Young Australian Inventors Invade Canberra!

21 September 2004

The Questacon Smart Moves 2004 Invention Convention is about to begin. Thirty young Australians from across the country will spend a week in Canberra participating in a range of workshops designed to help them bring an idea into reality.

The delegates for the 2004 Invention Convention were selected from entries submitted from all over Australia. These young inventors range in age from Year 8 to Year 12 students. The 2004 Invention Convention is a chance for these bright young sparks to learn about money management, marketing and intellectual property issues. They will hear from guest lecturers from both the business and science worlds.

For some delegates, like Year 8 student Ellie Beurteaux from W.A, this will be the first time they have ventured away from home. It is also the first time Ellie has been on a plane. Needless to say, this young inventor of a water saving device is very excited about attending the Invention Convention. Other inventions involve cameras, shampoo, dance shoes, toothbrushes, fence posts and grey water.

Mr James O’Loghlin, host of the ABC’s The New Inventors, will open the week of learning at Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre, Parkes. The launch will include a special performance from the Questacon Smart Moves team and a panel discussion. Panel members include locals Dr Colin Taylor (Executive Director of the Rio Tinto Australian Science Olympiads), Mr Stewart Clode (Senior Teacher in Technology at Lake Tuggeranong College) and Ms Tamara Woodward (Queanbeyan based entrepreneur).

 
Interview and photo opportunities are available during and after the launch.