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Ballarat Event 2026

The event was organised and hosted by the Rotary Club's of Alfredton, Ballarat West & Wendouree Breakfast.

We appreciated our event partner Federation University (Brenton Ryan and Tom Sawicki) for generously making their facility available.

Many thanks to University of Newcastle (Michael Cassey - Program Manager) who created and deliver the event. Thanks to Lisa Campbell and Susie Haley who ran the event for us here in Ballarat.

We extend a big thankyou to our generous sponsors without whom the event simply couldn't run ...

Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsors

Bronze Sponsors

Dinner 2026

A dinner to thank sponsors was held at the Ballarat Golf Club on Wed 29th July 2026.

Tonie Thiel (Rotary District 9780 Governer) welcomed everyone and Richard Blackburn (Internationally recognised Professional Engineer) gave an amazing speech.

Tonie Thiel (District 9780 Governor)

Richard Blackburn (International Engineer)

Andrew Harman (Organising Committee Chair) thanked Sponsors

Lisa Campbell and Susie Haley from the University of Newcastle ran the Student Challenge, and included a spoiler design challenge for dinner attendees to achieve maximum downforce.

Lisa & Susan from University of Newcastle

Leaf blower for the wind effect

Huy closely checks out how to maximise the spoiler downforce

Student Challenge

Thurs 30th July 2026

7 Local Schools Represented

St Patricks College
Maryborough Education Centre
Damascus College
Ballarat Grammar School
Marian College
Mount Rowan Secondary College
Beaufort Secondary College

8 STEM Activities

Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics

Will your school win locally and head to the State Final?

Good luck to all schools !!

All activities were setup in rooms at Federation University

Many thanks to all the Rotary Volunteers

Student briefing

Activity - Electra-City

Activity - Wind Turbine

Activity - Flight

Activity - Fish Traps

The main activity is the "Bridge" - Which team can build the lightest but strongest bridge?
Every bridge is tested in front of all students at the end.

Congratulations to the winner of the Ballarat Science & Engineering Challenge 2026

Ballarat Grammar

Save the date of the next Challenge

Thursday 29th July 2027

Why this event is Great ...

  • it brings together people from a wide range of ages and backgrounds to advance STEM subject selection amongst our next generation
  • it provides a stimulating environment by taking students out of their normal environment and school activity cycle
  • it is a collaborative effort between Newcastle of University / multiple Rotary clubs / local industry and education providers