Will Science Save the World?

THAT’S the topic Dr Bob Thurman will address at the 2025 Science & Engineering Challenge (SEC) Dinner from 6.30pm on July 28 at the Ballarat Golf Club.

Interested people are invited to join local Rotary volunteers, staff from The University of Newcastle and Federation University, and other sponsors and supporters of the SEC to find out.

The Science & Engineering Challenge Dinner is an annual event held by the organising committee to celebrate hosting teams of secondary students to take on the STEM challenges supplied by the University of Newcastle and hosted by Federation University as well as to raise funds for the event. The price of the dinner is $40 with drinks at bar prices.

Anyone who is interested in learning more about the Science and Engineering Challenge, STEM education and opportunities for study or networking with local STEM professionals is invited to attend.

Bookings are essential via trybooking.com/events/landing/1406970

The Science & Engineering Challenge, an initiative of the University of Newcastle, has been providing opportunities for students to pit their ingenuity against STEM challenges for the past 25 years, supported by Rotary clubs and sponsors throughout the nation.

Susan MacPherson, Learning Leader Science and Mathematics at Marian College Ararat stressed the value of students participating in the SEC.

“We value experiences such as the Science and Engineering Challenge because it showcases the value of STEM outside the classroom. Students who might consider themselves as less academic, typically shine with these hands-on, problem-solving team challenges,” she said.

“They are applying knowledge of STEM that sometimes they don’t even know they had.

“They revel in the competitive nature of the day, which builds pride in themselves and their school, and this boost in confidence transfers to a positive approach to their learning back in the classroom.”

Schools participating in the 2025 Ballarat Challenge Day are Ballarat Grammar, Damascus College, Loreto College, Marian College, Maryborough Education Centre, St Patrick’s College and Woodman’s Hill Secondary College. One of these will go on to meet school teams from other regions’ Challenge Days in the State Final on September 3.

“We are committed to providing the SEC at no cost to students, to ensure that no-one is disadvantaged,” local Rotary organising committee chair Rod Stewart said.

“This year, by also hosting the State Final in September, the cost to cover has risen to more than $20,000 so we are extremely grateful to the sponsors, like Service Stream, who are already supporting both events and would welcome contact from other organisations or individuals who would like to get on board.”

Roger Sanders from Platinum Sponsor, Service Stream said it was the belief of his team that fostering students interest in Science and Engineering is essential to building a better future.

“When Alfredton Rotary asked us if we would be interested in supporting the event again this year, we were more than happy to assist.

“By supporting the Science and Engineering Challenge, we can help inspire them to pursue further education in STEM subjects, and rewarding future careers in engineering and service industries.”

Email [email protected] for more details and sponsorship prospectus.

//SPONSORED CONTENT