Empowering regional girls and non-binary people on the Mid North Coast by connecting them with STEM professionals, inspiring them to see themselves thriving in STEM fields in the future.

  • Explore Possibilities

    Dive into the incredible diversity of STEM careers and uncover pathways.

  • Learn from Experts

    See how STEM makes a real difference in solving the world’s challenges.

  • Build Confidence

    Discover how girls, and gender diverse people can thrive in STEM by breaking down barriers.

  • Connect with Peers

    Join over a hundred likeminded girls and gender diverse people at the conference.

PANEL Speakers

professor kirsten benkendorff

Professor

Professor of Marine Scientist at Southern Cross University’s National Marine Science Centre

  • Kirsten is an educator and researcher focused on improving knowledge and awareness of the value and vulnerability of aquatic ecosystems and marine resources, including seafood. I mentor students in evidence-based research and have published over 160 scientific papers. My contributions to science have been recognised in several awards including the 2000 Young Australian of the Year for Science and Technology, the 2011 Australian Academy of Science Dorothy Hill Award and I was named as one of Science and Technology Australia’s 2023-2024 SuperStars of STEM.

SALLY HURST

Palaeontologist | Archaeologist

Creator of the Found a Fossil Project, Researcher at Macquarie University, Presenter at the Australian Museum

  • Sally explores the interactions between humans, both ancient and modern, and fossils. Sally is a researcher exploring the intersection of palaeontology, archaeology through the interactions between humans, both ancient and modern, and fossils. She created the Found a Fossil Project to study what people would do if they ever discovered a fossil or Indigenous artefact, and how we can protect the heritage we may find in our backyards.

    Sally spends much of her time in the field digging up dinosaurs, and sharing her adventures to students in schools, or through her role as an Education Presenter at the Australian Museum in Sydney. She grew up on a farm on Ngunnawal Country and now lives on Wallumattagal Country.

MC

JESSICA BOURNER

Director

North Coast Regional Delivery, Preparedness & Recovery Group, NSW Reconstruction Authority

  • I grew up on the Mid Coast chasing waves and riding horses, I was fortunate to live amongst an outdoor playground that fostered my curiosity and appreciation for the natural world. Now, as a big kid, I combine over 18 years of coastal science, leadership, strategy, and program delivery with a passion to drive change in the way we manage, enhance and promote the places we live, work and play. I am passionate about human centred approaches to waterways and resource management that preserve and enhance the social, economic, environment and cultural values of the network.

     

    I enjoy connecting and foster diversity of thought in problem solving, management, project design and implementation. My experience includes coastal resource management, development of strategic plans, stakeholder and community engagement, place strategies, environmental management and monitoring programs as well as all aspects of approvals and achieving regulatory compliance. I have a proven track record of developing strategic plans, environmental management plans, policy and procedure, and developing and motivating high performance teams.

DISCOVERY SESSIONS

  • Escape the museum

    A logic puzzle-based activity presented in the style of an escape room.

  • Creative Chemistry

    Don lab coats and mix liquids, making bubbling concoctions and colour changing creations to investigate the ins and outs of different chemical reactions, and how they relate to our every-day lives.

  • Magic of Physics

    Using science, we can make things float in the air, see things that are otherwise invisible, and control different aspects of the world around us using different types of energy.

  • Crime Scene Investigation

    This activity will engage students with age appropriate mysteries for them to solve, using clues, tools, and critical thinking. This activity will introduce students to a range of different techniques that detectives and forensic scientists use.

CAREERS EXPO

  • National marine science centre

  • Fossil interaction experience

  • University of New England

  • Southern Cross University

  • SALLY pryor

  • Inspiring Australia

  • Australian Defence Force

  • Ngiyambandigay Wajaarr Aboriginal Corporation

  • Headspace Coffs Harbour

WE NEED event volunteers

Are you able to help us bring this event to life?

We need volunteers to help make this fantastic event happen for these young people!

Join us to empower the next generation to spark their curiosity around STEM for a sustainable future.

All volunteers require a Working with Children Check for this event.

THANK you !

Step 1: Read the Volunteer Agreement

Step 2: Register at the Link Below.

Please add as many 2-hour shifts as you are able to do. 

We would love it if you could assist for the whole day (8.30am-2.30pm) but we understand that life can get busy! 

  • “A key to engaging girls in STEM is making connections between school and their lives beyond school.”

    - Invergowrie STEM Report ¹

Item 1 of 2

Calling for partners

Would you like to partner with us on this event?

The STEM Conference for Regional Girls will open participant's eyes to real-world application of STEM knowledge.

Together, we can empower the next generation to fall in love with STEM and build a more diverse, innovative, and sustainable future.

Whether its sponsoring regional students to attend, covering transport costs, running a STEM activity or workshop, hosting a stall at our expo, or supporting event promotion…

Every contribution helps inspire the next generation of STEM leaders.

WHY A STEM CONFERENCE FOR REGIONAL GIRLS?

  • “The number of girls undertaking [STEM] subjects at school has been declining at an alarming rate, significantly contributing to an under representation of women in careers in these areas.”

    - Invergowrie STEM Report ¹

Item 1 of 6

A heartfelt thanks to the Toyota Community Trust for their generous contribution to this event. Your support has been instrumental in making this possible. Thanks to partnerships like this, young people in our region gain access to meaningful opportunities like this.

Find out more about the Toyota Community Trust’s amazing work in the STEM field.

Major Sponsor