Australia's First Computer Museum Sparks Interest in ICT Careers

Australia's First Computer Museum Sparks Interest in ICT Careers


Media release - 12 May 2005

The Minister for Information and Communication Technology, Marsha Thomson today officially opened the Monash Museum of Computing History, at Monash University's Caulfield campus, the first of its kind in Australia.

"The Museum is an important centre of learning, research and professional education. It shows how fast technological development in ICT has been over the past 50 years and reinforces the exciting and diverse careers that available in the ICT field," she said.

"An appreciation of the history of computers and computer technology is an important step in promoting ICT as a viable and rewarding career path.

"The Museum goes a long way to achieving this outcome. It will provide an education program for primary and secondary school students as well as a professional development program for teachers of information technology."

The Museum showcases the impact computers have had on our culture and society, from one of the first computers in Australia, a room-sized Ferranti Sirius, purchased in 1962, to the handheld devices of today. The museum plans to supplement its current displays with an interactive "Classroom of the Future" demonstration by 2006.

"Making sure we attract the brightest and best people to ICT careers and courses has been a priority of the Bracks Government, and we are working together with educational institutes and the industry to ensure our ICT industry continues to grow and flourish," Ms Thomson said.

"Victoria has a dynamic, globally-focused ICT industry, accounting for one third of the Australian industry and worth $20.1 billion annually. A highly skilled ICT workforce will continue to be a major driver of industry growth and innovation in Victoria.

"Victoria currently produces the largest number of computing, ICT and engineering graduates of any Australian state and is internationally recognised for the quality of its training institutions. The addition of the computing museum to Monash University is another feather in Victoria's cap.

"I'm sure it will be an inspiration for school age children, sparking an interest in information technology and the opportunities it offers for the future."

The Monash Museum of Computing History is the result of collaboration between the Victorian Government, Monash University, the Australian Computer Society, Museum Victoria and relevant teaching associations.

The Monash Museum of Computing History is located at Monash University Caulfield Campus, 900 Dandenong Road, Caulfield East, B Block, Level 2, Monash Museum of Computing History.