2 April 2025

Tamworth Science and Engineering Challenge Inspires Future STEM Leaders

Last month, the Tamworth Regional Science and Engineering Challenge provided an exciting opportunity for regional students to test their STEM-based problem-solving skills at the Tamworth Regional Entertainment and Conference Centre.

Organised by The Rotary Club of Tamworth First Light in collaboration with the University of Newcastle, the annual event is designed to encourage students to consider future careers in the field of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), by involving them in a series of activities they wouldn’t normally experience in a classroom.

Since its inception in 2001, the challenge has provided students with hands-on experiences in a series of science and engineering challenges. 987 students from 30 schools, including a home-schooled team, competed across four days in a range of challenges, including designing, building and testing bridges, electrical circuits and wind turbines, and launching planes.

It was encouraging to see a high percentage of female participation with the gender split among participants 55% boys and 45% girls. More than 70 volunteers also provided over 481 hours of unpaid support to the event, highlighting the strong community commitment to STEM education.

With the Rotary Club of Tamworth First Light being a non-profit charity organisation, several club spokespeople have reinforced that the event would not be possible without the support of their many sponsors from within the community.

“Whitehaven has been one of our many valued financial sponsors for a number of years now, and we could not run this event with the same participation levels without this involvement from our sponsors.

“The Science and Engineering Challenge is inspiring a future generation of workers via STEM and reflects the genuine commitment to our community that our sponsors have.”

Darren Swain, Whitehaven’s General Manager – Community Engagement reinforced the company’s dedication to the program.

“Whitehaven is incredibly proud to sponsor the Tamworth Science and Engineering Challenge. Promoting STEM education in schools is vital to uncover the next generation of engineers, mathematicians, and scientists and for future roles not yet imagined.

“It’s been a rewarding event, offering students the opportunity to broaden their thinking and engage in solving complex challenges.

“We’re excited to continue supporting such an important initiative.”

This year, the Rotary Club also invited sponsors to take part in a challenge of their own, with Whitehaven Environmental Advisor Harry Mills jumping at the opportunity.

“We built a cart that had to move down a fishing line while staying balanced and safely carrying an Easter egg,” Harry recounted.

“We had to ‘fail fast’ and learn from each test run, just like the students do. It’s always a fun competition between sponsors representing engineering, science, and industry from the North West.”

Harry also reflected on the personal impact the challenge had on him, noting that he participated as a student at McCarthy Catholic College and later pursued a degree in Environmental Science at the University of New England.

“It’s satisfying to see this program works and continues to push STEM interests in young people, benefiting both the region and the STEM community.”

With strong backing from sponsors like Whitehaven, the support of the Tamworth Regional Council, and the dedication of local Rotary clubs and the University of Newcastle, the Science and Engineering Challenge is helping to ensure an exciting future for STEM in the region.

You can read more about Whitehaven’s commitment to community in their 2024 Community Investment Report.

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