PRESS RELEASE: New Melbourne Science Centre Opens to Accolades After being Plagued with Covid Delays
TwistED Science Moorabbin is the newest family friendly science museum to open in Melbourne. The long and daunting process to open the doors, for the 5-star, play-based science centre was at times, challenging to say the least for the TwistED team. Founder Kathy Stubberfield with her right-hand man, and son Ben, worked hard against planning permit delays, financial constraints and, of course, a multitude of Covid related issues.
As the founder, Kathy has built TwistED from the ground up, intent on sharing curiosity and a love of science with as many families as she could. After opening a successful and award-winning centre in Echuca in 2015, the search for a site in the east of Melbourne for a new centre began in 2019.
When Kathy found an old TAFE for lease flooded with beautiful natural lighting, separate spaces for school groups and parties, plus an enormous warehouse to house an array of hands-on exhibits she knew it was the one! Kathy and Ben excitedly signed the lease in late 2019, oblivious to the worldwide pandemic that was just about to hit. The planning consultant advised a planning permit for the required renovations would likely take 6 months and so a freeze on rent was negotiated. In the end Covid related delays meant it took 13 months and Kathy and Ben were paying rent for 6 months without even having access to the building due to lockdowns!
At least during this time Kathy could work on sourcing the exhibits. She has sourced exhibits from across the globe, including Canada, The Netherlands and America and designed others to fit their unique contemporary and minimalistic TwistED space. Twisted Science has a philosophy of having every exhibit touchable and interactive making each station accessible for all ages, ethnicities, and abilities. Covid made it tricky to receive the international exhibits in time, with many shipping delays. One important exhibit was stuck in the Suez Canal in March 2021 when it was famously blocked for several days by a grounded container shop, which caused a lot of worry for the TwistED team.
Meanwhile Ben was having to conduct interviews for staff online via zoom, which made it tricky to get a feel for the right fit. He was looking for dynamic, energetic and passionate staff and it was difficult to tell who might fit the bill without meeting in person.
The design process was not easy either, with official signage being designed for the external walls using Google Earth during one of Australia’s strictest Covid lockdowns. Site visits were minimal in the early days and many modifications were required to initial drawings and designs when the team finally arrived onsite to begin building. Materials and tradie shortages came up from time to time, but they were finally able to complete the build in August 2021. Another lockdown prevented the opening until November 2021, however the response from the public and local schools made it all worthwhile.
“I couldn’t be prouder of the finished product” says Kathy. “Ben has recruited and trained the perfect team around him to deliver, what many have described as one of the best experiences in Melbourne.”
A local blogger, Mamma Knows South, said after visiting; “This incredible new Twisted Science centre is the latest and GREATEST family fun in the South! Both educational and FUN – with every exhibit built for touching and exploring – no need to worry about keeping little hands off!”
