October 4, 2024

Early Start Discovery Space welcomes one-millionth visitor

Milestone highlights Discovery Space’s role in inspiring young minds through innovative, hands-on learning experiences

Addison Micallef, 20 months old, became the one-millionth visitor to the Early Start Discovery Space when she came through the entrance gates to great fanfare and a shower of coloured confetti at 11am on Thursday 3 October 2024.

Addison and her mother, Rachel Micallef, were presented with gifts including a family membership to the Discovery Space and took part in celebrations to mark the occasion, unveiling a commemorative plaque and joining other children and their adults for a dance party in the Pod.

Rachel said it was their first visit to the Discovery Space.

“We’re meeting friends here today. We have some friends from Dubbo and some from a little bit north of here so we thought we would all meet here and have a little playdate,” she said.

“I didn’t know today was the day it was going to tick over [to one million visitors]. It was a very big surprise. It was very exciting, and a very grand entrance, to walk in and see that and celebrate the milestone with everyone here.”

“It’s a massive milestone. It’s a lot of people, a lot of mums and dads who have had that experience of coming here and being able to expose their kids to a whole wide range of big and small things for them to expand their minds and their senses.”

Addison took being the centre of attention in her stride and was keen to explore the Discovery Space’s sights and sounds and experiences.

“She loves playing and experiencing all the different things,” Rachel said.

“She is very sensory. She likes touching different things and spinning things. Having all the sensory activities here is really good. And letting her go free and lead where she wants to go is great. She’s got free range to go wherever the colours and senses take her.”

Also present to celebrate the occasion were some of the Discovery Space’s first customers. Brothers Aidan (17), Owen (15) and Lochie Vardy (11) were some of the original members and present when the Discovery Space first opened its doors to the public in 2015. They enjoyed the opportunity to come back and to relive some fond memories.

The landmark achievement of one-million visitors highlights the Early Start Discovery Space’s role in inspiring young minds through innovative, hands-on learning experiences.

The Discovery Space is the first dedicated children’s museum in the world based on a university campus. It provides interactive experiences, stimulating educational programs and learn-through-play activities for children aged birth to 10 years and their families.

All experiences are designed to allow children to take control and share their imagination and creativity with others. The environment stimulates curiosity, supports independence, encourages social interaction and promotes an inclusive community.

The Discovery Space opened its doors to its first visitors in May 2015. It was made possible through support from the Australian Government and a generous $7 million contribution from The Abbott Foundation.

Early Start Research Director Professor Lisa Kervin AM expressed her excitement over the milestone.

“Reaching one million visitors is not just a number; it represents the countless children and families who have experienced the joy of learning through play in a unique and interactive environment,” Professor Kervin said.

“We are grateful for the support from the Australian Government and The Abbott Foundation, which has made this ambitious dream a reality.”

^{Aidan Vardy, Professor Lisa Kervin, Lochie Vardy, Owen Vardy and Josef English with Addison and Rachel Micallef at the plaque to commemorate the event.} 

 

Mr Josef English, Manager of Early Start Operations, echoed this sentiment.

“Every visitor who walks through our doors is part of a community dedicated to fostering curiosity and creativity in young learners. This milestone reinforces our commitment to providing engaging and educational experiences that spark a lifelong love of learning.”

Early Start researchers are internationally recognised for their expertise in education, cognition, health and physical activity. Their findings guide and influence all educational aspects of the Discovery Space, ensuring its play-based experiences and public programs are grounded in evidence and beneficial to children’s development.

For more information about the Early Start Discovery Space and its programs, please visit:

• https://www.earlystartdiscoveryspace.edu.au/
• https://www.uow.edu.au/the-arts-social-sciences-humanities/schools-entities/early-start/