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Resource Technology Showcase 2021: Huge WesTrac and Caterpillar machines go on display at Elizabeth Quay

Brianna Dugan and Ben HarveyThe West Australian
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VideoResources Technology Showcase 2021: Westrac shows off latest generation dozers and excavators

The real-life Tonka trucks that do the heavy lifting in the mining industry are coming to Perth — and West Australians are being invited to get up close and personal with them at Elizabeth Quay.

WesTrac and Caterpillar are giving families the chance to check out the dozers and excavators that keep mine sites around the State humming.

The free event will see machinery worth $4.5 million on display from Saturday and running until next Sunday, June 27.

WesTrac sales and client solutions executive general manager Geoff Bailey said visitors could learn about technological advancements such as electric-drive machinery and autonomous operations.

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“During the open days we will be running live demonstrations of the next generation Cat 325 Excavator, and attendees will have the chance to jump in the next generation Cat Mini-Excavator,” Mr Bailey said.

“We’ll also have our team there every day to answer questions about machinery, technology solutions and job opportunities at WesTrac.”

The display at Elizabeth Quay is part of the Resource Technology Showcase 2021 event, which is being held at the nearby Perth City Exhibition Centre on Monday and Tuesday.

The free event, which is hosted by Seven West Media, will turn the exhibition halls at PCEC into a hands-on technology wonderland of augmented reality, remote operations, drones and robotics.

Kat Viskovic, 9, said she was excited to learn more about the “big trucks” by the river but was also looking forward to seeing the exhibits at PCEC.

Tom Viskovic (9), Kat Visovic (9) and Banjo Laurie (9).
Camera IconTom Viskovic (9), Kat Visovic (9) and Banjo Laurie (9). Credit: Daniel Wilkins/The West Australian

“I also want to do the VR goggles that they will have (at the showcase) and see what people do on the mines, and maybe I can also dig a big hole,” she said.

Her twin-brother Tom, pictured left, said he was excited to see how the machines operated and watch them in action.

“I hope they move them around and show us what they can do,” Tom said.

“I would also like to drive one, I think that would be pretty cool. They are so big, how do people even drive them?”

Banjo Laurie, 9, pictured right, said he was keen to play with all the “cool robots” and VR simulators.

“I don’t know if I will get to come, but I hope I do because it looks really fun and there is so much I can do,” he said.

Thousands of students are registered to attend RTS2021 under a schools excursion program which is designed to encourage children to rethink STEM subjects by showing them how those skills can open exciting careers.

The showcase will profile how the skills needed in the resource industry are in hot demand and transferable to other sectors, such as defence.

Defence Industry Minister Melissa Price recently announced that the Federal Government was becoming a principal partner of the Resources Technology Showcase 2021.

“We have chosen to be a part of the Resources Technology Showcase because we want to educate students and their teachers here in WA about the incredible career opportunities in Australia’s defence industry,” Ms Price said.

“It’s a massive showcase for the fantastic opportunities for our young Australians. There is a generation of skilled, well-paying jobs in the defence industry that is awaiting our kids.

“I cannot understate just how important it is for our young people to witness the opportunities that will be on show at this great event.”

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