The school holiday program saw youngsters learn about technology by playing with it – and becoming digital creators, not just digital consumers.

Launching today, the on-going workshops are part of the $500,000 Telstra Kids Fund Digital Futures Program, which aims to boost technology and digital abilities in young people living in regional areas.

Telstra gifted a ‘Maker Party in a Box’ to Kempsey Library, which includes Little Bits digital inventor kits, Sphero robots, Bee Bots floor robots, and Makey Makey kits - which kids used to create digital pianos out of bananas.

Michael Marom, Telstra’s Northern NSW Area General Manager, said the workshops were about arming local kids with the skills they needed for the jobs of the future.

“Our world is changing. Around one million Australian jobs in manufacturing, administration and labouring that existed 25 years ago are no longer part of our workforce,” Mr Marom said.

“Technology and innovation are a central part of Australia’s future, and this program is about building these abilities in our local young people – we want Kempsey kids to catch the digital bug.

“Why a digital maker party? Because it’s fun. Kempsey kids will be using computer code to program a range of robots to move and interact, they’ll build Makey Makey electrical circuits to create musical instruments, and wire their own solar-powered plant moisture detectors.

“They’ll be learning essential digital skills and having a blast while doing it.”

Kempsey Shire Council’s Library Manager Angie Meers said the workshops will help create a new generation of young technology expert and build vital Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) skills.

“For the first time today the library’s new Digital Maker Party in a Box will be in the hands of local kids – I can’t wait to see young people using computer code to and learning about electrical circuits using playdough and sensors,” Ms Meers said.

“This workshop is for kids of all abilities and the best part of the program is that it breaks down the myth that robotics, computer coding and electronics are hard and complex. As the youngsters that attend will find out – it’s in fact great fun and for all skill levels – beginners to advanced.”

The Telstra Kids Fund Digital Futures program is rolling out more than 40 digital projects for young people in regional areas right across Australia, from cyberbullying to robotic workshops and digital media making.