Believed to be one of the longest-serving team managers at the Energy Breakthrough, Don Elliot has been the man behind Holmesglen Institute of TAFE's involvement since 1992. has been involved in the big event since 1992 - save for a few ‘off years’ here and there. We caught up with him to talk about some of his favourite teams including Southern Alliance (1997) and his Bugatti replica.
Last year's event saw a true 'Energy Breakthrough,' when Girton Grammar School’s ‘Xception’ was the first team to take Line Honours in the 24 hour trial in a vehicle WITHOUT pedals. But, can they back that up? And what about the other class winners in Holy Trinity, Bendigo Senior and Overnewton? ... and the returning team Rode RAGE? Let's preview the field in this most difficult of challenges: the Energy Efficient Vehicles.
A record field of 71 teams will line-up in the 2018 TRYathlon category. It's very similar to the Human Powered Vehicle (HPV) Secondary and Primary categories, bar for two high octane relay races! Here's what it's all about and what to look out for.
With the 28th Energy Breakthrough fast approaching, it’s time to make sure those tyres are pumped and those steering axles greased. Over 500 students from 40 primary schools have been working hard all year to make sure their pushcarts are looking good and ready to race! The pushcarts is made up of a number of events over three days- giving participants the chance to show us what they’re made of.
The Energy Breakthrough is not just about HPVs. On Saturday morning near the Display and Presentation Marquees, there is the Central Highland Water sponsored Innovations in Technology – Crafty Design and Junkyard Challenge. It is a buzz of activity.
We know it's not that convenient for teams participating in our event, but the 2018 Victorian State Election will be held on Saturday 24 November. That means every Victorian aged 18 and over must vote. They have three options: vote early, by post or on the day. Here's what you need to know:
As previously reported, 2018 marked the beginning of a new era for the Energy Breakthrough. But whilst our event management team have faced some new challenges this year, we are also presented with some new opportunities. These opportunities include a different way of proposing, consulting on and implementing rule changes for the HPV and EEV categories especially, plus some ideas around Innovations In Technology.
One of the Energy Breakthrough's six aims is to "Encourage young people to explore solutions to environmental and transport issues." Whilst sometimes environmental issues can feel too huge to address, there is one environmental nasty that is in the spotlight this year because it CAN be tackled: PLASTIC. Be #plasticfree this EB - choose tap!
The Energy Breakthrough's Marshal Training Online (MTO) package has been completely revised and repackaged for 2018, with four NEW videos covering roles, setting up a marshal point, radio use and responding to incidents. All volunteer marshals from community groups and schools are required to complete this training along with teams in the HPV Primary and TRYathlon events who need to provide marshals, too.
Whilst we admire and acknowledge EVERYONE who participates in the Energy Breakthrough, there are some teams who have displayed extraordinary levels of determination, innovation and imagination. Through our series of eight 'Special Awards', we salute those who have gone 'above and beyond' and admire their passion and energy. For 2018, we are excited to announce a NEW award, sponsored by McCullochs Hydraulics Engineers in Bendigo, which aims to encourage and reward school-based design and construction.
