Cynthia Lui MP
Member for Cook
Media Release
A Brisbane-based coding educator have taken their creative curriculum to the state’s north – showcasing the fun and benefits of coding and STEM to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander primary school children, in partnership with NBN Co.
CodeMakers Australia are one of the latest recipients of an Engaging Science Grant – awarded $9,988 through the Palaszczuk Government Advance Queensland initiative to conduct a ten-week coding course in three Far North Queensland locations: Palm Island, Yarrabah and Aurukun.
Member for Cook Cynthia Lui said it was fantastic to see groups like CodeMakers Australia recognise the need for specialist STEM teachings in the regions.
“Location is irrelevant – the needs of our kids are the same, no matter where they’re going to school,” Ms Lui said.
“Digital literacy is incredibly vital, and all the students who take part in this course will come away with valuable skills and knowledge they’ll be able to put to good use in the future.”
Member for Mulgrave Curtis Pitt said that as Queensland’s knowledge economy grows stronger, new STEM-related jobs are continuing to evolve from demand.
“These are jobs that didn’t exist a decade ago, and coding courses like this could pave a path towards exciting career opportunities for these young girls and boys,” Mr Pitt said.
Member for Townsville Scott Stewart said encouraging more kids to consider a career in STEM would create wide-reaching benefits for Queensland.
“This is what Advance Queensland is all about. It’s inspiring young minds and planting the seeds of opportunity by backing initiatives and ideas that will future-proof our state,” Mr Stewart said.
Fifteen Queensland education institutes and community organisations have shared in the third round of Engaging Science Grants for 2017-18, with investment totalling $135,307.
The Advance Queensland Engaging Science Grants program has awarded $1,066,780 to 113 recipients over the six rounds to date.
ENDS
MEDIA CONTACT: Cook Electorate Office – 4223 1100
