Kicking off National Science Week, Australia's first regional Girls Day Out in STEM 2019 (GDOS2019) will be held in Port Macquarie on Sunday, August 11.
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Designed for girls aged 10-14 years, Eureka Explorers and CSU have partnered to create a fun, carnival like day full of interactive learning experiences with industry leaders in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths).
"Up to 75 per cent of future employment will require workers to have skills in STEM related areas.
"The current situation is that females are completely under-represented with only 16 per cent of all people with STEM qualifications being female. It is critical we inspire young girls to pursue their interest in STEM areas so we have a well-balanced workforce in the future," Eureka Explorers managing director, Petriea Skitek said.
Eureka Explorers in partnership with Charles Sturt University (CSU) have created the first regional Girls Day Out in STEM 2019 to start addressing this gender imbalance.
"We are bringing leaders in STEM to Port Macquarie to inspire and educate young girls in STEM concepts and careers.
"It will be a fun filled day, led by Stephanie Bendixsen (HEX TV presenter, gamer and author) with a keynote presentation from Dr Jazmin Daniells a STEM leadership participant in the Homeward Bound project and Taylah Griffin BHP Foundation and CSIRO winner of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Tertiary Student STEM Achievement Award (who now works for Boeing Defence Australia). We also have up to 20 Masterclasses from industry leaders," Ms Skitek said.
Dr Kylie Press (CSU), GDOS2019 organiser and a STEM leader, is passionate about helping regional girls explore education and career pathways in STEM.
"In primary school, I aspired to manage a shop on the main street of the country town where I lived. In high school though, my passion for science and mathematics was inspired by my teachers which led me to a Bachelor of Science (Honours) at UWA, followed by a doctorate in polymer chemistry (UK).
"Education was my passport to the world and a varied career as an industrial chemist in mining (Rio Tinto), manufacturing (CSR), food (Uncle Ben's of Australia) and as a lecturer at CSU," Dr Press said.
"I now want to use my experience and knowledge to inspire young girls to pursue STEM subjects at school and as a future career path."
GDOS2019 will be held at CSU Port Macquarie from 10am to 5pm. Tickets are limited and can be purchased online at Eventbrite http://bit.ly/GDOS19PM
