An aspiring young inventor has been selected to attend a national convention in Canberra, run
by Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre.
Ava Weymans, 14, from Moruya will join 24 other young Australians from across the country to
participate in the National Questacon Invention Convention.
The five-day National Questacon Invention Convention provides young Australians with a
practical insight into innovation and entrepreneurship. Working with Questacon facilitators and
innovators, inventors and entrepreneurs from around Australia, students will have the
opportunity to turn their ideas into reality. The program allows delegates to make stronger
connections between science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) skills, career
opportunities and commercial enterprise.
“I’m excited to be selected to attend the National Questacon Invention Convention, this is an
amazing opportunity to meet like-minded people and work with some of Australia’s leading
innovators and entrepreneurs,” Ms Weymans said. In 2018 Ms Weymans attended a
Questacon Smart Skills touring workshop.
“The program really showed me how amazing design, technology, and innovation can be – I just
wanted to do more. When the National Invention Convention opportunity came up I jumped at
the chance.”
The delegates at the National Questacon Invention Convention will attend workshops to
develop their creative design and innovation skills. This year the delegates will develop a
prototype to address problems and opportunities around the theme of ‘Liveable Communities’.
Questacon Senior Manager, National Programs, Ms Tamara Niznik, said “The National
Questacon Invention Convention will provide delegates an opportunity to explore the wide
range of STEM career pathways available. Delegates will be given the opportunity to work with
leaders in innovation to develop their own prototypes and ideas.”
“The week-long National Questacon Invention Convention aims to inspire future innovators and
encourage them to develop creative thinking skills, critical to Australia’s economic future,” Ms
Niznik said.
The National Questacon Invention Convention takes place from 14 – 18 January 2019 at The
Ian Potter Foundation Technology Learning Centre in Canberra. The program will conclude with
a showcase event to be attended by delegates and invited guests.
The National Questacon Invention Convention is part of the $14.5 million Questacon Smart
Skills Initiative, funded by the Australian Government in partnership with The Ian Potter
Foundation.
