Funding secured for the Tom Farrell Institute

The Tom Farrell Institute has successfully obtained a 2013 National Science Week grant for $15,000.

The project application was submitted by TFI Director, Tim Roberts, and will help fund the annual Hunter Valley Electric Vehicle Festival.

The purpose of the Festival is to enhance the profile of NSW and the Hunter as a centre of electric vehicle industry invocation and manufacturing. It also provides an opportunity to encourage future business and industry growth within the region.

The 2013 Festival will build on the hugely successful format of last year’s event to address the need for policy, industry and skills development as well as community support by delivering three events:

• A clean energy and transport policy workshop will run on May 10 to support planning and regional development.
• The Electric Vehicle Prize competition will be held on August 18 to build regional skills and vehicle innovation.
• An electric vehicle show will be held on October 27 at the Foreshore to showcase Hunter manufacturing.

Last year an approximate 9,000 visitors to this event brought an estimated $1.8 million to Newcastle.

For more information about the Tom Farrell Institute, visit http://www.newcastle.edu.au/research-centre/tfi/