LATEST NEWS
November 2018
Preview: Innovations in Technology – a buzz of activity
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.
Voting in the 2018 Victorian State Election on Saturday 24 November – all you need to know
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:
Looking ahead: 2019 Specifications Discussion Paper
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.
Be #plasticfree this EB – choose tap!
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!
Online Marshal Training – Updated and ready for volunteers
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.
‘Special Awards’ Explained … PLUS the new McCulloch’s Engineering Prize for School-Based-Built Vehicles
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.
2018 School’s Information Kits Released
The 2018 Schools Information Kits are now ready for download! These act as your team's 'Event Guide': packed full of all the details you and your will need to know for this year’s Energy Breakthrough, including judging schedules and final information.
Recap: Get Ready for EB, presented by La Trobe University
"Get Ready, presented by LaTrobe University" was livestreamed on Friday 2 November 2018. Presenters included Simon O’Mallon, La Trobe University, Matt Twin, Bendigo Tech School and Natalie Hurst, Bendigo Spirit and Mick McTigue, Energy Breakthrough. Victory Christian College even joined to be a part of the 'studio audience'.
October 2018
UPDATED – Free Preparation Webinar, presented by La Trobe University – 2nd November 2018
To help teams prepare for this year's Energy Breakthrough, this year's session will be held at the La Trobe University’s Bendigo campus on Friday 2nd November and streamed online.
Where do our schools come from?
It's a question we're asked regularly: which schools are involved in the Energy Breakthrough? ... and where do they come from? Here's some quick stats we've prepared and a cool interactive map to help paint the picture of the school communities who are #poweredbyimagination!
TRYathlon Obstacle Training Sesh – 4th November 2018
Calling all TRYathlon teams: Sunday November 4 is your chance to practice the skills needed to excel in the Obstacle Rally! This practice session is FREE, but schools MUST complete an online registration form to ensure a safe day for all.
The Road to Maryborough: Share your story
The Energy Breakthrough produces some amazing stories each year. And every person at the event has a different reason for being there, obstacles they've overcome and achievements they want to celebrate. This year we are running a special feature and want to hear from schools, participants and parents in the lead up to the event with any amazing stories, celebrations, milestones and hardships they, you or your school may have experienced. Drop us an email to media[at]eb.org.au with a few dot points about your story and we will be in touch shortly.
Rule Clarification: Team Composition (October 2018)
This year there has been a growing number of enquiries and requests for clarification of our rules relating to “Team Composition” and “Eligibility”. The theme through the vast majority of these enquiries been to do with teams who have been unable to meet the Gender Requirements as specified in the School’s Handbook in section ‘2.3 Team Composition’. This rule requires that in most categories teams have equal participation of males and females.
September 2018
Pushcarts Round-Up: From Avoca to Rangebank
Teams of primary school students from across Victoria have been busily fundraising, creating their pushcarts and preparing their fitness levels for the Energy Breakthrough. Here’s our end of Term 3 Round-up from a selection of the schools: Avoca PS, Great Western PS, Rangebank, Sebastapol PS, St Catherine's Lalor, St Pats Ballarat and St Joseph's Rochester. We invited each of them to share what they’ve been up to, what is unique about their pushcart and what they are aiming for.
Ballarat Specialist School raring to give it another TRY
Eight young lads and two girls from Ballarat Specialist School are raring to give the TRYathlon a go at this year’s Energy Breakthough, having after previously only ever participated in the 24-hour Secondary HPV Trial.
2018 Volunteers: Recruitment drive hits top gear with Briefing sessions planned
With spring arriving, NOW is the time to start assembling our 2018 volunteer army as our recruitment drive hits top gear. We need 700 people to volunteer to help make the Energy Breakthrough memorable, fun and safe. This year, we'll be holding online briefing sessions to help prospective and past volunteers better understand their role.
August 2018
Highview College takes on the Great Cycle Challenge to “kick cancer’s butt”
Past Highview College student and loved friend Kodie Smith and her family have been deeply affected by cancer. But they aren't just getting mad, they're taking on the Great Cycle Challenge. This October, they're aiming to ride 2,500 km and raise $2,500.00 to support research to find a cure for childhood cancer.
Terang P12 College – A D.I.Y culture with a difference
We were standing in pit lane at last year’s Energy Breakthrough event and we noticed something unique. It was Terang College’s vehicle they had built themselves. The project was designed and led by then Year 11 student Harrison Smith for his Year 12 Product Design and Technology project. With the support of his teammates, they brought this new creation to life and learnt plenty along the way, too. We caught up with the team at Terang College to get the inside story.
Vale Frank Ryan – Announcer, environmental educator, change-agent and the reason we have ‘Eye of the Tiger’ as our anthem
The Energy Breakthrough has lost a legend with the recent passing of Frank Ryan due to illness. Announcer, environmental educator and change-agent, Frank would be remembered by many for his up-front work on stage at our event. Oh, and through a joke he is responsible for our anthem: The Eye of the Tiger.
July 2018
Join the War on Waste
One aim of the Energy Breakthrough program is to encourage participants to examine and use the latest technology while considering its impact on the environment and the way people live locally and globally. The ABC's War on Waste offers a great vehicle for kids and adults alike - in schools, homes and businesses - to do just that. Will you join the War On Waste? Have you already joined? What is your school doing to be sustainable? Let us know in the comments or online on our Facebook page >