Coliban Water is boosting its investment in STEAM education to help nurture and develop the next generation of water and sewerage treatment experts in its own backyard.
Under new partnerships with Discovery Science and Technology Centre Bendigo and La Trobe University, Coliban Water aims to encourage and support local students to pursue a future in STEAM.
Coliban Water Chief Officer Assets and Operations, Danny McLean, said the programs – which Coliban Water will fund for an initial period of three years – are designed to spark an ongoing interest in STEAM education and open pathways for tertiary education for more local students.
“We know our future workforce will rely more heavily than ever on emerging science, technology, engineering, and maths knowledge, but will equally require creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving abilities to tackle the impact of our changing climate, ageing infrastructure, and growing populations on our communities,” Mr McLean said.
“If we can play a part in developing the expertise and knowhow we need locally, we’ll be well-placed to deliver for our customers and help prepare our young people for jobs of the future across all sectors.”
Coliban Water will partner with Discovery Science and Technology Centre Bendigo to support its Girls in STEAM program for primary school learners.
Speaking about the program, Coliban Water General Manager Discovery, Alissa Van Soest, said it had been growing confidence, building networks and creating role models in local schools for seven years.
“Coliban Water’s support means it will continue to make an impact on young women for years to come,” she said.
Mr Mclean said, “We also look forward to a new three-year partnership with La Trobe University to bring its successful senior secondary school Regional Pathways Program to our region.”
La Trobe University Pro Vice-Chancellor (Regional), Associate Professor, Melanie Bish, said Coliban Water’s commitment to the Bendigo community is reflected in its $50,000 gift towards the Pathways Program and a local Scholarship, which will assist the university’s efforts to support the journeys of students that are often underrepresented in higher education.
“Our Pathways Program aims to provide a supportive environment where students can explore their aspirations for university without the hurdles of distance, financial concerns, or academic readiness,” Assoc Prof Bish said.
“Through evidence-based strategies and local partnerships with schools, we are re-enriching the regional workforce by empowering young people from diverse backgrounds with the skills and confidence to pursue higher education in their own community.”
Mr McLean said these investments complement Coliban Water’s own STEAM pathways program launched in 2025.
“Designed to provide hands-on STEAM learning opportunities, participating Year 8 students work on-site with members of our team, undertake a mock water industry project, create and test solutions, and grow their knowledge of this important industry.
“We’re fortunate others in the region recognise the strategic importance of STEAM education in a rapidly changing world, and we welcome the opportunity to collaborate for improved education outcomes locally,” Mr McLean said.
“We know it’s important for Coliban Water, critical for our community as a whole, but vital for our kids, most of whom entering primary school today will work in a job that doesn’t even exist yet.”
