Our Story
Every non-profit has a story—ours began with a phone call.
In 2023, Maxbiocare, a health-focused company, reached out to Bill Ringin, an experienced beekeeper, seeking guidance on acquiring bees and setting up beehives at their research park in Yinnar, Victoria. Bill generously volunteered his time to establish the hives, and through ongoing conversations, the idea for a Bee Kind Family Day was born. The event welcomed the public to witness live hive inspections, honey extraction, and learn about the importance of sustainability.
I was invited to lend a hand. During the event, Maxbiocare’s owners shared their vision of starting a science program on their property—one that would focus on environmental science and sustainability.
With over 30 years of experience as a science and mathematics educator, I offered to help bring this vision to life. Maxbiocare agreed to fund the first pilot project, covering the costs of a teacher, scientific equipment, and free transport for schools. We focused on local primary schools, many of which have limited budgets for STEM opportunities.
Thanks to a team of dedicated volunteers, the pilot program launched successfully in Term 4, 2023. This year, we’ve continued with even more schools participating—and the response from both teachers and students has been overwhelmingly positive.
Encouraged by this success and the growing demand, we established Inquire Science—an independent not-for-profit organization. Our goal is to expand the program by hiring additional educators, acquiring more resources, and involving pre-service teachers and science students from Federation University.
This initiative is now well underway, with a passionate board of directors guiding its future.
Tim Neave
Director, Inquire Science
2024
About Us
Inquire Science proudly delivers engaging, hands-on science programs that are as exciting as they are educational. Thanks to the generous support and donation of facilities from Maxbiocare, our programs take place at their stunning Yinnar property, offering a truly unique learning environment. Designed to spark curiosity and ignite a love for science, our activities cater to students of all ages. Through interactive experiments and immersive exploration, we aim to provide unforgettable experiences that open young minds to the wonders of science and lay the foundation for future learning and discovery.
"Inquire Science" believes that all children can embrace the world of science, define their future, and make a positive impact on the world.
Our Mission
Inquire Science is dedicated to providing hands-on science learning experiences for primary school students across the Latrobe Valley and surrounding regions.
Our Vision
At Inquire Science, our vision is to inspire, engage, and unlock a sense of wonder in young local students through the world of science. We aim to equip them with the tools, experiences, and knowledge they need to succeed—fostering scientific thinking, environmental awareness, and a lifelong curiosity. By nurturing informed and capable citizens, we hope to contribute to a more sustainable and thoughtful future.