian author Pamela Allen, was a whimsical display of science in action that the children then tested in a fish tank with the help of Minister Nelson and the Questcaon performing character Archie Tect.

Questacon is committed to sharing its nationally recognised resources with people from all walks of life and has a range of programmes aimed at bringing the joy of science to all Australians. Questacon is particularly proud of its role and standing within the Canberra community.

Questacon Director, Professor Graham Durant, was full of praise for the efforts of his staff and sponsors who helped make the celebration possible.

“Questacon staff feel a great deal of pride in being a recognisable part of the Canberra community. They have volunteered their time to bring this event together in order to give something back to the community that supports Questacon. I hope that everyone had a great time” he said.

Questacon would like to acknowledge the generous support of Telstra Country Wide, who made the event possible.

Ian Peters, Telstra Country Wide Area General Manager for the Capital South East, said he was delighted to be able to help Questacon support Canberra children and their families.

“Telstra Country Wide is committed to the region and its people and is pleased to be able to assist such a worthwhile cause,” he said.