I don’t normally post anything particularly personal on LinkedIn, but this is something I feel strongly enough about to make an exception.
At
MYOB, I'm fortunate to see first-hand how technology — specifically
MYOB Acumatica — can improve businesses through better data, processes and decisions.
But what often gets overlooked, is that behind every improvement are people: the finance team spending less time fighting spreadsheets; the engineer solving a complex problem; the programmer building what comes next; the healthcare professional improving someone’s life; and the tradesperson designing, building or maintaining the things we rely on every day.
These aren’t just jobs. They’re people using skills, creativity and ideas to make a difference. And it got me thinking: What happens if we don’t give enough kids the opportunity to become those people?
My family and I recently moved to Tasmania. As a proud dad to a four-year-old daughter, I’ve started thinking more about the opportunities our kids will have tomorrow.
The numbers tell an important story. Around 53% of Tasmanian young people achieve a Year 12 qualification or equivalent, compared with 76% nationally. At the same time, Australia needs more people across engineering, technology, health, construction and the trades.
The issue isn’t necessarily ability. It’s opportunity.
That’s why I’ve become involved in building
Inspired Mind Lab with a group of people who share this belief.
Our idea is simple: open doors for kids, regardless of postcode.
We’re starting in Tasmania, creating accessible STEAMM experiences — Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics and Medicine — where kids can experiment, build, create, problem-solve and discover what they’re capable of.
For one child, that might mean finding something they love. For another, building confidence. For another, planting the seed of a career they never knew existed.
Maybe the biggest benefit isn’t what we teach a child today. It’s what we make possible for them tomorrow.
Every child deserves the chance to find out what they could become. I’d love to see a future where their postcode doesn’t decide whether they get that chance.
Watch this space.....
#Education #STEM #STEAMM #Tasmania #FutureWorkforce #EducationEquity #InspiredMindLab