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Taking kids to the future The Broadmeadows Library is encouraging kids to take a leap into the future these school holidays by offering a range of virtual reality experiences. With VR on the rise, youth services librarian Megan Becke said it’s the perfect time for kids to be learning about future technologies. “That’s why this program is really good because it’s an introduction to the movements and the systems,” she said. Hume council purchased six Meta Quest headsets as part of a Victoria University emerging technologies grant progam. Programs team leader Jacqueline Auhl said the possibilities with the headsets are endless. “You can use them to explore all types of virtual environments, we have an International Space Station program, where you can explore the ISS as an astronaut,” she said. “We have interesting historical experiences, you can explore Anne Frank’s house for example. Or there’s just fun made up virtual worlds.” It’s not just for entertainment, with the technology being used to help educate and train young people for job interviews.
Madinah, 9, enjoying the VR activities at Broadmeadows Library. (Damjan Janevski) 343128_01
‘Mind blowing’ support By Harper Sercombe A GoFundMe campaign for a struggling couple who lost their home in a house fire has raised over $16,000. Craigieburn locals Wayne Morrison and Deborah Rhodes lost their home of 32-years in June. Their son and fundraiser organiser Billy Morrison said it’s “been a tough week.” “As a family trying to all come together to help the parents try to work out what’s next and what needs to be done and to help find a sense of normality,” he said. “[We] are starting to get a lot better now as
each day passes. “It really helps that we have eight kids in the family to all lean on each other and support with different things.” The last few years have been tough on the Morrison-Rhodes family with Wayne sustaining a workplace injury that has kept him out of a job for almost seven years. Deborah has also not been able to find steady employment through COVID and helping Wayne through his injuries. “Mum and dad have done as much as possible to stay afloat but this latest setback has meant that as much as it pains them to say they need some help,” Billy said.
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“[They] have home insurance but due to the cost of living and their situation they couldn’t afford the contents insurance so they have 32 years worth of possessions to try to replace.” However, Billy said the community response has been “mind blowing.” “Friends and family have been so supportive. “We are all so grateful for every single person who has donated and it will help so much. “We’ve had over 100 different donations from people from all over Victoria from family and friends to work colleagues and everyone in between.” Details: https://www.gofundme.com/f/ wayne-debs-fire-relief-fund
Wayne Morrison and Deborah Rhodes. (Supplied)