3 December 2018 

Scitech is proud to celebrate 30 years of its inaugural and longest standing partner - BHP. Three months after the State Government of Western Australia launched Scitech in August 1988, Scitech and BHP commenced a collaborative partnership to respond to the pressing need of increasing STEM engagement for the future of all Western Australians. Over the years, the partnership has evolved and gone from strength to strength.

To celebrate this important anniversary, Scitech presented BHP with a 3D printed chocolate BHP logo, on top of a white chocolate mud cake. Scitech’s unique 3D chocolate printer, designed and built by dedicated staff and volunteers, is a perfect example of the ingenuity and expertise Scitech is known for. It is therefore a fitting thank you to acknowledge the uniqueness and success of this long-standing partnership.

Ms Deb Hancock, Chief Executive Officer, Scitech said, “In 1988, at the time of Scitech’s inauguration, both the government and BHP recognised the importance of science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) education and careers as the key to ensuring an innovative, prosperous and sustainable economy and future.”

“This imperative is as relevant today as it was 30 years ago, a driving force behind the ongoing commitment of Scitech and BHP working together to provide relevant, engaging and imaginative STEM experiences for all Western Australians. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to BHP for their longstanding support of the development of STEM skills for all Western Australians via Scitech.” Ms Hancock continued.

Meath Hammond, BHP Head of Corporate Affairs Western Australia said “As founding partner, we’re proud of our longstanding partnership with Scitech to deliver science education in engaging and interactive formats, and build STEM literacy across WA. Over the years, we’ve worked collaboratively to further service reach and capability through initiatives such as hands-on school-based programs for students (CSIRO Lab), and programming for remote students (AEP), important complements to the gallery exhibitions”

The BHP partnership is the backbone behind the 6-monthly renewal of Scitech’s feature exhibitions in the BHP Exhibition Gallery. These immersive exhibitions are designed and built by Scitech and explore a different STEM theme, from dinosaurs to colonising a distant planet. The current exhibition ‘Map Your World’, investigates the importance of maps and navigation in everyday life.

BHP is also a co-partner in Scitech’s CSIRO Lab, which over the life of the partnership has seen 450,000 people participate in the imaginative and challenging holiday, weekend, and after school STEM workshops for 4 to 16 year olds.

In the regions, BHP is the sole program partner for the Pilbara Intensive Program (PIP), and a co-partner of the Aboriginal Education Program (AEP), which tours to every remote community on a three-year cycle. Both programs specifically cater to the learning style and needs of Aboriginal students, while encouraging the involvement of the wider community to learn and be inspired by STEM and the opportunities STEM knowledge and skills can provide.

Scitech’s long-running program ‘Lab on Legs’ is also made possible through the BHP partnership. The program provides intensive 1-day digital technology sessions for teachers and students at primary schools in Port Hedland and Newman.