Archive for the ‘News’ category

Exhibition 2to4 – An evolution in transport

7th September to 30th November 2010

Photography courtesy of Mojo Professional Photography

 From two wheels to four, the Ford Discovery Centre Geelong proudly presents the highly acclaimed Farren Collection of Vintage Bicycles alongside our fabulous showcase of Ford interactive exhibits and vehicles from yesterday, today and tomorrow.

Photography courtesy of Mojo Professional Photography

From the early days of bicycle engineering to the innovation and technology of the future- discover the evolution at Exhibition 2to4.

Exhibit Story:

Initially designed as the rich man’s hobby horse and sporting tool, the bicycle has a proud history in Australia. Bicycle collector Paul Farren’s 30 year hunt for old bikes has resulted in one of the worlds best early bike collections, including 160 bicycles from the 1800’s.

Farren estimates he now owns around 85% of Australia’s surviving pre-1900’s bicycles and his collection is a working historic demonstration of the development of the bicycle.

Exhibition 2to4 will bring together a summary of the collection for all to see first hand an evolution in transport.

Exhibition supported by

                 Central Geelong Marketing

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2010 Term 3 School holidays

In conjunction with Central Geelong Marketing, the Ford Discovery Centre is offering

Free children Activities during September Holidays in 2010.

You are invited to join the Ford Discovery Centre on

Thursday 23^rd September, at 10:30am & 1:00pm

in exploring the fascinating world of cars.

Morning session is for children aged 4-6

Afternoon session is for children aged 7-10

All children will participate in two 30 minute activities

Activity One-“Car Mural”

Build a car; using your imagination what design can you come up with? Build it out of recycled materials, become part of the museum and add your design to our community mural, or take it home.

Activity Two -“Design & Sculpt Your Own Clay Car”

Draw and design your own car, just like the professionals, then sculpt this design out of clay which you can then take home.

Also enjoy the wide range of other activities in the Centre during School Holidays.

We have competitions, interactive displays, wooden billy car kits, Become a Ford Expert Questionnaire and much more to see and explore. Come along and join in the fun!

Additional Information

• Program will take approximated 1 ¼ hour with 30 minutes per activity.
• Children will complete all activities on their visit.
• 25 children per group for each activity is the maximum.
• Accompanying adult will be admitted free of charge.
• All activities are disability and pram accessible.
• At the completion of activities visitors are welcome to enjoy the other display and activities on show.
• Bookings: by email to http://www.centralgeelong.com.au/central-geelong-school-holiday-fun.html

or to http://www.centralgeelong.com.au and look for the school holiday fun page.

Also we introduce in conjunction with CSIRODouble Helix events

Join the science fun and games with a range of great science activities for children.

Booking is essential for all programs.

Deconstruction (Geelong)

Start: 30 September 2010 10.30 am – 12.30pm

Cost:

• A$25 for Double Helix members and families of CSIRO staff
• A$33 for non-members

The best way to know exactly how something works is by pulling it to bits! In this session of deconstruction we will pull apart old and unwanted electrical goods to see what makes them tick.

Suitable for 8-14 year olds and bookings are essential. Parents are welcome to stay.

http://www.csiro.au/events/Vic-Helix.html

We are very proud to announce the commencement of our online store.

Please click on right hand menu option to visit.

Celebrating the ongoing unique sponsorship between two of Geelong’s great icon’s, Ford and Geelong Football Club, saw the release of a commemorative guernsey.

Ford this year celebrates 85 years in Australia with a unique piece of memorabilia.

The guernsey was worn in Round 19, 7th August 2010.

A limited edition of only 200 were made available via the Ford Discovery Centre and The Cats Shop

While we are Sold Out match worn commemorative jumpers available via The Cats Shop auction site!!!

Ford Discovery Centre                                                The Cats Shop

12 Gheringhap street                                                  Skilled Stadium

Geelong Victoria 3220                                               Geelong Victoria 3220

fdcops@deakin.edu.au

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With the support of Central Geelong Marketing the Ford Discovery Centre is able to provide free interactive activities during Victoria’s school Holiday periods.

Activities these holidays include clay modelling, art mural, for expert activities, colouring competitions and more.

Scheduled programs are promoted through Central Geelong website

If you are unable to attend any of our planned session do not fret we have many activities available throughout the museum at all times including, wooden Billy cart, interactive displays, Ford expert quizzes and much more

This car was raced by Ford’s Mark Winterbottom and was 2nd in 2002 National Championship. Borland racing is one of the world’s leading designers and constructors of spaceframe chassis for motor racing. (Borland Racing – www.borlandracing.com)

What is Formula Ford?

Formula Ford is the world’s premier junior development category in motor sport.

Currently, over 70% of the 2009 V8 Supercar field, raced in the Formula Ford category in their early careers, as did many Australian stars racing overseas, including Formula One driver Mark Webber.

Photo:

Formula Ford on the racetrack

An open wheeled racing car, Formula Fords comply with stringent rules designed to reduce costs for newcomers to the sport, and to allow every driver to compete on his or her own merits.

Every Formula Ford is constructed from a light-weight tubular space frame designed to maintain the highest levels of driver safety. Aerodynamic modifications, such as wings and spoilers, are prohibited.

A number of manufacturers, both local and international, build the basic Formula Ford body and chassis; the most common being the French Mygale and Australia’s Spectrum chassis.

An all-new Ford Fiesta 1600cc engine was introduced for the 2006 season, replacing the Ford Cortina and Escort powered Kent engine that has been with the category for over 30 years.

Each vehicle is powered by this ‘control’ Ford Fiesta 1600cc, 100ps DOHC, lightweight aluminium, four cylinder engine. Tuned to develop more than 125 horsepower, Formula Fords reach speeds in excess of 250 km/h.

The key to the category’s long-term success is the uniquely level playing field dictated by the performance parity rules, allowing the differing skills of the drivers to determine the victor.

The relative parity between the vehicles also guarantees the category’s reputation for some of the most exciting and close racing to be seen on any Australian or international circuit.

Sourced: http://www.formulaford.com.au

In 2008 the Ford Discovery Centre was voted as Victoria’s 3rd best tourism experience. The survey conducted by Royal Automobile Club of Victoria (RACV) listed the state’s 101 top tourism experiences. After more than 72,000 visits to the websites the online vote recognized one of Geelong’s major attractions, The Ford Discovery Centre, as one of the states must do’s. www.101victoria.com.au/must-do/
This was a fantastic recognition for the great work and the world-class facility on show supported by Ford Motor Company and Deakin University with the dedication from a small team of staff and volunteers.
Don’t miss your chance and call in when visiting the region.

The Ford Discovery Centre shop provides a wide range of Ford merchandise and apparel. The shops proceeds assist in funding of the ever-changing exhibitions and include giftware, models, books, model cars and posters. Keep an eye out for our upcoming online sales shop and treat yourself to gearing up in the blue oval.

Enquiries are welcomed
Phone +61 3 5227 8700 or email fdcops@deakin.edu.au