Russell Matheson (Macarthur, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

It is with great pride that I congratulate the Magdalene Catholic High School team, Gamma Raycing, on their outstanding achievement at the International Fl in Schools competition that was held at Abu Dhabi last week. Gamma Raycing placed second in the world, competing against 300 students from 23 countries. This year's result continues Australia's dominance of podium positions in the international competition. Australia has come first four times and has placed either first or second at nine of the 10 world finals.

I am very proud to see a school in Macarthur achieve such outstanding results on the international stage. It is a great testament to the ingenuity, creativity and hard work of our local students and teachers. I was encouraged to see the Macarthur community rally around Gamma Raycing, with a fundraiser at Tabcorp Park Menangle raising $22,000 to help get the team to Abu Dhabi, along with sponsorships from the Defence Material Organisation, TAFE SWSi, MWLP, Townsend Signs and the Daystar Foundation, along with many local Macarthur businesses, organisations and individuals which are too many to name.

I encourage more schools across Australia to get involved in the Fl in Schools competition, which seeks:

… to help change perceptions of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) by creating a fun and exciting learning environment for young people …

Well done to Hannah Clancy, the team manager, Luke Papandrea, design engineer, Jordan Duncan, testing engineer, Troy Minor, manufacturing engineer, Matthew Said, graphics designer, Elyse Beauchamp, resource manager, and support crew, Brayden McMonigal and Brittany Tekely, as well as Mr Ian Gorrie on the outstanding success of the championships.