Campbelltown City Council has won two Local Government Excellence awards for is IT & Biscuits and Little Scientist (STEM) programs.
Council was recognised for 13 projects across seven categories at the awards night, held at Doltone House, Sydney last Thursday.
The IT & Biscuits program encourages adults in the community to visit libraries and learn about technology in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere while enjoying a cup of tea and biscuits.
IT & Biscuits started in 2013 and since then it has helped more than 1,200 participants to become confident using technology, including computers, email, internet, mobile phones and social media.
The Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) workshops are the result of a partnership between council and Little Scientists Australia.
The workshops offer hands-on STEM education and activities for educators or teachers working with children aged three to six.
The aim of the workshops is to give early childhood educators the confidence the confidence to explore STEM subjects using existing, low cost, everyday materials.
Mayor of Campbelltown, Cr George Brticevic, said he was proud that such worthwhile council initiatives had been recognised at the awards.
“Technology continues to develop at a rapid pace, and it can be hard to keep up with it all,” he said.
“The free IT & Biscuits program offers adults an opportunity to keep up with the latest developments in technology in a supportive, friendly environment.
“Demand for this program is high due to our increasing ageing population as well as the number of people who do not have access to computers or the internet at home.
“The program encourages people to come and ask questions that they may be too embarrassed to ask salespeople, family or friends.”
Cr Brticevic said the aim of the STEM workshops was to encourage daily scientific exploration with young children.
“Children need to be given the opportunity to explore the world in a nurturing and playful setting that boosts their natural eagerness to learn,” he said.
“The overarching goal is to enable access to high quality education for all children from an early age.
“Congratulations to all the council staff involved in the development and running of this program, which is of great benefit to our community.”
