Paper planes take off in Burnie

Technology meets traditional paper plane making this week as, students from the Burnie area participate in paper plane making workshops and competitions, thanks to the support of our Bank of useful ideas initiative.

The workshops, led by award winning STEM teacher, Daniel Edwards, will provide students with an opportunity to gain greater understanding of STEM impacts on aeronautics.  Burnie Arts Council tutors will be on hand to assist students to creatively develop their designs.

The workshops will be held at the UTAS Cradle Coast Campus, with the assistance of the Children’s University. The initiative acknowledges Burnie’s heritage as a centre for paper making and looks ahead to the future.

Bank of us CEO Paul Ranson said the bank was proud to be involved with this project as part of its commitment to support Tasmanian communities.

“As a customer owned bank, we want to make a difference to the health and wellbeing of our community, this is a fantastic project that brings together creativity, design and history.”

Students who have demonstrated strong engagement with the project will be invited to attend an open day at the Wynyard Aero Club at Burnie Airport on Saturday 23 September. They will get to talk to real pilots, tour the hanger, sit in a plane and share a BBQ lunch. The paper planes will be put to the test as a monster fly-off to be ‘called’ by Burnie City Councillor, Chris Lynch.

During school holidays in October there will also be a screening of the film ‘Paper Planes’ at the Burnie Cinema.

The Bank of useful ideas has run since 2019, supporting creative ideas in our community. From a reading challenge in Burnie; a sustainability hub at Bayview Secondary College through to a beautifully painted toilet block in Rosny, we’re proud to have brought some fantastic ideas to life.

From 2023, we’re focusing on the delivery of our Impact Strategy, with a priority on supporting Tasmanians to improve their financial literacy.