2022 Strategic Documents

trading as

strategic directions

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DOCUMENT CONTENTS 03

Vision, Mission and Values

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Background

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Target market

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Unique assets

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Organisational priorities

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Objectives and key results

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Priority Projects

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Strategic Plan 2022-2026

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VISION To inspire and engage curious minds in STEAM learning

MISSION To create a STEAM educational ecosystem in the Central Highlands that fosters a hands-on and active interest in discovery and innovation

VALUES 1

THINK BIG. ACT LOCAL

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SHARE AUTHENTIC STORIES

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IGNITE CURIOSITY

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BE OPEN FOR ALL

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WHAT IS STEAM? STEAM education is an interdisciplinary approach to learning that removes the traditional barriers separating the five disciplines of science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics and integrates them into real-world, rigorous and relevant learning experiences for students.

STEAM means the integration of: Science: The study of the natural world Technology: Any product made by humans to meet a want or need Engineering: The design process used to solve problems Art: Playful, inventive, artistic and innovative thinking and creating Mathematics: The language of numbers, shapes, and quantities

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CURRENT SERVICES STEAM LAB Home to Science Squad, Curiosity Club and other STEAM workshops and experiences

STEAM DISCOVERY SPACE Interactive children's museum

OXP GIFT SHOP A retail space for young and old inquisitive minds

Centrally located in Emerald, the gateway to the QLD Outback Our Signature Service is our Science Squad, an out of school hours STEAM program for primary students.

5 week themed programs each school term ~15 participants per class

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RECENT ORGNAISATIONAL AND MARKET CHANGES PROVIDES FRESH OPPORTUNITIES. DRIVERS FOR CHANGE

NEW LOCATION, NEW BRAND, NEW WEBSITE

MULTIPLE OPPORTUNITIES AT THE MOMENT FOR OUTBACK EXPLORATORIUM

SIGNIFICANT DISRUPTIONS AND CHANGES IN MARKET AS A RESULT OF COVID

RE-AFFIRM VISION AND DEVELOP A STRATEGY TO ACCELERATE THE PATH TO THE VISION

TAIL WINDS Growing recognition of the importance of STEAM accelerated by COVID (health and digital) Increased consumption of the digital medium at the moment and the opportunity to capture new audiences Limited ability for inter-state and international tourism – more local tourism Price conscious consumers Topics of interest at the moment - health, de-carbonised economy, climate & climate change, renewable energy Growing participation in citizen science Growing consciousness of creating a tech balance with hands on skills, also including awareness of data security, control of digital resources

HEADWINDS Future funding Volunteer fatigue Competitors in a digital space Less donations

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CENTRAL HIGHLANDS HAS ~9K CHILDREN OF 0 TO 18 YEARS OLD; ROUGHLY 50 OR 1.0% ATTEND OUR CURENT SCIENCE SQUAD (GRADE 1-8) PROGRAM CENTRAL HIGHLANDS LGA

MARKET SIZE ABS data – 30 June 2016

OUR MARKET PENETRATION Discovery Space •~25 families per month

• 0-4 yo: 2297; 5-9 yo: 2527; 10-14 yo: 2380; 15-18 yo: 1725

Nest •~47 customers per month

• Total target market: 8929

Curiosity Club (Under 5) •~24 participants of 2297 total = 1.0% penetration

• Target market: Including parents = 8929 X 3 = 26787 •# of schools: ~50

Science Squad •~50 participants of 4,907 total = 1.0% penetration

Secondary School Program to be developed Other Workshops/bookings - to be developed

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REALLYGREATSITE

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G W TH OF OR K

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IO A REG R G GEO

Located in the heart of Queensland Very diverse and asset rich region Home to the lower region of the largest reef in the world Strong resources and mineral wealth 2nd largest sapphire producing region in the world Extensive agricultural production Largest livestock herd size by LGA in Australia

TANDIN S G ER D ONAL NE ED I G S E

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Deep experience running educational STEAM programs and engaging children with STEAM Understanding of unique challenges parents and children in regional areas face in accessing STEAM resources Only rural science centre of its type in Australia Shares the same “can do” attitude as regional Australia

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OUTBACK EXPLORATORIUM EMPLOYS A NUMBER OF ITS UNIQUE ADVANTAGES TO DELIVER ITS VISION

Strong local connections and relationships Strong relationships with other science education bodies in Australia, such as Questacon – collaborations such as shared content and supply chain Relationships with major industry sponsors in the area including tourism, mining and agriculture Strong and engaged skills-based volunteer Board of Directors

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CURRENT ORGANISATIONAL PRIORITIES PRIMARY IMPORTANCE

STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

RATIONALE

WHERE WE WERE

Independent financial sustainability

Reduction in operational and cash flow risk based on availability of philanthropic funding Deliver better value for money in outcomes per dollar donated

High funding dependency on just two philanthropic sources with finite lifespans Limited organic revenue generated through operating activities Goal - 50% of income from trade, not donations

Grow awareness and reach

Strong operational focussed – limited investment in digital and distribution, Emerald-centric Substantial identified opportunities to increase awareness through targeted partnerships, marketing activities and digital

Marketing activities lower priority than operations, lack of capacity to grow Digital presence improved, more investment needed for online.

Competitors are more adapt at leveraging community partnerships and marketing channels (e.g. schools)

New programs

Opportunity to link education programs more closely with 'Outback' themes Digital change has opened up new avenues of program delivery

Current educational programs are tried and tested, but have not been reviewed recently Current programs can be resource intensive to deliver – limiting program growth and reach Need high level development and delivery capacity to ensure growth and accountability

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KPI METRICS WERE DETERMINED WITH SPECIFIC QUANTITATIVE TARGETS TO BE DECIDED OBJECTIVES Independent financial sustainability

Grow awareness and reach

New programs

KEY RESULTS 50% of OutbackXP operating expenses covered by revenues Expense per child engaged <$30 $ profit from revenue streams >50% of costs

85% brand awareness amongst target audience in Central Highlands area 2 500 visitors or participants to Outback XP every year 22 000 of website visitors every year

Participant referrals scores above 40% 80% of participants returning for another program 90% of participants leaving the program more interested in a career in STEAM

Objective, Key Results (OKR) approach Started by Andy Grove at Intel and popularised by John Doerr - now used by Google, Amazon, Facebook, GE, Microsoft etc…

Objectives – Qualitative statement of (typically top 3) priorities of what the organisation is looking to achieve.

Key Results – Quantitative or qualitative (milestone) outcomes that measure progress against achieving the objectives

REALLYGREATSITE

ORGANISATIONAL PRIORITIES: GROW AWARENESS AND REACH Outback XP should decide whether it’ll grow reach by serving new markets or provide new services to existing markets

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ORGANISATIONAL PRIORITIES: NEW PROGRAMS NEW PROGRAM OBJECTIVES •Revitalise program based on more regionally-connected, Outback or ontrend themes •Simplify facilitation and material requirements, and be more online friendly •Be “share-worthy”, get children and parents talking •Employ “enquiry based” activities as much as possible as most facilitators in regional areas will be relatively inexperienced •Weave a storyline and protagonist through the program as much as possible to provide continuity between programs •Include into every program - citizen science opportunities, science inquiry skills, design process skills, real-life connections (guest speakers/ excursions/incursions), use of technology,

THEME IDEAS Scratch the surface

People and their innovative ideas

Wide Open Spaces

Mineralogy Gemology Archeology Geology Hydrology Geomorphology Inventions Engineering Technology Indigenous ideas and innovations Military Sustainability Flora and Fauna Agriculture - Food and Fibre production Astronomy Phenology Weather and climate

PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT RESOURCES Inspiring Australia National Network – tap into the QLD chapter, but as the coordinators of the national network – Questacon could share things more broadly ASTEN Australasian Science and Technology Engagement Network https://www.astenetwork.net/ PIEFA(Primary Industries Education Foundation Australia https://www.piefa.edu.au Forrest Learning forestlearning.edu.au Coolaustralia Landcare Australia Citizen Science Projects TeachersPayTeachers

CROPS DROPS CHOPS BOTS ROCKS

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REALLYGREATSITE

OUTBACK EXPLORATORIUM INITIATIVE IDEAS WEBSITE - IMPROVED FUNCTIONALITY

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Fresh new website, all placeholders filled, needs some work to improve the user experience

ONLINE RETAIL STORE

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Establishment of online sales channel for retail store (e-commerce setup, website funnels, social media and marketing)

DISCOVERY SPACE EXHIBITS REFRESH Bring in new interactive exhibits and remove dated items.

Calendar of updates

SCIENCE SQUAD PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT

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Development of new programs for all ages

SCIENCE SQUAD EXPANSION LOCALLY

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SCIENCE SQUAD EXPANSION ONLINE

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Expand Science Squad to include online facilitations (members only activities, STEAM magazines, online challenges) and Australian made, Outback inspired STEAM kits.

START YOUR OWN SCIENCE SQUAD

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Introduce a train the trainers program to allow community members to run Science Squad in other regional areas.

DISCOVERY SPACE FIT-OUT (CROPS, DROPS, CHOPS, BOTS AND ROCKS) Fit out and launch science centre (walls, roof, full complete look)

ALREADY ACHIEVED 2020-2021

Marketing and outreach to expand reach of Science Squad (e.g. google ads, school collaborations, community collaborations)

BRAND REFRESH Launch the Outback Exploratorium brand

PHYSICAL RETAIL STORE SETUP New retail store in Emerald (fit-out, stock, staffing, POS, procedures, pricing, accounting)

EVENT HOSTING marking and set up event hosting (birthdays, arty parties) at Outback XP

REALLYGREATSITE

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OUTBACK EXPLORATORIUM INITIATIVE PRIORITISATION MATRIX

ACTIVITES 1. Website refresh 2. Online retail store 3. Discovery space exhibits refresh 4. Science Squad development 5. Science Squad expansion locally 6. Science Squad expansion online 7. Start Your Own Science Squad 8. Science Centre Fit-Out (crops, drops, chops, bots and rocks)

STRATEGIC PLAN 2022-2026 Inspire

Innovate

Ignite

r i e p s n I

Our Vision To inspire and engage curious minds in STEAM learning

Our organisation

Community Growth & Social Enterprise

OXP Discovery Museum

In

Our Organisation Imagine a place to learn, innovate and shape the future of STEAM rural, regional and remote Australia

STEAM Education and Experiences

STEAM Research

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Outback Exploratorium Discovery Museum A key destination for locals and visitors to immerse in hands-on inquiry and exploration

i t e n g n I

vate

STEAM Research Investigate STEAM research and development opportunities to drive the translation of innovative research into action.

Community Growth & Social Enterprise Connect the past, the present and future to illuminate STEAM and provide growth in our rural community

Digital Presence

STEAM Education and Experiences Work collaboratively with our partners to develop and deliver programs that engage the next generation of innovators

Digital Presence Invest in a digital presence as a key means of reaching audiences throughout and beyond our region

Strategic Framework Inspire

Innovate

Our Organisation

OXP Discovery Museum

STEAM Research

Imagine a place to learn, innovate and shape the future of STEAM rural, regional and remote Australia

A key destination for locals and visitors to immerse in hands-on inquiry and exploration

Strategic Goals Where we want to be

Secure the future of STEAM education in our region with efficient, effective, affordable and sustainable practices

Strategic Focus How we will do it

Effectively fulfil the CHSC's core mission and ensure long-term sustainability in a planned and structured process

Sustain and grow our museum collection, exhibitions and discovery space resources, focusing on the quality of the science museum design and experience Devise an OXP Business Masterplan to outline future operational exhibitions, programs, events and growth opportunities, focusing on a sustainable business model

Ensure CHSC/OXP is recognised as being of strategic importance to the region’s STEAM agenda Policy-makers, funders, peers and partners acknowledge the importance to the economic and social fabric of the CHSC/OXP in our region.

Implement organisational systems to improve governance and management effectiveness Strengthen financial governance to achieve best practice

Investigate STEAM research and development opportunities to drive the translation of innovative research into action.

STEAM Education and Experiences

Connect the past, the present and future to illuminate STEAM and provide growth in our rural community

Increase research opportunities and facilitate the development of STEAM research into action.

Strengthen the social enterprise stream of our organisation that demonstrates independent financial sustainability for the future

Identify potential research partners, including local industry as well as honours and research higher degree opportunities.

Continue operations in retail space to provide unique innovative and inspiring gifts to our community

Work collaboratively with our partners to develop and deliver programs that engage the next generation of innovators Strengthen organisational and strategic capacity to design and shape a sustainable future that builds upon our excellent reputation, relationships and brand Continue to develop our science squad model, resources and brand

Identify future infrastructure and resources needs in OXP Business Masterplan

Identify STEAM research and engagement projects including research into our signature Science Squad program over the past 20+ years

Identify opportunities to source new collection and exhibition resources (through acquisition, loan, gifts, bequests and/or hiring).

Develop STEAM Research Project Plan

Identify opportunities to access funding to grow our museum collection, exhibitions and discovery space resources.

Ignite

Community Growth and Social Enterprise

Secure funding for priority STEAM research & development projects

Work with local artists and makers to sell their stock on consignment Develop innovative strategies to improve our volunteer engagement and participation Develop and implement a Social Responsibility Plan, including inclusion and equity policy Continue to deliver amazing hands-on STEAM programs in Emerald and pilot new delivery locations in the region (e.g. Blackwater, Tieri and Springsure) Increase revenues through digital channels

Support staff and volunteers with training and development opportunities

Expand our workforce as the business units grow, offering training opportunities for all staff.

Assess and manage potential risks

Tap into STEAM's project-based learning style to attract and engage all students Partner with parents, schools, community groups, government and NFP, with an emphasis on communities of special needs – to deliver the best immersive STEAM learning experience in rural and regional Australia Ensure high quality STEAM programmes are available Deepen and expand STEAM literacy in the Central Highlands Secure a targeted number of strong, sustained, mutually beneficial partnerships that will be supported by a wider network of cooperative relationships that support and deliver our vision

Digital Presence Invest in a digital presence as a key means of reaching audiences throughout and beyond our region Harness the potential of digital

Develop a Digital Strategy to establish a set of digital principles and practicable objectives Undertake analysis and market research into digital audiences Information technology infrastructure gaps identified, and Digital Strategy implemented Undertake market analysis for designated regions and activities, and initiate new collaborations accordingly Design specific programmes based on digital analysis and strategy Deliver efficiency and improved access to STEAM education through technology Amplify OXP’s reach and impact across the Central Highlands and beyond to offer even greater access across all platforms and audiences

Strengthen networks for communication, engagement and advocacy Strategic Initiatives What we do

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Use Xero, ProcessPA, Trello, Microsoft 365 and Google Annual Performance Reviews of staff Fundraising & Marketing Plan

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OXP Business Masterplan

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STEAM Research Project Plan Citizen Science Projects

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Social Responsibility Plan Monitor and measure stakeholder feedback Birthday parties Arty Parties Retail space

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Curiosity Club Science Squad LEGO Freeform Saturday workshops Holiday Programs

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Digital Strategy OXP Website OXP Social Media Channels

Implementation The Central Highlands Science Centre 2022-2026 Strategic Plan will be implemented via annual Operational Plans that are reviewed and authorised by the Board. These outline key tactical priorities for the year ahead against the Plan's Strategic Goals, with clear objectives and activities, timeframes, resourcing requirements and key performance indicators to ensure CHSC can evaluate progress and success.

Measuring Our Success We are working towards achieving by 2026:          

Inspire An engaged, efficient and motivated CHSC Board and OXP Staff Maintain ACNC registration Maintain Deductible Gift Recipient (DRG) Status with ATO Maintain Incorporated Association registration with the Queensland Office of Fair Trading Engage with Employsure to manage our HR and WHS Develop and implement five-year Business MasterPlan A calendar of exhibitions for the discovery museum Grow our collection of discovery museum exhibits Develop and implement a Fundraising & Marketing Plan Develop and implement five-year Financial Sustainability and Strategic Income Plan

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Innovate Develop and implement five-year Research Project Plan Engage in Citizen Science projects that relate to our region and audience Develop and implement a Social Responsibility Plan Implement the recommendations and targets from Financial Sustainability and Strategic Income Plan Develop commercial skills more widely across the organisation Deliver efficient and fit-for-purpose back-of-house CRM and financial management systems

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Ignite High rates of participation in programs High rates of return and referrals to programs Functional and engaging digital presence Increased demand for online content Increased membership