There’s a $50,000 diamond in Emerald. You can find it at the Central Highlands Science Centre. An anonymous private donation of $50,000 has been made to the non-profit hands-on learning facility in the name of a local prominent scientist, Dr. Jim (R.J.) Diamond, to fund what’s known as “kitchen sink” science. The Centre, located in the former Emerald Post Office building, is open to children and adults who want to learn about science and technology in everyday life.

The Science Centre, sponsored by the Emerald Shire Council and Central Queensland University (CQU), is committed to bringing science to residents and students of rural Queensland. “Of course we – the Council and CQU – want to help inspire and develop career opportunities for young people and get them interested in science, but the Centre also links science, technology, the arts, industry and researchers together. It’s a community within a community,” said Anne Gribbin, Executive Director of the Central Queensland University Foundation.

Queensland Government has also donated $11,000 to the fund in recognition of Dr. Diamond’s scholastic achievements and dedication to science.

Diamond, a mathematician who worked in the international aerospace industry, was educated at Hall Infants’, Boys’ Central State (now Central Park), and Rockhampton State High Schools. He was also the first ward of the State to win a scholarship to University of Queensland. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in 1937 and his PhD is Mathematics and Physics at the California Institute of Technology in 1951.

====Photo above: Dr Jim (R.J) Diamond.==== Diamond’s brother, Ron, says it’s important to encourage Central Queenslanders to become interested in the wonders and practical application of science. “For Jim, science transcended all. And the Science Centre at Emerald is the only one of its kind in all of Australia outside a capital city.” More than 1200 people, mostly students, have explored the Centre since it was relocated from the small mining town of Capella to Emerald in 1998. A web-based project is currently underway to link the Centre to CQU and other science resource facilities in Australia and around the world. Continued financial support from private individuals and businesses is essential to keep young minds active and interested in the sciences, especially at this unique learning facility. Your donations to the fund or offers of support can be made via the Central Queensland Foundation on 07 4923 2508.

If you would like more information about a hands-on science experience, call the Central Highlands Science Centre at 07 4987 6513.