Israel exhibition at Victorian State Parliament
The Zionist Council of Victoria introduced politicians, members of the public and the community to an interactive, ground breaking exhibition of Israeli innovation in Queens Hall…For a Better World.
Victorian politicians. Ambassador Shmuel Ben Shmuel, David Southwick MP, Marsha Thomson MP, Danny Lamm ZFA, Sam Tatarka ZCV at the launch of the Israel Innovation exhibition in Queens Hall at State Parliament. — with James Merlino, Elizabeth Miller MP, David Southwick, Frank McGuire and Danny Lamm.
ZCV President Sam Tatarka said: “Israel’s energy and water efficiency devices have made and will continue to make a major contribution to the world in reducing demand for these vital resources whilst contributing to the quality of life of millions.”
The Zionist Council of Victoria together with Parliamentary Friends of Israel is thrilled to be able to showcase some of these truly remarkable inventions. This has been made possible through the generous support of Israel Trade Commission and the Australia Israel Chamber of Commerce.
HE Shmuel Ben-Shmuel Israeli Ambassador to Australia, David Southwick MP, Sam Tatarka (President ZCV) in front is Marsha Thomson MP.
David Southwick, Member for Caulfield and co-host of the Parliamentary Friends of Israel was thrilled to announce, on behalf of the Hon Louise Asher, Minister for Innovation, the opening of Victoria Israel Science and Technology Research and Development (R&D) (VISTECH) program grants.
The bilateral program will provide Victorian and Israeli partners with the opportunity to collaborate on research and development projects in the realm of science, innovation and technology.
The Victorian Government will offer grants of up to $250 000 for Victorian companies and the Israeli Government will offer soft loans of up to 50% of R&D expenses to Israeli companies.
The official opening was held in Queens Hall and was launched by His Excellency Shmuel Ben-Shmuel, Israel’s Ambassador to Australia. Members of Parliament were also treated to a Soda Stream taste test and oohed and aahed over Maze’s incredible innovations, including a DIY drip feed irrigation kit and a wall planter which added greenery and life to Queens Hall.
The exhibition All photos: Steve Yarrow
HE Shmuel Ben-Shmuel said: “Israel possesses few natural resources but their people. It is because of that, we had to cultivate our people’s talents, which turned out to be the most valuable and only truly renewable resource in the world
“Rather than digging in the ground and exploiting whatever comes up, Israel has mined its seven million minds, nurturing and developing their talent, energy and intelligence; utilising the utmost of their knowledge and skill, which have become the global currency of the 21st Century economies.”
The variety of products on show covered security in the form of Check Point Security, Israeli medical innovation with ReWalk, a bionic exoskeleton that allows paraplegics to walk, Solar Edge Technology, Gilat Satellite Communications, Mobile Eye anti-collision device which allows drivers to effectively have a third eye – preventing collisions.
Hanita Pacific demonstrated energy sustainable film for windows increasing security and energy efficiency. Not to be outdone there were also the educational arms of Israel’s best and brightest with Technion and Yissum Hebrew University Research Division showcasing their incredible inventions.
The exhibition runs from 9am to 5pm Tuesday 6 May to Thursday 8 May and the exhibition is open to the public.
This is the second year that the ZCV has staged an Israel exhibition and the timing comes during a week of celebration as Israel celebrates her 66th Independence Day.
