Rotary Stem

YOUNG, bright and curious minds from across the region were buzzing with excitement at the 2026 National Science and Engineering Challenge, held at The Crossing Theatre last week.

National Science and Engineering Challenge team leader Olivia Clarkson from the University of Newcastle, St Joseph's Primary School students Imelda R., Florence M., Lizzy N., Alexis B., Ellie M. and long-term challenge contributor and Narrabri Rotarian Bruce Pyke.

The popular annual event aims to inspire the next generation of STEM leaders and address the skills shortage in science and engineering.

Engaging hundreds of North West primary and high school students, from Gunnedah to Moree, Narrabri to Burren Junction, the three-day event offers students hands-on, competitive science and engineering activities.

Narrabri High School's strong track record at the National Science and Engineering Challenge has continued, with NHS's impressive performance earning students the title of North West Champions and a place at the NSW State Final in Newcastle. Blake Herden, Eli Clark, Dom Calsina and Bruce Rex.

Teams tackle a range of engineering and science problems designed to test teamwork and problem-solving skills.

The National Science and Engineering Challenge is a nationwide STEM outreach program presented by the University of Newcastle in partnership with communities, Rotary clubs, universities and sponsors.

Narrabri High School students Brayden Williams, Deklan Condran, Charlie Butler and Issac Wilmontt-McLawrence.

In the North West, the initiative is delivered by the University of Newcastle and hosted by the Rotary Club of Narrabri, with local Rotarians rallying volunteers to assist school teams throughout the challenge and importantly, Rotary fuelling students and staff with the group’s signature barbecue.

The Narrabri event was organised by team leader Olivia Clarkson and event assistant Lily Morrison, both from the University of Newcastle.

Narrabri High School students Cadence Anderson, Maddison Connole and Ruby Michell.

The enthusiastic and passionate pair are part of a bigger crew, who travel to 852 towns, including Narrabri, managing 150 event days in 80 locations each year.

In Narrabri, the dynamic duo delivered endless energy that sparked interest and new learning experiences for students, who were thrilled to take part in a different type of educational day compared to their usual classroom routines.

NHS students Liam Bogdanoff and Luke Longworth.

The fun, student-directed activities involve principles of STEM and teamwork, with minimal introduction and theory.

The idea is to let students explore scientific principles for themselves.

NHS students Nevayah Leach, Angel Muthii, Isabelle Gale and Catherine Gernoi.

This year’s challenge included building a wind turbine, planning electrical networks, using First Nations knowledge to design and build a fish trap, creating a code using light, and designing a load-bearing bridge.

The bridge challenge is a highlight every year; it involves students constructing a lightweight but strong bridge using limited materials, then testing it by sending a weighted trolley across to see how much load it can withstand.

Students Ryan McConnell and Georgia Herden collected the winner's trophy on behalf of Narrabri High School. The school's strong track record at the STEM Challenge continued in 2026, with NHS's impressive performance earning students the title of North West Champions and a place at the State Finals in Newcastle. Photo: David Pierce, NHS.

As well as being bucketloads of fun, the STEM Challenge also has a competitive element and Narrabri High School’s strong track record endured, with the NHS winning first place on Thursday and qualifying for the NSW State Finals in Newcastle, set to be held in August.

Wednesday’s winners were Moree Public School students and on Tuesday, Gunnedah’s St Xavier’s Primary School’s year 5 and 6 group won the top spot.

Wee Waa Public School students Indi Johnson, Caitlin Rabbett, Ruby-Lee Smith and Tynarla Baker with volunteer Kirk Harvey.

The young innovators showed amazing teamwork, critical thinking and problem-solving skills to take home champion status.

Narrabri High School science teacher Matt Bradshaw congratulated the students and praised the hands-on STEM competition, which he said encouraged students to apply their knowledge of science, engineering and mathematics to solve real-world problems.

Burren Junction Public School students John McMahon, Charlie Simshauser and Angus Harris.

“Throughout the day, teams tackled challenges including designing and testing bridges, wind turbines and model aircraft, building electrical circuits, developing sustainable fishing technologies, and completing engineering design and innovation tasks,” Bradshaw said.

“Congratulations to our year 9 and 10 students who have won the University of Newcastle Science and Engineering Challenge at the Crossing Theatre in Narrabri, competing against teams from Bingara, Coonabarabran, Binnaway and Gunnedah.

“Our students demonstrated outstanding teamwork, creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving skills, representing Narrabri High School with pride.

“Their impressive performance has earned them the title of North West Champions and a place at the NSW State Final in Newcastle.