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Tyree Foundation Gallery

Visionaries – Sir William Tyree Foundation
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We are thrilled to partner with Powerhouse Parramatta. This investment reinforces the Sir William Tyree Foundation’s ongoing commitment to developing the next generation of Australian innovators, engineers, and entrepreneurs. We are very proud to support students across Western Sydney and NSW to actively pursue engineer-related education and careers and to catalyse multidisciplinary collaborations right here at Powerhouse Parramatta
Robyn Fennell, Chair, Sir William Tyree Foundation

The Sir William Tyree Foundation is a visionary supporter of Powerhouse Parramatta, reinforcing its ongoing commitment to the future of engineering education and industry innovation in Australia. The Foundation’s investment will help establish the Tyree Foundation Gallery in the new museum and support Powerhouse to host an annual week-long Australian Engineering Summit and school holiday programs in Western Sydney.

The multi-year partnership builds on the Foundation’s legacy of promoting research excellence, deepening scientific collaboration and creating pathways for engineering careers in Australia and abroad. It also exemplifies Sir William Tyree’s belief in the social value of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) education alongside investments in advancing the industry.

The Tyree Foundation Gallery at Powerhouse Parramatta will present nationally and internationally important exhibitions that connect audiences with new ideas around engineering, technology and culture. The programs that Tyree Foundation has so generously supported will bring together educators, researchers, and industry leaders to create new pathways for young people across NSW into future engineering and science jobs
The Hon John Graham MLC, NSW Minister for the Arts

The Sir William Tyree Foundation’s commitment of $8 million to Powerhouse Parramatta will help establish the Tyree Foundation Gallery, one of the most substantial gallery spaces in Powerhouse Parramatta, featuring 2,000 square metres of floor space and 8-metre-high ceilings. The gallery will make world-class immersive exhibitions accessible in the heart of Western Sydney by providing capacity for 2,000 visitors at a time to experience advances in engineering, technology and science.

The Sir William Tyree Foundation’s investment and partnership with Powerhouse Parramatta will have a generational impact on the profile of engineering in Australia. Powerhouse and the Foundation share the same passion and commitment to engage audiences with the wonders of science and engineering. Together we will realise incredible new programs that will inspire young people, support industry and embed engineering into the programs and collections of Powerhouse Parramatta
Lisa Havilah, Chief Executive, Powerhouse
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The annual Australian Engineering Summit supported by the Foundation will bring together national and international industry-leaders for networking, mentoring and professional development opportunities. The week-long event will feature symposiums, workshops and an expo showcasing industry, and facilitate collaboration between industry, research and education.

Building on the Summit themes, the partnership will inspire the next generation of Australian engineers with free engineering school holiday workshops for Western Sydney high school students (years 7–10). Powerhouse and TAFE NSW will co-create programs designed to foster a life-long passion for science and engineering through hands-on workshops.

The workshops will encourage students to learn new technologies and apply this knowledge to tinker, fabricate and prototype their own ideas. Students will also have opportunities to meet with industry experts and learn more about the social good outcomes of engineering.

The annual Australian Engineering Summit and related education programs directly align with the Foundation’s defining purpose ‘to assist the general community’ and its enduring legacy of advocating to promote engineering across all levels of education.

The Sir William Tyree Foundation’s mission to help grow the industry is driven in part by a pragmatic need to address Australia’s shortage of engineers. It is also aspirational: it encourages future creative thinkers to pursue careers in engineering fields where they can deliver incredible social impact.

It is our mission to help grow the engineering industry; to foster a national dialogue and engagement with the profession and support learning pathways. It is vital for students to have opportunities to connect with industry leaders. The annual Australian Engineering Summit at Powerhouse will provide young people with opportunities to meet world-leading engineering and science experts, which will inspire and deepen their professional development.
Robyn Fennell, Chair, Sir William Tyree Foundation

Sir William Tyree was awarded an OBE in 1971 for philanthropic services and a knighthood in 1975 for his contribution to the engineering industry. He is internationally recognised for transforming the Australian engineering, manufacturing and power industries and as a passionate advocate of the power of education to change people’s lives. His family continues his commitment to supporting industry in Southern and Western Sydney, which began in 1952 when the first Tyree company established a new factory in Kingsgrove. 

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This extraordinary investment will have a profound impact on future generations of young people in Western Sydney, motivating creative thinkers to pursue engineering careers in fields such as medicine, technology, communication and the environment. The investment is an embodiment of Sir William Tyree’s commitment to embedding engineering into all levels of education in Australia.
The Hon. Peter Collins AM KC, Trust President, Powerhouse

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Building Parramatta

Powerhouse Parramatta is being realised through the generosity, support and collaboration of the NSW Government, foundations, agencies, businesses and individuals for the community.

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Powerhouse relies on the generosity and collaborations to deliver world class exhibitions and education programs for our communities.

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