General News
24 August, 2026
Fifth consecutive win for King’s
KING’S College has continued its dominance of the Science and Engineering Challenge, winning the 2026 event for the fifth consecutive year.
The win didn’t come easy for the year 9/10 students, with fierce competition among the top three place getters – with just 13 points separating King’s from second-placed Portland Secondary and third placed Timboon P-12.
The challenge for senior students was held on Monday, August 10 and also included students from Warrnambool College, Terang College, Colac Secondary and Bayview College.
Tuesday, August 11 was ‘discovery day’ for year 5/6 students with top honours going to St Joseph’s School.
Other schools represented included Merrivale Primary, Koroit, Allansford, Terang and Mortlake.
According to organisers, 385 students took part in the challenge over the two days, with around 40 volunteers from many community groups including Rotary, Lions, Deakin students and the Neil Porter Legacy.
“I had many comments from teachers and volunteers about how engaged the students were this year,” Brooke McLeod said.
“The competition was tight and we’re now starting to see real momentum within returning schools.
“School students know of the program and bring a school-based competitiveness with them which is great to see.
“It’s also pleasing that of the 385 students who attended, 47.5 per cent were female which is a great boost for our regional students.”
Ms McLeod said the aim of the program was to provide equity and access for regional students to get hands-on and try STEM based skills to inspire students to take on STEM based subjects and careers.
“Our aim as a Rotary Club is to remove the barrier of cost to these students and to supply them with equitable educational outcomes,” she said.
“We would love to expand the program to reach even more students but this is based on sponsorship of local organisations and industries.
“We’re currently working with the Rotary Club of Hamilton to run a one day program up there in either 2027 or 2028.”
Since the program began in Warrnambool in 2013 it has attracted more than 2400 students on-site.
Students compete in eight activities which included creating an artificial hand to grasp and move objects, sending coded messages using light beams, creating windmill blades to generate RPMs and building an ‘ecohouse’ that could hold weight, withstand high winds and catch water for use.
“Along with all our volunteers, we’re also very grateful to all our sponsors who help make this event the success that it is.”
