City of Greater Bendigo is not just Discovery’s land lord, but also a major supporter of the centre with ongoing funding the help with operational costs.  As our land lord, the council covers the majority of the maintenance costs to keep the historic railway goods shed we call home in good shape.  The council has been one of Discovery’s biggest supporters since our inception 26 years ago. Visit bendigo.vic.gov.au to find out more about the City of Greater Bendigo.

La Trobe University Bendigo are a significant supporter of Discovery, and with the roll out of the Bendigo Technical High School on their campus, the science and technology link is stronger than ever. La Trobe is represented on our active Education Committee, and three members of the Discovery board are from La Trobe. This is a symbiotic relationship, with Discovery running science & technology programs for La Trobe pre-service Primary teachers and sharing science communication skills on the Technical High School Curriculum Committee. Visit latrobe.edu.au to find out more about La Trobe University.

Department of Education STEM Unit – is supporting Discovery in two ways in 2018 and 2019.  Firstly, DET has funded the renovation of Discovery’s Auditorium.  This space is used by community groups like Bendigo District Astronomical Society and Coder Dojo, and also is available for hire.  Funds replaced the carpets, upgraded the lighting and AV systems and helped reduce sound leakage from surrounding spaces.  Secondly, DET is funding a position in early childhood learning.  The funds are being used to engage a teacher who is running professional development for early childhood educators and designing programs for children both in Discovery and via the DET internet portal across Victoria. Visit education.vic.gov.au to find out more about VicSTEM.

During 2018, Gandel Philanthropy has partnered with Discovery to deliver educational programs to communities across central Victoria.  A three day community incursion will involve science & technology workshops for primary students, professional development for teachers and a grand finale community event including some of the highlights of Discovery’s science shows along with a chance for families to experience some of the hands-on activities students did during the week.  Gandel Philanthropy will fund Discovery incursions into two communities.  In the past, Gandel Philanthropy has supported an upgrade of The Lab learning space.  Visit gandelphilanthropy.org.au to find out more about Gandel Philanthropy.

William Buckland Foundation is our funding partner for a program we call educating educators.  While developing hands-on interactive workshops, Discovery has identified demand to help build teacher skills in enquiry-based learning techniques.  Our science communicators will deliver professional development not just in Bendigo, but take our program to school communities in more remote parts of central and northwestern Victoria. Visit eqt.com.au to find out more about the William Buckland Foundation.

Helen MacPherson Smith Trust – has funded a strategic planning project for Discovery.  During the first half of 2018, Discovery will engage education, science museum and architectural authorities to draft a Master Plan for the Discovery Centre.  While visitor numbers are growing, the most common feedback from Discovery users is that the exhibit floor is looking tired and needs a revamp.  The master plan created with the support of the Helen MacPherson Smith Trust will be used to inspire government, corporate and philanthropic organisations to invest in Discovery’s future. Visit hmstrust.org.au to find out more about Helen MacPherson Smith Trust.

John T Reid Charitable Trusts have provided three years of funding to Discovery to accomplish two things in the area of early childhood learning.  Firstly, to invest in Kaleidoscope, Discovery’s under-6 learning space which will create exhibits and activities to engage the natural scientist in children, and secondly, to deliver professional development to preservice Early Childhood Educators from both Bendigo TAFE and La Trobe University Bendigo.  Resources for families as well as kindergarten teachers and other early childhood educators will be developed.

RE Ross Trust are our partners in a three year program called the La Trobe Discovery STEM Initiative.  Put simply, the program is designed to increase both the confidence and competence of second year Primary pre-service teachers in delivering innovative and engaging science programs to Primary students.  RE Ross supports the program by funding school visits to Discovery where pre-service teachers engage with students, and supporting the writing of workshops which link Discovery activities with the nationally recognised Primary Connections curriculum. Visit rosstrust.org.au to find out more about R.E. Ross Trust.

The Department of Education and Training has supported Discovery to provide inclusive and accessible STEM education to rural, regional, and remote schools throughout Victoria for many years. Their ongoing support has provided thousands of students with access to hands-on, exciting, and engaging STEM programs that inspire and nurture scientific curiosity.