Solar Boats for Penrith

Last night (Wednesday 25 July) I was lucky enough to attend the official launch of the Adopt-A-School Solar Boat Challenge at the Log Cabin in Penrith. This is a great program that has been pulled together by the local Schools - Industry Partnership Program with support from Penrith City Council and local businesses.

Penrith Mayor, Councillor Pat Sheehy, was on hand to launch the program and congratulate the teachers from the five schools within the Penrith Local Government Area who have come on board to the program. The picture above shows the Mayor, with representatives from the Schools - Industry Partnership, SEES Pty Ltd and teachers from participating schools: Caroline Chisholm College, Cranebrook High School, Nepean High School and Penrith Anglican College.

Basically, ten local businesses have signed up to sponsor and partner a local school to participate in the upcoming Australian International Solar Boat Challenge. These local businesses have made it possible for each local school to receive a solar boat kit - absolutely FREE - that they can use to build their own solar boat to compete in the State Finals of the Solar Boat Challenge, which is being held in Penrith later this year.

The businesses will continue to mentor 'their' school while the school needs to use the Solar Boat Challenge to promote 'their' sponsor! It's a great win-win situation which means that more local kids can get involved in a great project to learn about alternative energy, design and teamwork all while, hopefully, having a great time.

To find out more about the Solar Boat Challenge and how your school can become involved visit their website http://www.solarchallenge.com.au/, download a fact sheet or contact Council's Sustainability Education Officer, Carmel Hamilton, on 02 4732 8050.