We Inspire & Nurture Scientific Curiosity
The Discovery Science & Technology Centre is a not for profit incorporated association. Officially established on 31 October 1995, Discovery was Australia’s first science and technology centre outside of a major metropolitan area.
The concept of a science centre in Bendigo was fostered by the Industry and Education Consortium and was strongly supported by the Government of Victoria and the City of Greater Bendigo.
This and other significant corporate support allowed Discovery to open in the heritage listed Railway Goods Building, a building externally restored for the City of Greater Bendigo by Woolworths Limited.
Each year Discovery sees more than 30,000 visitors come through its doors.
Contact us
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Board of Management
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Sponsors & Supporters
Our History
2O22
Bendigo Business Awards
Won the Community minded business award.
2O2O
new solar installed!
new solar installed! (supported by City of Greater Bendigo, Powerhub, Bendigo Sustainability group)
2O19
Slide upgrades
Slide upgrades, new surface motion sensor projector
2O18
refurbished Kaleidoscope
Premier Daniel Andrews launched the refurbished Kaleidoscope space in March 2018 (supported by John T Reid Charitable trust and the Department of Education and Training)
2O17
Auditorium Upgrade
Auditorium Upgrade (supported by the Department of Education and Training )
2O16
Mini beast
Discovery’s mini beast section opened
2O15
Discovery become’s independent
Discovery became independent from the City of Greater Bendigo’s Heritage Trust on the 18 July 2015 and Discovery reopened under the direct control of Bendigo Science and Technology Museum Board.
2O13
Upgrades to Discovery’s lab
Upgrades to Discovery’s lab (supported by Gandel foundation and La Trobe University)
2O1O/11
Replaced planetarium dome
Canvas planetarium dome replaced with an aluminium dome.
2OO9/1O
Ames room developed
(A room without a single 90 degree angle, sponsored by Coliban Water, explores perception and the relative size of objects)
2OO8
Sidewalk Astronomy
Forming a partnership with the Bendigo District Astronomical Society in June 2008, the beginning of “Sidewalk Astronomy”
2OO5
Kaleidescope established
Kaleidescope established in 2005, funding provided by Ian Potter foundation Kaleidescope is the first “long-term zone”.
2OO3
Funding for new exhibits
Received funding from the Federal Government Innovation Awareness Strategy for new exhibits.
2OOO/O1
December
Imaginarium Science Centre
Assisted with the development of the Imaginarium Science Centre in Devonport Tasmania (Now closed), sent over 55 exhibits and assisted in their assembly.
1995
December
Discovery Science & Technology Centre opened
Discovery Science & Technology Centre opened in October 1995 after more than a year’s development and fundraising. The project was driven by local educators and others calling themselves the “Industry and Education Consortium” and embraced by the then Commissioners of the newly formed City of Greater Bendigo, who in two stages secured grants from the Victorian government for half of the $1m raised to establish the centre.