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A better future for all Australians through engagement with science and innovation
MEDIA RELEASE
27 January 2010
Questacon’s longest serving volunteer honoured in Australia Day Awards
Mrs Jenny Wanless OAM, Questacon — The National Science and Technology Centre’s,
longest serving volunteer explainer, yesterday received the Medal of the Order of
Australia for her service to science through her voluntary roles with Questacon and to the
Nature and Society Forum.
“On behalf of everyone here at Questacon, staff and volunteers, I take great pleasure in
congratulating Jenny on her Australia Day Award.
“This Award not only recognises her personal contribution to science, but also reflects the
dedication of all members of Questacon’s Volunteer Explainer Program,” said Questacon
Director, Professor Graham Durant.
Mrs Wanless, who has a science degree in geology, started volunteering in March 1981,
when Questacon was based in some spare space at Ainslie Public School. At one stage
volunteering was a family affair, with her two sons and daughter also becoming volunteer
explainers.
“It is fitting that Jenny has received her award this year, as 2010 is the 30th Anniversary
of the Questacon Volunteer Explainer Program. Jenny is just one of the many skilled and
passionate volunteers who have contributed to Questacon’s growth and success over the
last 30 years,” said Professor Durant.
Since 1980, over 4000 volunteers have been Questacon Volunteer Explainers.
Questacon currently has a dedicated team of 80 Volunteer Explainers contributing over
8,000 hours to the Centre each year. Volunteer Explainers enhance the visitor’s
experience by providing science explanations, demonstrations and running discovery
trolleys. Questacon’s schools volunteers training program provides training in science,
communication, presenting, teamwork and customer service and graduates are eligible to
become volunteer explainers.
Note to media:
Mrs Jenny Wanless OAM will be at Questacon today until 1.30pm
NEWS 
