In The Field
Electro Ethan reminds little Queenslanders how to be safe
Freya Lucas
Sep 02, 2019
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Thousands of young Queenslanders are getting to know ‘Look up and live Lucy’, ‘Technical Tyler’ and ‘Electro Ethan’ during this week’s Electrical Safety Week campaign.
Queensland Energy Minister Dr Anthony Lynham said that Lucy, Tyler and Ethan help children learn all about electricity, including the everyday hazards they need to avoid. The trio teach 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.Previous rounds of the lessons have helped to embed the safety messages, with parents giving feedback that children are passing lessons on to younger siblings, and even the adults in their lives.
“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,” Dr Lynham said.
Run collaboratively with Energex and Ergon the program provides a range of free resources featuring the three heroes, including teaching materials aligned with the Queensland curriculum, interactive whiteboard lessons and demonstrations for older children.
Local Member for Aspley Bart Mellish said early education was “essential to protect our youngest Queenslanders, helping them to grow a healthy respect and appreciation for electricity and foster a love of science and technology for the future.”
Mr Melish praised the program for helping children to not only understand the importance and possible dangers of electricity, but also for the way in which it sparks an interest in the science behind it.
Volunteers from Ergon and Energex valued the opportunity to be involved in the program, Area Manager Chris Graham said, noting it is a chance for those involved 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.
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