The wheatbelt now has a regional science hub, the culmination of work throughout the year by a committee of local professionals. Wheatbelt Science Hub aims to ‘inspire the discovery and excitement of science’, by developing partnerships, participating in events, and promoting the work of science professionals and organisations throughout the region.
In December the hub became part of the Inspiring Australia initiative, a strategy for a more scientifically engaged Australia. In a unique approach, the hub will encompass all science disciplines, to enhance collaboration and innovation. They have an emphasis on increasing community engagement in the exciting, but often unknown, science happening in the wheatbelt.
The founding committee come from a range of areas and are (left to right):
Velu Ramasamy (Science Consultant & PEAC Program Teacher, Department of Education and Training);
Dr Guy Boggs (Program Manager, Wheatbelt NRM);
Cec McConnell (Cec McConnell Consulting);
Pamela I’Anson (Regional Director Central Region, Department of Agriculture and Food WA);
Rhiannon Bristow-Stagg (Wheatbelt Science Hub).
Other organisations such as the Wheatbelt Develoment Commission, Muresk Institute and UWA Rural Clinic School have been involved during the planning stages.
With the recent appointment of a part-time project manager they are commencing work on initiatives and events. They have partnered with the Shire of Northam, who are bringing Scitech to town from the 18th to 22nd of January 2016. There will be over ten brand new exhibits to try out in the former butchers shop, 182 Fitzgerald Street Northam.
To encourage as many people as possible, entry will be free, and the hub are encouraging locals to visit more than once during the week to enhance their learning experience.
For more information on the hub contact them by email or explore the website, which they hope to further develop. 
