Bendigo Discovery Centre weighs federal STEM grant bid, plans accessibility upgrades
Bendigo’s Discovery Science and Technology Centre is weighing a bid for a newly announced federal grants program, with its general manager outlining a “massive wish-list” to make the heritage venue more accessible and inclusive.
General manager Alissa Van Soest said the centre is considering whether to apply for Community STEM Engagement Grants for 2026 recently announced by Senator Tim Ayres, the federal Minister for Science, Industry and Innovation. During a visit to the centre on May 6 with Member for Bendigo Lisa Chesters, she said physical upgrades would be among the first priorities.
“We have a massive wish-list of all the incredible things we wish we could do,” Van Soest said. “We want to make it a more accessible and comfortable space. Being an old railway goods shed, it gets pretty cold in winter and pretty warm in summer.
We’d love to make it a space where people feel welcome all year round.” She added the centre also wants more exhibits that include people from different backgrounds and stronger outreach to community groups. Some of those ambitions could be within reach if the centre applies for the Community STEM Engagement Grants for 2026.
The program offers grants between $20,000 and $100,000 from a $2 million pool, with applications open from May 6 for six weeks. The Discovery Centre has already benefited from the program. It received $98,000 in the 2024 round to expand its Curious Kids program, run with Goldfield Libraries, to 11 sites across central Victoria.
The sessions introduce basic science concepts to children aged three to five by combining story time with playful, hands-on activities. Over the past 15 months, the program has delivered more than 120 workshops to almost 2000 children across regional Victoria.
Ayres said it is vital young people in regional areas have the same access to science and technology facilities as those in cities.
“This grant program delivers that access, and the Bendigo Discovery Centre is a living example,” he said, adding that “over 2000 regional Victorians have had access to science and engineering inspiration because of their great work.” Chesters said she has seen strong enthusiasm for learning among local children and wants Bendigo students to be able to see pathways into science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
“As a mum of two kids, I know how much they love coming to the Discovery Centre and how much Bendigo loves this space,” she said. The centre’s leadership has not yet decided whether to apply for the latest round, but Van Soest signalled any future funding would be directed first toward making the site more comfortable and welcoming year-round, and toward programming that broadens the reach of its exhibits and community engagement.