Celebrating STEM Success

Diocese of Lismore schools achieved top honours at the 2024 Brisbane STEM MAD National Competition.

A commitment to creating a meaningful impact has propelled two STEM teams from Diocese of Lismore schools to claim top honours at the 2024 STEM MAD National Competition.

This prestigious competition invites students from Catholic schools across Australia to tackle real-world challenges through the guiding principles of Catholic stewardship, solidarity, the common good, and a focus on citizenship, humanity, and wellbeing.

Throughout the year, primary and secondary school teams design innovative products, services, or solutions aimed at making a difference (MAD)—whether by improving lives or supporting environmental sustainability. This inspiring platform showcases the power of young minds to combine creativity, compassion, and science for the greater good.

The Diocese was well represented at the 2024 CNA STEM MAD national competition in Brisbane. We had eight teams represented online and in person at the event.

In the STEM MAD 2024 awards, the McAuley Catholic College, Grafton, Year 7 team won the Making a Difference Award and was named as a top three finalist for the Major STEM MAD - Secondary Award for their innovative project, a Biodegradable Water Filter.

‘My experience at STEM MAD was really amazing and will always stay close to my heart. Everything I did taught me that if you put your mind to it, you can achieve anything. Even though I only got to be a part of it on Zoom, it was still like I was there; the people were so nice, and it was really cool to see everybody's extraordinary inventions that could change the world. It was really fun, from getting to work with my friends to coming up with something that could actually save someone's life, and to think about it is crazy. Overall, the STEM MAD competition was one of the most enjoyable competitions I have been in, and I would definitely do it again,’ said Year 7 student Gabrielle.

St Joseph’s Primary School, Laurieton, team was named one of the top three finalists for the Major STEM MAD - Primary Award with their project, the Safety Sensor, a device designed to prevent children and pets from overheating in cars.
The success of these teams underscores the Diocese’s commitment to nurturing creativity, collaboration, and a passion for making a difference in the lives of others.