Science & Engineering Challenge a HUGE Success!

Report – Science and Engineering Challenge Program – 2022

Regional Event on 22nd August and National Final on 20th/21st October

The Rotary Club of Bendigo South has successfully conducted both events in the last two months with approx. 150 participants from seven schools attending the regional event and 250 students Australia wide attending the National Final.

Both of these events have been successful despite delays due to COVID.

Sincere appreciation to those members who stepped up and supported the program which in itself is challenging to execute. A big thank you to the project committee in particular Paul Gibbons for his stadium operations, Tony Plant for recruitment and management of activity supervisors, Bernie Young for scrutinising all results and our President Merlyn Quaife for her hard work, skill and support for this event.

The Nation Final dinner was spectacular and something that this club has never done before in a youth program. 280 students and guests were in attendance for the entertainment and dinner.

Keynote speaker Mark Brennan from Thales Australia was first class in his presentation on the Bushmaster and Hawkei vehicle and how he pursued an Engineering career.

City of Greater Bendigo Mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf opened the challenge with a central message of the importance of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) to the development and advancement of society in the past, present and in particular the future. This was followed by a stunning performance of the “welcoming lions” by the Bendigo Chinese Association. The Dinner was entertained by the talented Bendigo South East College brass band. A sincere thankyou to the school for their support, IT Assistance and Principal Glen Donald and Head of Mathematics, Hamish Roberts for their valued contributions.

Also, a big thankyou to the Activity Supervisors consisting of Club Members, other Rotary Members from the Cluster and Retired Teachers.

Thank you to our TAFE caterer Angelina, for her excellent work for both events. Feeding 300 over two days is a monumental challenge in itself.

The club has been conducting a regional event for 16 years (approx. 4000-year 10 students have participated) and has successfully completed two National Finals and should be proud of this contribution to youth and the community.

The National Final was won by Emmaus Christian School (ACT) representing New South Wales.

Once again thank you to the club for their support.

Yours in Rotary,
Rod Spitty
Chair – Science and Engineering Challenge- Central Victoria

Photos of the recent Science & Engineering Challenge Events