These Big Brothers are Ones We're Happy to Have

When you hear the words 'Big Brother' a few different images may come to mind. The original was that of George Orwell's vision where the government watched, controlled and manipulated it's citizens seizing any sense of free will or individuality. The other more recent and definitely more fun is a popular reality television show which still observes and manipulates but is used for entertainment and to study human nature in unusual circumstances, not to opress, supress and dominate like the former. Of course there is the obvious Big Brother, the sibling that gives you a hard time, annoys you and who is someone from whom you 'borrow' stuff from time to time usually without him knowing it until it's too late. However the relationship between Futureworld, the exhibition centre here and our government or Big Brother fits neither of these definitions and is a far more constructive and beneficial one for all involved.

The tri-level (local, state and federal) government involvement with Futureworld compliments and suppliments the goals and change that we all here are trying to achieve. This involvement is extensive as you can see by the number and diversity of agencies that contribute to what we do in the Supporters page. As far as our exhibition goes there are two government based organisations that form our agency exhibit.

The first is the Sustainable Energy Development Authority (SEDA). As the name suggests SEDA encourages and provides support to businesses undertaking the challenging task of developing renewable, cleaner technologies and fuels. Encouragement consists of incentives and support involves guidance through all the legal and governmental procedures that can slow and hinder the development process. They are a go-between business and government and make a very valuable contribution to the growth of commercial and industrial renewable energy projects and facilities. There is an interactive program as part of the exhibit which gives an insight into what it takes to develop something from scratch to a commercial scale application. It's educational and enjoyable to boot.

The other is Resource NSW. It's a bulletin board of all things environmental, renewable and sustainable going on within the state government. Forums, activities, proposed leglislation, developments and even tree plantings are all listed in a user-friendly, web-style format. You will amazed at all the activity that's going on in the state that you will feel you want to be a part of the action. So check it out. There might be something really interesting coming up right in your backyard that you might not want to miss out on.

Along with these two there is an abundance of info on all the government based organisations associated with Futureworld including fact sheets, booklets and even video presentations. For kids, they will learn that governments be it local, state or federal are very much involved in supporting, encouraging and promoting conservation and invention. Adults will see what innovation and progress their taxes are funding to transform the old way an of excess polluting, fossil fuel consuming, waste over-producing society to a cleaner, streamlined, healthier one. Big Brothers are usually something we tolerate, endure or even just avoid, but these ones really are worth getting to know more about. Who'd ever thought that would happen!!!