Strengths of North-West showcased at inaugural MakerX

Making in its many forms will be celebrated this Sunday, 18 August, during a first-of-its-kind event presented in Burnie for National Science Week.

MakerX Burnie is a collaboration between the University of Tasmania, Burnie City Council, the Tasmanian Minerals, Manufacturing and Energy Council and Bitlink.

The inaugural festival aims to immerse the North-West community in the disciplines of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics), by connecting them with a vibrant line-up of ‘makers’.

Between 11 am–3 pm, there will be demonstrations, hands-on activities, workshops and more than 70 exhibitors showcasing their innovations, products and practices.

Visitors can try their hand at coding robots, crafting felt flowers, conducting science experiments using household items and practising welding in a realistic setting.

There will be virtual reality equipment, drones, 3D-printed armour, wearable paper art, local produce and an arcade space with video games built by Tasmanian developers.

The region’s manufacturing success will be visible through larger-than-life designs, while fuel systems designed and built in the State, and used in Las Vegas taxis, will be displayed.

The very first Burnie Derby will be getting into gear on the day where model cars created by children will be tested on an elevated 10 metre-long racetrack.

Lyndal Bond from the University of Tasmania said MakerX was a unique community event for both the young and young and heart.

“MakerX is a celebration of making in all its forms, and a fun, engaging way to promote local participation in learning for everyone,” Ms Bond said.

“The event is an opportunity for our North-West community to discover and learn from our talented makers – fittingly, right here in the City of Makers.

“We are thrilled by the level of support shown by exhibitors with many going above and beyond to ensure the event offers an unforgettable experience, such as Fairbrother and Stubbs Construction, who have designed and built our international-standard Burnie Derby race track.”

The next generation of makers will also be sharing their talents through interactive local school displays.

MakerX is supported by a National Science Week grant.

It will be running at the Burnie Arts and Function Centre on Sunday, 18 August, between 11 am–3 pm.

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