Ekka celebrates 140 years of innovation in Queensland

The Palaszczuk Government will showcase 140 years of innovation at this year’s Ekka, with the Queensland Government precinct in the Royal International Convention Centre celebrating the Advance Queensland theme.

Minister for Innovation, Science and the Digital Economy Leeanne Enoch said today (Monday) the Ekka tradition of the bush coming to the city was a wonderful opportunity to highlight the innovative ways technology, including drones, were transforming Queensland’s agricultural industry.

“Close to 400,000 people are expected to pass through the Ekka gates over 10 days which is why we wanted to highlight some of the many innovative ways drones were being used around Queensland and the importance of science, technology, engineering and mathematics - or STEM – for the next generation of Queensland entrepreneurs,” Ms Enoch said.

“Innovation takes many forms as visitors will see at the Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation display at the Ekka.”

The Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation display has a special focus on drones, with a display highlighting the ways a number of Advance Queensland programs are supporting cutting-edge drone technology being developed and delivered in Queensland.

Visitors to the stand will get a bird’s-eye view of Queensland, with a video shot by the group She Flies featuring in the display.

She Flies, which campaigns for gender equality in STEM careers, was founded by 2015 Telstra Business Woman of the Year and scientist Dr Catherine Ball and James Cook University Townsville science lecturer Dr Karen Joyce to increase female participation in flying drones.

The Palaszczuk government awarded She Flies a $9980 Advance Queensland Engaging Science Grant to conduct drone lessons earlier this year in Cairns.

Visitors to the display can enter the draw to win one of five Parrot MAMBO drones, come face-to-digital face with Pepper the concierge robot and children will be able to build a drone using Lego as part of the free hands-on attractions at this year’s Royal Queensland Show.

Ekka-goers can visit the department’s display to discover the viewpoint of first-person video by trying on a virtual reality headset and snapping a selfie using the #AdvanceQld hashtag with the help of a giant drone-themed photo frame.

Visitors will also be able to spin two ViewMaster-style discs to display shots of Queensland, captured with drone-mounted cameras.

Advance Queensland is the Palaszczuk Government’s $420 million whole-of-government initiative, supporting jobs across a range of industry sectors.

The Royal Queensland Show runs until this Sunday and more information is available at www.ekka.com.au

ENDS

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