Ballarat to host science challenge final

YEAR 10 students from eight schools will gather at the Caro Centre, Federation University on July 29 for the annual Ballarat Science and Engineering Challenge (SEC) Day.

Volunteers from the six Rotary clubs within Ballarat will host the event.

Local students will test their skills against students from Ararat and Maryborough, completing challenges such as creating and ‘earthquake-proof’ tower, designing a logistics network and constructing a weight-bearing bridge.

Following the Challenge Day, SEC Ballarat will host the State Final for the first time on 3 September at the Ballarat High School Basketball Stadium.

SEC is an initiative of the University of Newcastle, supported by Rotary clubs and sponsors throughout Australia.

The challenge has been running for 25 years.

More than 70 per cent of students surveyed after the 2024 SEC Challenge increased their teamwork and problem-solving skills and provided insights into STEM careers.

SEC Ballarat organising committee chair, Rod Stewart praised the event and all involved.

“The most pleasing part of the whole exercise is the eagerness of all people involved from the students to the volunteers,” he said.

“Remembering that all Rotary clubs have supplied both people and equipment and they all operate as one team.

“They are all a pleasure to work with.”

The organising committee has secured sponsors to assist with funding both events. Further sponsorship opportunities are available by contacting [email protected].

A fundraising dinner will take place at Ballarat Golf Club on July 28. Special guest Dr Bob Thurman will discuss the topic “Will Science Save the World?” Members of the public are invited to attend.

Tickets are $40 and bookings are essential through trybooking.com/events/landing/1406970.