Christopher Abbott is a philanthropist and founder of the Abbott foundation. His work towards supporting early childhood education in Australia lead to the inception of the Boilerhouse Discovery Space and continues to support its development. Dr Kirsti Abbott is a scientist and science communicator, and is the Program Leader of UNE Discovery. Kirsti has managed the design and development of the Boilerhouse. In this final episode of Season One of Curiosity Built the Boilerhouse we hear about how this journey started, and what we can expect to see in the future. Find out more about the Boilerhouse Discovery Space Music: ‘Phat in the Flat’ by Podington Bear (Used under licence - Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0)

Rebekah Collins is the manager of SparkLab at the Queensland Museum. SparkLab is a hands-on interactive science centre that invites visitors to explore, experiment, and learn through self-guided experiences. In this interview we talk about how Rebekah and her team went about designing SparkLab from scratch, and how they decided what kind of experiences they wanted visitors to have. We also talk about the challenges of running a hands-on science centre in a post-pandemic world where cleanliness and sanitisation is a constant concern.  Find out more about SparkLab Find out more about the Boilerhouse Discovery Space Music: ‘Phat in the Flat’ by Podington Bear (Used under licence - Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0)

Lorien Parker founded SciencePlay Kids to inspire young children by showing them that science is everywhere and in everything. After beginning her career as a medical research scientist, Lorien decided to change gears and become a small business owner bringing science education experiences to communities in Victoria. In this interview we chat the challenges involved in a research career that made Lorien decide to change directions and embark on her new mission. We also chat about how understanding scientific principles can empower kids to create and explore the world around them. Find out more about SciencePlay Kids Find out more about the Boilerhouse Discovery Space Music: ‘Phat in the Flat’ by Podington Bear (Used under licence - Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0)

Jackie Randles is the NSW Manager of Inspiring Australia, a government backed initiative to create meaningful connections between scientists and society. Often this takes the form of science themed events that invite communities to come along, learn about science, meet a real scientist and get to know what real science is like. In this interview we talk about Jackie’s working bringing together Regional Science Hubs, groups of individuals and organisations that work together to present science events to regional communities across NSW. Find out more about Inspiring Australia Find out more about the Boilerhouse Discovery Space Music: ‘Phat in the Flat’ by Podington Bear (Used under licence - Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0)

Dr Dorothy Smith is the head of STEM education at the University of New England. In this interview we talk about the challenges of teaching STEM in the face of student disengagement, and rampant misinformation. We also talk about how effective science education lies in making concepts relatable and relevant to students. Having recently joined UNE, Dorothy is looking forward to collaborating with teachers and researchers in the New England region. Find out more about the Boilerhouse Discovery Space Music: ‘Phat in the Flat’ by Podington Bear (Used under licence - Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0)

Naomi Blakey is the Cultural Collections Officer for Tamworth Regional Council. In this interview we talk about the Tamworth Powerstation Museum, a volunteer run, community driven museum that celebrates the history of electricity. Naomi takes us on a tour through the museum’s collections and tells some of the stories behind the collections. We also chat about the mammoth task of moving collections into online repositories and the challenges of running cultural institutions and public spaces during a global pandemic. Find out more about Tamworth Powerstation Museum Find out more about the Boilerhouse Discovery Space Music: ‘Phat in the Flat’ by Podington Bear (Used under licence - Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0)

Kathy Stubberfield founded Twisted Science, or the Scientwists as it was known then, back in 2005, doing kids science shows. Fifteen years later Twisted Science has a science centre in Echuca in regional Victoria, and is now expanding its horizons and opening a new science centre in Melbourne. Laura Snow is the Operations Manager of Twisted Science in Echuca oversees the management of their custom designed interactive science centre. In this interview we chat about the importance of bringing science education to underserved regional communities and the challenges of communicating complex science to diverse communities. Find out more about Twisted Science Find out more about the Boilerhouse Discovery Space Music: ‘Phat in the Flat’ by Podington Bear (Used under licence - Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0)

Alissa Van Soest is a science communicator at the Discovery Science and Technology Centre in Bendigo, Victoria. In this interview Alissa takes us on a tour through the centre and its immersive educational experiences. We talk about the challenges of balancing education and entertainment in science outreach, and how science education isn’t just about understanding complex topics, but learning how to ask questions, solve problems and challenge your own boundaries. Find out more about the Discovery Science and Technology Centre Find out more about the Boilerhouse Discovery Space Music: ‘Phat in the Flat’ by Podington Bear (Used under licence - Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0)

Jared Wilkins is the Senior Manager of National Programs at Questacon, Australia’s National Science and Technology Centre. In this interview we talk about how Questacon’s programs extend far beyond the building itself and include nationwide touring shows and experiences including the Shell Questacon Science Circus and the Questacon Invention Convention. We also talk about how their diverse programs and activities can form life-long relationships between Questacon and the communities they support. Find out more about Questacon Find out more about the Boilerhouse Discovery Space Music: ‘Phat in the Flat’ by Podington Bear (Used under licence - Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0)

Bobby Cerini is the Director of Science and Learning at Questacon, Australia’s National Science and Technology Centre. In this interview we talk about the mammoth challenge of managing such an expansive and iconic institution, and the responsibilities that come with this role. We also talk about how science centres cannot operate in isolation, and how science centres across Australia can all contribute to one big ‘ecosystem’ bringing education and inspiration across the country. Find out more about Questacon Find out more about the Boilerhouse Discovery Space Music: ‘Phat in the Flat’ by Podington Bear (Used under licence - Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0)

Tony Okely is the Director of Research at Early Start at the University of Wollongong. In this interview we talk about how the researchers and academics of Early Start work within the Early Start Discovery Space to research kids learning and development. Tony’s research focusses on understanding children’s physical development and activity. We talk about the challenges facing kids today and how getting active can provide significant benefits for kids’ physical, mental, and social development. Find out more about Early Start Find out more about the Boilerhouse Discovery Space Music: ‘Phat in the Flat’ by Podington Bear (Used under licence - Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0)

Galia Urquhart is the director of Yarm Gwanga, an early childhood centre at the University of New England providing day-care to the New England community. In this interview we talk about how Yarm Gwanga’s refurbished outdoor play space embraces nature play and encourages kids to get outside and get their hands dirty. We also chat about the challenges of providing childcare during the coronavirus pandemic and how it has affected their daily practices. Find out more about Yarm Gwanga Find out more about the Boilerhouse Discovery Space Music: ‘Phat in the Flat’ by Podington Bear (Used under licence - Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0)

John Marsden is the Principal of both Candlebark School and the Alice Miller School in regional Victoria. Having spent much of his career working with kids and in schools, and getting more and more frustrated with the limitations of the school system, John Marsden finally had the opportunity to open his own schools and provide children with a unique learning experience with real-life experiences at the core of their teaching approach. In this interview we talk about how schools have an enormous responsibility to foster strong, creative and resilient children. Find out more about the Candlebark School and the Alice Miller School Find out more about the Boilerhouse Discovery Space Music: ‘Phat in the Flat’ by Podington Bear (Used under licence - Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0)

John Stewart is the conductor of the Living School in Lismore, NSW. The Living School was established with one simple goal in mind – to be different. In this interview we chat about how schools are a ‘monoculture’ and how offering unique learning experiences are essential for engaging kids and their families in the school system. We also talk about what it’s like starting a school from scratch, and all the unexpected challenges that came with the Living School opening its doors at the beginning of 2020. Find out more about the Living School Find out more about the Boilerhouse Discovery Space Music: ‘Phat in the Flat’ by Podington Bear (Used under licence - Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0)

Kristin Alford is the Director of the Museum of Discovery at the University of South Australia. The Museum of Discovery is a future focussed museum that tackles some of the biggest issues facing society. In this interview we talk about how the museum’s immersive experiences come to life by bringing together science, art and storytelling. We also talk about how the Museum acts as a vibrant conduit between the University of South Australia and the general public. Find out more about the Museum of Discovery Find out more about the Boilerhouse Discovery Space Music: ‘Phat in the Flat’ by Podington Bear (Used under licence - Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0)

Stuart Creal is the Director of Science Space at the University of Wollongong. In this interview we talk about how Stuart’s career path has taken him from being a boat builder in the UK, to being the Director of Australia’s most popular regional science centre. We also talk about what makes for a great science centre activity and the importance of holding on to low-tech ‘retro’ experiences as an escape from the high-tech digital world we live in. Find out more about Science Space Find out more about the Boilerhouse Discovery Space Music: ‘Phat in the Flat’ by Podington Bear (Used under licence - Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0)

Ben Newsome is the founder of Fizzics Education, a science education company that brings science shows and experiences to communities across Australia. In this interview we talk about how Ben has grown the company from one person and a ute doing birthday parties on the weekend, to an award winning team with offices in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Canberra. We also talk about how Ben approaches the challenge of distilling a complex scientific concept into an accessible and educational hands-on activity. Find out more about Fizzics Education Find out more about the Boilerhouse Discovery Space Music: ‘Phat in the Flat’ by Podington Bear (Used under licence - Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0)

Martha Johnson is the manager of education and experiences at Early Start Discovery Space at the University of Wollongong. In this interview Martha takes us on a journey through the Early Start Discovery Space and the experiences waiting for kids and their families inside. We also talk about how parents and teachers can enhance play-based learning by getting involved themselves, and letting kids take the lead, guiding the grown-ups through play. Find out more about the Early Start Discovery Space Find out more about the Boilerhouse Discovery Space Music: ‘Phat in the Flat’ by Podington Bear (Used under licence - Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0)

Adam Sellinger is the Director of Children’ Discovery, an organisation dedicated to bringing playful learning experiences to children and their families across Australia. In this interview we talk about how Children’s Discovery began with a mission to build an immersive children’s museum. This mission eventually transpire with the construction of Early Start Discovery Space at the University of Wollongong. We also talk about what makes for a great play-space experience, and how to design interactive kids’ activities. Find out more about Children’s Discovery Find out more about the Boilerhouse Discovery Space Music: ‘Phat in the Flat’ by Podington Bear (Used under licence - Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0)

Stephen Long is the Principal Architect for the Boilerhouse Discovery Space. He and his colleagues at Architectus, along with their partner James Cubitt Architects, will be bringing this state of the art discovery space to reality. In this interview we talk about how Stephen and his team will be turning a decommissioned industrial building into an inspiring play space for kids in regional NSW. We also talk about how architects work and collaborate to bring their clients’ visions to life. Find out more about Architectus Find out more about the Boilerhouse Discovery Space Music: ‘Phat in the Flat’ by Podington Bear (Used under licence - Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0)