INSPIRING THE NEXT GENERATION OF REGIONAL STEM LEADERS THROUGH HANDS-ON EXPERIENCES, REAL-WORLD ROLE MODELS AND POWERFUL COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS.
The STEM Conference for Regional Girls brings together young people with women working across diverse STEM industries to spark curiosity, build confidence and showcase future pathways through workshops, showcase stalls, speakers and mentor conversations.
Made possible by an incredible community of mentors, educators, volunteers, sponsors, organisations and industry partners helping create opportunities that can genuinely shape futures.
DATE: June 4th
TIME: 9.15-2.30pm
LOCATION: Yarrila Place, Coffs Harbour
STUDENTS WILL EXPERIENCE
Hands-on STEM workshops
Interactive showcase stalls
Inspiring keynote speakers
Meet the Mentor sessions
Industry connections
Real-world STEM pathways
PROGRAM
65 STEM Speakers, Mentors, Trade & Professionals
STEM SPEAKERS
These incredible women will share their stories, experiences and insights from working across diverse STEM industries, helping students discover new possibilities for their future.
Alise Fox
Dr. Natalie Woo
Leandra Ampetyane
Jess Kuan
Ellie Wallin
Teresa Cochrane
Jessica Bourner
Lorraine Sue
Dr. Penny Galbraith
Laura Wratten
HANDS-ON WORKSHOPS
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Marine Science
Southern Cross University
Dive into the world of marine science through hands-on activities and real-world science. Learn about careers in marine science while building curiosity, observation skills and a deeper connection to our oceans.
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Creative Chemistry
University of New England
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.
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Magic of Physics
University of New England
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.
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Crime Scene Investigation
University of New England
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.
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RELICS - A New World Rises
Yarrila Arts & Museum, City of Coffs Harbour
Use your creativity, curiosity, and problem-solving to experiment with cause and effect and discover how ideas can be translated into interactive responsive artwork and scientific displays.
Photo credit - Relics: A New World Rises
STEM SHOWCASE
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Cyber Security
Discover financial security principles through hands-on cyber challenges.
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Environmental Engineering
Hands-on water filtration challenge exploring environmental engineering solutions.
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Accounting, Financial Planning
Understand financial planning through practical, life-based scenarios.
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Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering
Experience innovative engineering with circuits triggered by facial expressions and solar power.
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Marine Biology
Interactive touch pool experience exploring marine life and ecosystems.
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Cyber Security
Explore security concepts with an interactive lock-picking activity.
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Automotive Engineering
Learn vehicle systems through an interactive automotive light circuit activity.
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Medicine
Explore healthcare skills including suturing, plastering, and general practice.
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Scientist
Inspiring hands-on science workshop sparking curiosity and discovery.
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Environmental Science
Hands-on water bug exploration of healthy river ecosystems.
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Marine Biology
SharkSmart systems in action: drones, drumlines and acoustic stations delivering live data insights.
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Marine Careers
Discover marine careers responding to threats like pollution, habitat loss and climate change.
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Science Communication Environmental Science
Discover urban ecosystems and biodiversity across soil, plants, and local wildlife.
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Restoration Ecology, Science Communication
Explore ecology, podcasts and microscopic life through interactive STEM activities.
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Vocational Education & Training (VET) – Trades
Exploring trade pathways through virtual welding and course experiences.
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Environmental Science & Sea Country Management
Gumbaynggirr Sea Rangers sharing their roles and hands-on tools for caring for Sea Country.
WHAT STUDENTS SAID ABOUT THE 2025 CONFERENCE…
WHY IS THIS WORK IMPORTANT?
We would like to express our gratitude to our sponsors for the 2026 conference.
Without their support this event would not be possible.
The Office of the NSW Chief Scientist & Engineer (OCSE) provides independent, evidence‐based advice to government on how to address difficult policy problems. OCSE provides funding to the NSW research sector and brings academia, government and industry together to drive the commercialisation of research excellence for the benefit of the state, with a major focus on industry development. OCSE also supports a number of science outreach and engagement activities and events, including the annual Premier’s Prizes for Science & Engineering.
We’d also like to acknowledge our in-kind supporters for the event.
Thank you for helping bring this event together.
