New grant to benefit region’s whiz kids

YOUNG people in Toowoomba have the chance to learn about creating internet-connected devices, thanks to a financial boost from the Energex-Ergon Community Fund.

Canvas Coworking is seeking applications for a series of 12 free workshops starting next month that will show participants how to set up a Long Range Wide Area Network and build and code internetconnected devices.

Energy Minister Anthony Lynham said the $5000 allocation for the workshops was among 25 grants totalling more than $100,000 awarded to groups across Queensland.

“Coding is the new literacy, and it’s critical that young Queenslanders have these skills as part of their quality education in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM),” Dr Lynham said.

“STEM knowledge, including coding and robotics, prepares our young people for the jobs of the future, which is why the Palaszczuk Government has invested so strongly in STEM, and coding, including establishing an online hub to develop schoolteachers’ skills in coding.”

The funds will support workshops on Saturdays during school terms from August to June next year.

Canvas Coworking community manager Joy Taylor said the funding would benefit the current and next generation across a multitude of industries, from applications in agriculture, manufacturing, resource management, environment, transport and logistics, education, entertainment, health and wellness to finance.

For more information, visit canvascoworking.com.au or following CoderDojo Toowoomba on Facebook.