The Gold Industry Group will launch its second virtual Heart of Gold Discovery Trail in historic Kalgoorlie at a free community event on Saturday 9 June in conjunction with a local schools program.
Set to unlock the region’s golden past and the operations of today via the Heart of Gold Australia app, the trail will educate the next generation with a fun and interactive school program aligned to the Australian Curriculum.
As the major sponsor of the Kalgoorlie trail, Saracen Mineral Holdings Managing Director, Raleigh Finlayson, said that the company was proud to support the exciting long-term educational initiative.
“By informing students about the gold mining industry and engaging them on the opportunities and value of diversity our industry offers is key to its future success,” said Mr Finlayson.
“Innovative educational programs such as this will help us to attract interest at a grass roots level, and in turn support the sector to build a talent pipeline,” he concluded.
In addition to the trail, the Gold Industry Group has engaged new affiliate member Earth Science Western Australia (ESWA) to develop science-based lesson plans linked to the new Kalgoorlie trail as well as the existing Perth trail, with the existing HASS based lesson plans expanding to link to the Kalgoorlie trail.
ESWA Chief Executive Officer Jo Watkins said she was pleased to collaborate with the Gold Industry Group to increase the engagement of schools, teachers and students with this important industry.
“The trail is a wonderful opportunity for local and visiting students and teachers to engage with the fascinating history of the Kalgoorlie region,” said Miss Watkins.
“We hope it encourages people to get outdoors and to explore some of the fascinating geology of the area too. We look forward to working with the GIG to foster school engagement.”
The new science-based lesson plans will be live in Teacher Resources from the 9 June trail launch.
ESWA has been working with schools across WA since 2006 to deliver innovative, valuable earth sciences experiences, improve the quality of the talent pipeline and increase the awareness of the wide range of career opportunities that earth sciences provide.
Kalgoorlie’s Heart of Gold Discovery Trail will be officially opened with the unveiling of a Perth Mint sponsored replica gold bar at the starting point outside Market Arcade at 10am. Trailblazers may then embark on the self-guided interactive journey through the historic mining town, where they will discover 11 locations of golden significance via the Heart of Gold Australia app to the Museum of the Goldfields.
Participants will be wowed by augmented reality treasure hunts, fun widgets, timeless photos, vivid videos, captivating audio, and interactive games, which each offer a unique and interesting way to experience the lore and legends of Kalgoorlie.
Once completing the trail at the Museum on launch day, discoverers can claim their commemorative Heart of Gold medallion and join in the family fun activities. With the chance to meet famous sporting personalities, enter social media competitions, join in gold themed activities, and receive golden giveaways, there will be something for everyone.
In addition to the City’s new virtual trail, visitors can also use the Heart of Gold Australia app to discover points of interest across the wider Kalgoorlie-Boulder region.
The free Heart of Gold Australia app is available to download from Google Play and iTunes.
For more information or a Heart of Gold Discovery Trail demonstration at a Teacher Professional Development Day, School Development Day, event or conference, call 6314 6333 or email info@goldindustrygroup.com.au