Dr Craig Emerson, Minister for Small Business, Independent Contractors and the Service Economy, today launched Questacon’s 20th anniversary celebrations.
Dr Emerson said: "Questacon, Australia’s National Science and Technology Centre, celebrates 20 years of inspirational science this year.
“The anniversary year provides a special opportunity to celebrate Questacon’s achievements and successes over the last 20 years and consider how Questacon can contribute to important agendas for the future of the nation.
“Questacon aims to build a better future by inspiring all Australians to increase their understanding of science and innovation.
“Australia is facing a decline in the number of students pursuing further studies in science, mathematics and technology. Questacon’s exhibitions and programs are designed and delivered to make science and technology exciting and engaging.”
Questacon opened in 1988 as a joint Australia-Japan Bicentennial Project. The Japanese Government and business community contributed half the cost of the building, the headquarters for Questacon’s national and international operations.
With Australian Government funding through the Australia Japan Foundation, the 20th anniversary year will feature a number of events to build on Questacon’s special relationship with Japan. Events will include Japanese secondary students’ participation in the Questacon Smart Moves Invention Convention, a science communicator exchange and a traditional Japanese mechanical technologies workshop for primary school students.
More than 6.8 million people have visited Questacon, with a further 14.9 million engaging with a travelling exhibition or program across Australia. Questacon’s exhibitions have toured to 31 countries.
Media Contact: Paul Scully 0419 432 487