What’s happening?
A new national civics education program, Democracy in a Box, was officially launched at Hermit Park State School in Townsville on 5 August 2025. Developed by the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House (MoAD), the program is designed to bring Australia’s democratic story into regional and remote classrooms in an interactive and practical way.
This launch marks the beginning of a pilot rollout to 40 schools across Queensland and the Northern Territory between July and October 2025. The program is tailored for Years 5 and 6 students and includes resources for teachers to help build a strong foundation in Civics and Citizenship education.
Why it matters
In February 2025, the Joint Standing Committee on Civics Education released its report From Classroom to Community, highlighting the urgent need for practical, engaging, and curriculum-aligned Civics and Citizenship content. Democracy in a Box is MoAD’s direct response to that call. It aims to equip young Australians with a better understanding of democratic values and their role in society as active citizens.
Barrie Cassidy, Chair of the Board at Old Parliament House, described the initiative as student-focused. “Democracy in a Box puts the student at the centre of civics and citizenship learning. It encourages them to be engaged and active citizens in their local and school communities, ultimately broadening and strengthening Australia’s democracy.”
By the numbers
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40 regional and remote schools in Queensland and the Northern Territory will participate in the pilot rollout
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The program includes professional development and lesson plans for teachers, as well as curated books and inquiry-led games
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The pilot addresses key findings from a national report into the state of civics education in Australian classrooms
Zoom in
The program offers multiple layers of support. Teachers receive professional development and curriculum-linked resources. Students participate in workshops, inquiry-led games, and hands-on activities delivered by MoAD educators. These tools help young people explore how democracy works and how they can contribute to it.
Dr Stephanie Smith, Acting Head of Learning and Museum Experience at MoAD, said, “Every student in Australia deserves access to high-quality civics and citizenship education resources. This program is a key part of our mission, especially for students in regional and remote areas who may not have easy access to these kinds of resources.”
Local impact
Hermit Park State School is among the first to benefit. Acting Principal Samara Koidis welcomed the initiative and said, “We’re so excited to be one of the first schools in Queensland to take part in Democracy in a Box. This program gives our students a hands-on way to understand how democracy works, why their voices matter, and how they can make a difference in their own communities as active citizens.”
The launch was attended by former Governor-General Dame Quentin Bryce AD CVO, Speaker of the House of Representatives The Hon Milton Dick MP, Member for Herbert Phillip Thompson MP OAM, philanthropists Tim Fairfax AC and Gina Fairfax AC, and Director of MoAD, Stephanie Bull.
Zoom out
The initiative was made possible through the support of Tim Fairfax AC and Gina Fairfax AC, known for their long-standing commitment to improving educational opportunities in regional and remote Australia.
In a joint statement, they said, “We are delighted to support the Museum of Australian Democracy and its Democracy in a Box pilot program. The program provides students and teachers in regional and remote Queensland and the Northern Territory with a new and engaging way to learn about and interact with our democracy.”
MoAD continues to build resources that engage Australians of all ages in democratic participation. Located inside the heritage-listed Old Parliament House, the museum provides exhibitions, publications and digital content that explore Australia’s social and political history.
What to look for next?
The pilot phase of Democracy in a Box will continue until October 2025. Schools and educators interested in future participation can register or learn more by visiting HERE or contacting democracyinabox@moadoph.gov.au.
