ENRICHMENT – The Orbispace Initiative Program
PowerHer
On Tuesday 28 and Wednesday 29 April, ten Year 10 students took part in an inspiring two day experience through The Orbispace Initiative, a charity dedicated to equipping the next generation of female leaders with the STEAM skills, confidence and networks to thrive in tomorrow’s industries.
This excursion formed part of the PowerHer Program, a future focused initiative delivered in partnership with the UNSW Digital Grid Futures Institute. PowerHer involved students’ immersion into real world roles across emerging industries. Students explored how diverse skills in technology, engineering, policy, design, communications, community leadership and ethics can translate into purposeful, impactful careers.
Day 1 – Inside the Future with UNSW
Students began their journey at UNSW, where they met researchers and witnessed real innovation in action. They explored how technology, environment, culture and the economy shape the careers of tomorrow and where their own strengths might fit.
A standout moment was meeting the engineering team behind the next Sunswift prototype, an electric car redefining sustainable travel. Students also viewed Australia’s leading solar electric development project, crowned champions of the 2023 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge, a 3,000 km race from Darwin to Adelaide competing against universities worldwide. This encounter offered a powerful glimpse into the future of clean energy and engineering.
Day 2 – Simulation City: Design the Communities of Tomorrow
On Day Two, students stepped into Simulation City, where they participated in a hands‑on Hackathon. Acting as engineers, planners, analysts and designers, they were challenged to reimagine the future of a regional town. This immersive experience helped them understand how complex systems shape communities and how their own ideas can influence real‑world outcomes.
Working collaboratively, they balanced sustainability, liveability and economic growth, gaining insight into the multidisciplinary nature of future industries.
Jacinta
The PowerHer program, run by the Orbispace Initiative in partnership with the UNSW Digital Grid Futures Institute, was hosted at the University of New South Wales campus. The program spanned two days, aiming to give girls in Year 10 valuable experiences that would help them make informed decisions about their future careers in STEM.
We spent the first day in a lecture theatre, learning more about the STEM sector and the wide variety of careers available, specifically how they are not necessarily required to be technical or science-based. A highlight was the hologram that Dr Becky brought out at the end of her talk on graphic design and media. Another memorable moment was seeing the SunSwift 7 (a solar-electric racing car) after Professor Richard Hopkins shared his experience working with the McLaren Racing and Oracle Red Bull Racing teams.
On the second day, we applied the knowledge and skills we had learnt on the first day to a hackathon-style presentation. Prior to the day, each school was designated a role in ‘Little Town’, a simulation city. Various schools were assigned to be Wildlife Biologists, Drone Technicians and many others. Although our team was initially slightly disappointed with the role of Educational Outreach Coordinators, we quickly rose to the challenge. We moved off to our working room, where we would brainstorm, research, plan and create our presentation for the next 2.5 hours. With the insightful guidance of Lee Constable, a children’s book author, biologist, television presenter and our mentor, we completed our pitch for Camp Current.
The stimulus was to create something that would help ‘Little Town’ transition into renewable energy, through education. Our idea was a program for Stage 5 students to learn about the many employment opportunities in the clean energy industry. At the end of Year 9 and the start of Year 10, the students would have the opportunity to attend a camp where they could experience what a job could be like in a renewable ‘Little Town’. Statistics showed that in ‘Little Town’, 54% of students reported having little-to-no awareness of local opportunities in the clean energy sector, and Camp Current aimed to change that. The camp would consist of various activities and workshops in the areas of Science, Community, Creativity and Technical Skills.
We were the last group to present, which meant that we could see the competition first (although the hackathon was ultimately not a competition, which surprised us) but also meant that we were on the edge of our seats, wondering if we would be next every time the ‘Little Town Council’ called up a role to present. Overall, the program provided us with the opportunity to learn more about our future pathways in STEM while also developing teamwork and other valuable skills that will benefit us in virtually any career.
We thank the Orbispace Initiative, the UNSW Digital Grid Futures Institute, our mentor Lee Constable, and our teacher, Miss McDougall, for the insightful and enjoyable experience!
Madeleine
The UNSW Orbispace excursion was really fun and way more enjoyable than I expected. On the first day, we listened to presentations about engineering, careers, and different people’s interests, which was surprisingly interesting. The food was also SO good, which honestly made the experience even better. On the second day, we did a hackathon where we had to work in teams and present an idea in only three hours, which was stressful but really fun at the same time. I also liked exploring the campus and meeting new people, even people in my own grade that I had never really talked to before. Overall, it was a really memorable experience and I had a great time.
Sunrise
A one-day festival run by venture capital firm Blackbird. It focused on startups, creativity, technology, and innovation that brought together founders, investors, creatives, and operators from Australia and New Zealand. The event included talks, workshops, networking, and community events.
Cielo
Attending the Sunrise event was a unique opportunity where we got to talk to investors and hear from many entrepreneurs about their ideas and experiences in creating and running a startup business. Out of everyone we got to hear from and talk to, my favourite person was a man, named Mark, who started a non for profit company that teaches women in underprivileged communities how to start their own small businesses as a way to support themselves and their families. I really liked his company because it tackles an important issue and helps those who really need support, rather than just being a profitable business. It was really empowering hearing from everyone, especially so many young entrepreneurs, and being reminded of how important it is to be resilient and make meaningful connections with other people, especially as an entrepreneur.
Sophie
During our experience at Sunrise, we got to hear from many inspiring and successful entrepreneurs about their journey as business owners. It was a great opportunity to network with investors and other entrepreneurs, learning the importance of building connections for people working on a startup. It was insightful to see how the innovative ideas of the businesses have changed the way that people work and live, such as the Claude AI agents by Anthropic and Heidi Health. My favourite speaker was Ben Woodington, whose company, Coherence Neuro, has made a computer implant that is designed to treat brain tumours through electrical signals. I found this talk the most interesting because of how their creation can benefit brain cancer patients and how it can change the treatment for people with brain implications, showcasing how entrepreneurs can help solve real world problems. Attending the Sunrise event was a valuable opportunity where we learnt more about entrepreneurship and using problem solving skills to create something that can change society for the better.
Mollie:
During the visit to Sunrise tech’s event at Carriageworks, I got to listen and interact with many entrepreneurs, investors, and people who genuinely wanted to get to know people or inspire. I listened to women talk about apps they had created from scratch and people’s personal experiences, as well as a 14 year old boy and his journey to create a new AI assistance app. The main takeaway and advice I gained was to get to know others, put yourself out there and to really persist on an idea if you believe in it. Overall, it was a great day with valuable takeaways and knowledge gained and I think the girls and I enjoyed it.
