Successful industry and school presentations in Ararat on 10 April were enthusiastically received and have resulted in an invitation to make a similar presentation to industry and education groups in Ballarat and Bendigo.

A presentation introducing the Australian Synchrotron Project was made to a group of 18 Ararat regional industry representatives on Thursday 10 April 2003 at the Ararat RSL. Industries represented included TAFE, environmental, wine production, health, automotive and manufacturing industries.

The presentation was arranged by the Central Grampians Local Learning and Employment Network (LLEN).

Executive Officer, David Wheaton, said the LLEN was delighted the have arranged for Stefanie Pearce, Communications Manager, Australian Synchrotron Project to explain the project for the first time in rural Victoria.

“Interest in the project was high and very positive with many questions asked by the audience.” Mr Wheaton said.

Presentations were also made to 2 groups of VCE science students from five secondary colleges including Ararat, Horsham, Stawell, Nhill and Marian College. Lake Bolac P-12 video-taped the presentation for the schools science students. The presentations also included information provided by a Science teacher from Nhill Secondary College, Geoff Stone who had worked on an optical fibre synchrotron project in Japan.

Students asked questions about the purpose of the Synchrotron, the cost, job opportunities and environmental impact.

“This was a fabulous way to introduce students to synchrotron science which will be integrated into VCE Physics next year.” Mr Wheaton said.

A synchrotron is a large science facility designed to create intense beams of light that are used by scientists to investigate the structure of things. Australia's first national synchrotron light source will open at Monash University in 2007 and is expected to generate more than $65 million a year for the Victorian economy and create up to 2500 jobs.

Synchrotrons have helped industry to find a cure for flu, improve jet engine wear, design tiny sensors, create new fabrics and materials, and even produce better tasting chocolate.