You can’t help but swell with pride at the great success of the robotics team from Ulladulla High School. Their victory at the Australian Regionals First Robotics Competition in Sydney was outstanding on so many levels.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Perhaps most importantly is that their triumph is exactly what Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has been promoting as the country’s economy transitions from a resource boom – the need for Australia to get on the front foot when it comes to securing a bright future in the global digital marketplace.
For these bright young students from Ulladulla to prevail over competitors from all over the country shows what is possible when powerful minds get together. Mr Turnbull’s innovation agenda – made famous by his statement there was not a more exciting time to be an Australian – seems tailor-made for these young people. So it was hardly surprising he made the time to meet them during his visit to Nowra last Thursday.
Indeed, the theme of his entire visit focused on innovation. When he dropped into Air Affairs at the Aviation Technology Park next to HMAS Albatross, it was to congratulate the team there, whose innovation has helped them secure lucrative defence contracts allied to the base’s ongoing expansion.
When he later dropped into Sanctuary Point Public School, he saw innovation and new ways of teaching that will help students there secure their futures in the digital economy. This is a huge turnaround for a school slap bang in the middle of one of the Shoalhaven’s most disadvantaged areas.
For our robotics team from Ulladulla, the challenge is far from over and it is now time for the whole Shoalhaven community to get behind them so they can move up to the next level.
They need a signficant amount of cash to get them to St Louis in the US to compete at the next level. Yes, Google has stumped up the $6500 entry fee and Ulladulla High is contributing to the trip, they still need a good deal more. And they need it pretty quickly if they are to fly out on April 24 for the international tournament.
Here at the Register, we reckon it’s a pretty good investment. Our young people are our future and anything we can do to help them will reap dividends in years to come.
They’re showing innovation with the upcoming fundraising dinner at the Ulladulla ExServos. If you can’t make it in person, you can do it virtually.
