Mackay Meet the Cre8tive Dreamtime Makers
MACKAY PRIMARY SCHOOL STUDENTS EXPLORE AUSTRALIA’S FIRST NATION MANUFACTURING AND ENGINEERING CONCEPTS THANKS TO INDUSTRY RECONCILIATION INVESTMENT
Images thanks to, Tai Bobongie | taibobongie.com
Primary students in Mackay explore Indigenous Australian engineering and manufacturing concepts which incorporates the fundamentals of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths (STEAM) thanks to industry corporate social investment into reconciliation.
Queensland Manufacturing Institute (QMI) has partnered with Cre8tive Nations, to showcase our first nations people’s culture and histories, to understand how some of the most innovative engineering and manufacturing methods were created, designed and constructed over the past 65,000 years.
QMI with Cummins, proudly sponsored this education event ‘Meet the Makers of Crea8tive Dreamtime’ for students in Years 2 to 4 at Andergrove State Primary and included Victoria Park State Primary School in Mackay on Friday.
QMI’s Corporate Social Investment Manager Jules McMurtrie, said: “This project will inspire and activate a greater depth of understanding and acknowledgment of how important First Nation cultural learning is in our Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Maths (STEAM) curriculum in schools.”
Students attended the one-day STEM education experience learning how the oldest technologies, instruments, weapons and structures on earth were created, designed and constructed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples including the Boomerang being the first piece of Aerospace engineering.
“This stimulating workshop ensures indigenous and non-indigenous are informed of these important connections for true reconciliation and respect in our classrooms. It's an exciting time to celebrate and move forward together” said Jules from QMI.
Presented by First Nation educational facilitators at Cre8tive Nations, students will examine how the Boomerang, Didgeridoo, Fish Traps, Land Care and Dugout Canoe all represent the innovative and sustainable use of engineering and manufacturing methods, from a historical, cultural and STEM education perspective.
Cre8tive Nations spokesperson Dita Southwood said: “Our STEM educators are dedicated to sharing our first nations perspectives and stories. We’re excited to put a spotlight on and honour our 65,000 yearlong manufacturing and engineering history and embed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives in these communities and classrooms.”
Cummins Corporate Responsibility Leadership Champion for Asia Pacific, Merritt Becker said ‘I’m amazed how they connect the history of innovation and creativity of first nations people to current manufacturing and engineering concepts and inventions. It really shows young people just how attainable a pursuit in these disciplines can be. I hope our partnership fosters big dreams and inspires action. This program will make a difference’ said on the QMI partnership and Meet the Cre8tive Dreamtime Maker Program.
