About STEAMworks

STEAMworks is a registered, not-for-profit, independent body that is developing and delivering STEAM initiatives in the Lithgow region. It was created by The Foundations to inspire and empower young people in the Lithgow Valley region to experience education, events and career opportunities not commonly or widely offered in regional areas of Australia.

Focusing on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Maths and Medicine (or STEAM), STEAMworks draws on the rich industrial and cultural heritage of the Lithgow Valley region and will bring industry and students together to offer opportunities of hands-on learning and to develop skills in real-world applications.  The overall aim and objective is to inspire innovation in children with a passion for science, technology, engineering, arts, maths and medicine.

STEAMworks values the region’s history and seeks to facilitate community, education and employment experiences that enhance wellbeing. It does this by offering programs that are inclusive, creative, authentic, sustainable and build resilience.

Qualified, passionate scientists and educators have been engaged by STEAMworks to deliver STEAM-based education and training in line with the NSW Department of Education curriculum guidelines.

As many schools do not have the capacity or funds to facilitate the learning in these areas, this education centre at The Foundations enables teachers to take their students out of the classroom and give them a hands-on STEAM learning opportunity at STEAMworks, motivating and encouraging students to pursue STEAM-based careers.

Positioning this education centre on the historical site of the old cement works, The Foundations, allows schools and visitors to also experience the many different activities available in the one visit or on multiple occasions. Linking the history of this site and that of the local Lithgow Valley region, with STEAM education by qualified university educators, and the exposure to leading artists and musicians, STEAMworks is a unique nucleus with so much to offer the young people of this region.

The Foundations has an Artist in Residence program in place with highly accomplished metal sculptor, Harrie Fasher, permanently working from this location. Representing the Engineering and Arts aspects of STEAM, Harrie’s contemporary, monumental sculptures are made mostly from reclaimed materials. Combining art with a STEAM discipline such as science or engineering inspires discoveries and visually explains some of these concepts. Harrie’s network to the arts world is extensive and far-reaching, and she is bringing in artists from all over NSW to The Foundations on short- or long-term sub-residency placements.