We are thrilled to announce the successful recipients of Round 2 of the Inspiring Australia NSW Regional STEM Community Activity Seed Grants for 2026.
From the coast to the plains, regional New South Wales is home to incredible ingenuity, passion, and curiosity. These seed grants are designed to support local communities in bringing science, technology, engineering, and maths to life in accessible, creative, and culturally meaningful ways.
These six exceptional projects will be delivering their programs between 1 September and 31 December 2026. Keep an eye out for these fantastic initiatives coming to a community near you!
Meet the Successful Projects
MakerSpace GlowLab – Gosford
Blending creativity, science, and exploration in a visually dazzling environment. GlowLab is an interactive MakerSpace event featuring hands-on, glow-themed activities. Participants will dive into scientific principles through luminous experimentation—creating glow kaleidoscopes, lanterns, or galaxy jars. There will also be quick “make and take” projects like glow stickers, bookmarks, and fidgets, proving that science is as beautiful as it is fascinating.
Hidden Worlds: Discovering Fluorescent Minerals of Northern NSW – Tamworth
Illuminating the unseen geology of the region. The Tamworth Regional Astronomy & Science Centre (TRAC) is set to deliver an illuminating community STEM education program. Focused on fluorescent minerals and the use of ultraviolet (UV) light in geology and mineral exploration, this project includes the purchase of specialized UV torches for public demonstrations. Prepare to see the rocks beneath our feet in a whole new light!
From Bush to Bench: Bridging Culture to Science – Armidale
Connecting traditional knowledge with modern scientific inquiry. This powerful one-day community event will explore the native Australian plants growing in the Armidale region. Bringing together Aboriginal community members, locals, and University of New England (UNE) students, the program features a guided bush walk, plant collection, and hands-on lab activities to deeply investigate the science and cultural significance behind these native species.
Girls in STEM Club – Port Macquarie
Fostering confidence and a passion for STEM early in life. Designed specifically for young regional girls, this free, five-week Saturday workshop series offers deep-dive, interactive experiences. Running for 2.5 hours each week, every session focuses on a unique STEM theme and features inspiring industry guest speakers. It is a fantastic launchpad for the next generation of female scientists, engineers, and innovators.
The Science of Compost – Singleton Community Gardens
Focusing on soil, sustainability, soul, and self-care. Led by the Soil Sisters Singleton, this beautiful initiative aims to connect women—particularly immigrant and disadvantaged women—to the earth and each other. By educating the community about soil health and sustainability, the project empowers participants to grow fresh, nutrient-dense, culturally significant foods, proving that getting your hands dirty can bring immense joy and community connection.
National Ag Day: Bale Twine Repurposing Challenge – Regional NSW
Applying engineering design to solve agricultural plastic waste. Integrating environmental science, materials science, and engineering, this challenge tackles a major on-farm issue: plastic waste. Participants will investigate the physical properties of agricultural bale twine, apply design-thinking methodologies, and evaluate the environmental impact of repurposing these materials within a circular economy framework.
Congratulations to all of our Round 2 recipients! We cannot wait to see these programs roll out over the coming months and witness the lasting impact they will have on STEM engagement across regional NSW.
Stay tuned to our channels for specific event dates, locations, and details on how you can get involved in these programs from September through December.
Inspiring Australia NSW is supported by the NSW Office of the Chief Scientist & Engineer and the Australian Governments Inspiring Australia program.
We are thrilled to announce the successful recipients of Round 2 of the Inspiring Australia NSW Regional STEM Community Activity Seed Grants for 2026.
From the coast to the plains, regional New South Wales is home to incredible ingenuity, passion, and curiosity. These seed grants are designed to support local communities in bringing science, technology, engineering, and maths to life in accessible, creative, and culturally meaningful ways.
These six exceptional projects will be delivering their programs between 1 September and 31 December 2026. Keep an eye out for these fantastic initiatives coming to a community near you!
Meet the Successful Projects
MakerSpace GlowLab – Gosford
Blending creativity, science, and exploration in a visually dazzling environment. GlowLab is an interactive MakerSpace event featuring hands-on, glow-themed activities. Participants will dive into scientific principles through luminous experimentation—creating glow kaleidoscopes, lanterns, or galaxy jars. There will also be quick “make and take” projects like glow stickers, bookmarks, and fidgets, proving that science is as beautiful as it is fascinating.
Hidden Worlds: Discovering Fluorescent Minerals of Northern NSW – Tamworth
Illuminating the unseen geology of the region. The Tamworth Regional Astronomy & Science Centre (TRAC) is set to deliver an illuminating community STEM education program. Focused on fluorescent minerals and the use of ultraviolet (UV) light in geology and mineral exploration, this project includes the purchase of specialized UV torches for public demonstrations. Prepare to see the rocks beneath our feet in a whole new light!
From Bush to Bench: Bridging Culture to Science – Armidale
Connecting traditional knowledge with modern scientific inquiry. This powerful one-day community event will explore the native Australian plants growing in the Armidale region. Bringing together Aboriginal community members, locals, and University of New England (UNE) students, the program features a guided bush walk, plant collection, and hands-on lab activities to deeply investigate the science and cultural significance behind these native species.
Girls in STEM Club – Port Macquarie
Fostering confidence and a passion for STEM early in life. Designed specifically for young regional girls, this free, five-week Saturday workshop series offers deep-dive, interactive experiences. Running for 2.5 hours each week, every session focuses on a unique STEM theme and features inspiring industry guest speakers. It is a fantastic launchpad for the next generation of female scientists, engineers, and innovators.
The Science of Compost – Singleton Community Gardens
Focusing on soil, sustainability, soul, and self-care. Led by the Soil Sisters Singleton, this beautiful initiative aims to connect women—particularly immigrant and disadvantaged women—to the earth and each other. By educating the community about soil health and sustainability, the project empowers participants to grow fresh, nutrient-dense, culturally significant foods, proving that getting your hands dirty can bring immense joy and community connection.
National Ag Day: Bale Twine Repurposing Challenge – Regional NSW
Applying engineering design to solve agricultural plastic waste. Integrating environmental science, materials science, and engineering, this challenge tackles a major on-farm issue: plastic waste. Participants will investigate the physical properties of agricultural bale twine, apply design-thinking methodologies, and evaluate the environmental impact of repurposing these materials within a circular economy framework.
Congratulations to all of our Round 2 recipients! We cannot wait to see these programs roll out over the coming months and witness the lasting impact they will have on STEM engagement across regional NSW.
Stay tuned to our channels for specific event dates, locations, and details on how you can get involved in these programs from September through December.
Inspiring Australia NSW is supported by the NSW Office of the Chief Scientist & Engineer and the Australian Governments Inspiring Australia program.
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