Thousands of Queensland primary school children will get to know Look up and live Lucy, Technical Tyler and Electro Ethan next week as part of an annual electricity safety campaign.
Speaking from Aspley State School on Brisbane’s northside today, Energy Minister Dr Anthony Lynham said Lucy, Tyler and Ethan helped children learn all about electricity, including the everyday hazards they need to avoid.
“Safety Heroes teaches practical lessons about the safe use of electrical appliances, what to do if you see fallen powerlines and the importance of keeping drones, kites and helium balloons well away from the electricity network,” he said.
“Feedback from parents is that the lessons these children are learning in the classroom are passed on at home, to younger siblings and even adult relatives.
“A great example came from a mum who was charging her tablet while in the bath and was impressed when she got a lecture from her son about the fact that electricity and water don’t mix.”
Energex and Ergon run the program, which provides schools a range of free resources featuring the three heroes, including teaching materials aligned with the Queensland curriculum, interactive whiteboard lessons and demonstrationsfor Year 6 students.
It also designed to generate interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, (STEM).
Local Member for Aspley Bart Mellish said early education was essential to protect our youngest Queenslanders, help grow a healthy respect and appreciation for electricity and foster a love of science and technology for the future.
“As always, the ‘show and tell’ approach works best, and the experiments are designed to spark interest in the science behind electricity,” Mr Mellish said.
“Electricity is such a fundamental part of our lives, it’s easy to take it for granted.
“But through the Safety Heroes program, Aspley State School students can make that connection to STEM, understanding the importance and possible dangers of electricity – because it really is wonderful and dangerous at the same time.”
Safety Heroes kicks off each year during Electricity Safety Week (2-6 September).
Area Manager Chris Graham said the Safety Heroes program was also an opportunity for volunteers from Ergon and Energex to make a powerful connection with their communities by leading presentations at local schools and kindergartens.
“I’m proud to be part of it because we’re empowering kids to become safety heroes by giving them essential tips to stay safe around electricity in the home and in the community, especially during storm season when they’re more likely to come across fallen powerlines,” he said.
