Member for Port Macquarie, Robert Dwyer has welcomed a $250,000 NSW Government investment in Indigenous STEM charity Deadly Science, which will help inspire students across regional and remote New South Wales to explore careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
Mr Dwyer said the funding would provide valuable opportunities for young people, particularly girls and First Nations students to develop an interest in STEM and learn about the important role Aboriginal knowledge plays in scientific discovery and innovation.
“STEM skills are critical to Australia's future workforce and it's important that young people in regional and remote communities have access to the same opportunities as those in metropolitan areas,” Mr Dwyer said.
“Deadly Science has built an outstanding reputation for engaging students through culturally appropriate programs that combine Indigenous knowledge with modern scientific learning.
“This funding will help empower more young girls to pursue STEM pathways and give them the confidence to see themselves as future scientists, engineers, innovators and leaders.”
The investment will enable Deadly Science to deliver STEM workshops in 50 regional and remote schools across New South Wales, reaching students from Kindergarten to Year 9, with a particular focus on Years 4 to 9.
The program aims to increase awareness of STEM career opportunities while addressing the significant underrepresentation of women and Aboriginal people in STEM-related industries.
“From a personal point of view, I know how important education is to Indigenous communities. My sister is the principal of a school in the Tiwi Islands and I have seen the transformative impact that access to quality education can have on young people's lives,” Mr Dwyer said.
“That's why I welcome this investment in DeadlyScience. It will help inspire more young people, particularly girls and First Nations students to pursue STEM education and the exciting career opportunities it can create.”
Mr Dwyer said initiatives like Deadly Science were helping break down barriers and create new opportunities for future generations.
“Representation matters. When students see people from their own communities succeeding in STEM fields, it helps them believe those opportunities are available to them too.”
“Deadly Science is delivering real outcomes for young people and ensuring regional and First Nations students are equipped with the skills and aspirations needed for the jobs of tomorrow,” Mr Dwyer said.
Founded by 2020 NSW Young Australian of the Year Corey Tutt OAM, Deadly Science is led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and provides culturally appropriate STEM resources and educational programs that create pathways for students into STEM careers.
Workshops will begin in 16 regional schools during Term 4, 2026, before expanding to additional schools across NSW throughout 2027.
Mr Dwyer congratulated Deadly Science founder Corey Tutt OAM, Director Jessica Tapp and the entire Deadly Science team on securing the funding and their ongoing work supporting students across regional Australia.
Media Contact: Terry Sara 6584 0977 or 0409 834 648
Deadly Science: Rachel Peek 0418 264 072
