SYDNEY.- Powerhouse has today announced a significant $4 million investment in the future of Powerhouse Parramatta by ING Australia. This remarkable partnership will establish ING as the museum’s Community and Wellbeing Partner, supporting Western Sydney communities through the formation of the ING Pavilion and the ING Community Wellbeing Program.

Located within the rooftop garden at Powerhouse Parramatta, the ING Pavilion will seamlessly connect with the landscape and significantly contribute to the community’s experience of the museum. The ING Pavilion will support learning programs and workshops that connect communities with biodiversity, conservation and care for our diverse environments.

The ING Pavilion will be complemented by the ING Community Wellbeing Program, an annual series of seasonal workshops that will promote sustainable practices alongside financial literacy, planning and wellbeing. The program will enable the community to engage with First Nations knowledge and agricultural science, take part in climate action conversations and explore local food production.

ING’s investment will also support two major exhibitions at Powerhouse Parramatta which will engage audiences with innovative technology and sustainable solutions to drive positive impact and change.

ING is a global bank committed to taking a holistic approach to sustainability in all its forms. It strives to lead by example, steering the most carbon-intensive parts of its portfolio to achieve net-zero by 2050 and proactively managing social and environmental risks.

NSW Minister for Arts and Tourism John Graham said, ‘Since its establishment in 1879, the Powerhouse Museum has been at the forefront of connecting audiences with technological and design innovation, across the applied arts and sciences. This partnership will help link that past with an exciting new future in Parramatta focused on innovation and sustainability.’

ING Australia CEO Melanie Evans said, ‘We are delighted to partner with Powerhouse Parramatta as their Community and Wellbeing Partner. ING has a strong commitment to community and sustainability, and with almost half of Sydney’s population living in Greater Western Sydney, the Powerhouse will provide a phenomenal public space for communities to come together. It will be a place where innovation thrives, a home of new discovery and where education will be fostered so we can create a more sustainable future for everyone.’

Powerhouse Trust President Peter Collins AM KC said, ‘I’d like to thank ING Australia for their generous investment in Powerhouse Parramatta. When the new museum opens, our visitors, especially those attending learning programs and events in the ING Australia Pavilion, will be able to enjoy the grand space that is integral to the Powerhouse’s programs.’

Powerhouse Chief Executive Lisa Havilah said, ‘We are honoured to be entering into this innovative new partnership with ING Australia to deliver generational outcomes for our communities, across Western Sydney and New South Wales. Thank you to ING Australia CEO Melanie Evans, and all at ING Australia, we look forward to delivering dynamic programming with you and our communities at Powerhouse Parramatta.’