Last week, I had the pleasure of attending a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths) Showcase Day, held at Crookwell High School. Regional Development Australia had partnered with Crookwell High School and feeder primary schools from across the shire, along with the renewable energy sector, for the STEM Industry School Partnership Program.

The aim of the program is to provide students with age-appropriate skills and pathways to STEM jobs.

As part of the program, the students have been working in small groups to identify a problem faced by farmers in Australia and were then tasked with designing and constructing a device or process that solved the problem, while making use of emerging technologies, such as renewable resources.

At last week’s showcase the students presented their projects to their peers, parents and community members. It was an inspiring and innovative display of ideas to address complex problems such as the drought, using technology including solar power and drones.  

I also recently attended the Taralga and District Combined Schools Athletics Association’s Small Schools Sports Day, held at the Taralga Showground.

The event brought together students from Bigga, Binda, Taralga, Laggan and Goulburn to compete in a variety of athletics events. It was a wonderful day, where everyone tried their hardest, including some of the teachers and parents.