QUT PROJECTS FUNDED FOR 2009 CELEBRATIONS

THE Queensland Government will provide $19,955 in grants for two projects by the Queensland University of Technology commemorating Queensland’s 150^th birthday in 2009, Premier Peter Beattie announced today.

Mr Beattie said QUT’s Faculties of Education and Information Technology were among 45 recipients in the first round of the Queensland’s 150^th Celebrations Community Funding Program.

“QUT put forward two very compelling projects that will use technology to communicate the history and development of Queensland to the wider community,” he said.

The Faculty of Education has been granted $9,955 to develop Q150: A Children’s Gallery, an online archive to be developed by school children.

The project will allow school children from across the State to add historical information – including documents, photos, audio files and other data – to a website, thereby building a history of Queensland as told by the State’s young people.

Mr Beattie said the project would be complemented by that of the Faculty of Information Technology entitled Smart Lives which would receive a $10,000 grant.

“2009 is not just about the past, many projects will be focused on who we are now and where we’re going in the future. Smart Lives is one such project,” he said.

“Queenslanders are increasingly living digital lives. The internet and other digital technologies have become integral parts of the way we live, work and play.

“Smart Lives will give Queenslanders the opportunity to share their stories about the impact and influence on their lives of digital technology. It will serve as an online time-capsule, capturing our current digital attitudes, usage and behaviour for reflection upon in the future.”

Mr Beattie said other community groups and educational institutions would also be eligible to access funds for events and programs in 2009.

“While a number of projects with State-wide significance are being planned by the Queensland Government for 2009, we recognise that the success of the year of celebrations depends on participation at a truly grass-roots community level,” he said.

“The government has allocated $4 million to the 150^th Celebrations Community Funding Program, which will provide grants of between $2,000 and $10,000 over three rounds between now and 2009.

“I urge all communities to consider the projects they would like to undertake to mark our 150^th birthday and apply for rounds two and three of this scheme.”

Nominations for the second round of grants will open in February next year, with the third and final round opening in June 2008.

Details on the grants program are available from the Queensland’s 150^th Celebrations website – www.q150.qld.gov.au

Media Contact: Premier’s office 3224 4500