Since 1999, the Energy Breakthrough Weeroona College Bendigo has provided opportunities for students, teachers, parents and local industry to work together to design and construct a vehicle, a machine or innovation in technology that will represent an ‘energy breakthrough’.
The program encourages participants to examine and use the latest technology, while considering its impact on the environment and the way people live locally and globally.
We work throughout the year to design, modify/build and test vehicles or machines within detailed specifications. It requires a team effort and a cross curriculum approach. We then take our vehicles to Energy Breakthrough Maryborough in the Central Goldfields Shire, Victoria. It’s a huge celebration in which students can demonstrate and trial their vehicle’s in action.
WHERE DO WE RACE?
In recent years we have raced at the Bendigo Grand Prix, and the Energy Breakthrough event, in Maryborough. In 2018 our Senior Team – Mr Whippy won first place in the Senior Secondary category at the Bendigo Grand Prix. The same team finished fifth overall in the B2 category at the Energy Breakthrough event in Maryborough during 2024.
In 2019 we are hoping to compete at more races around Victoria.
WHAT DO WE DO?
Our students learn how to ride the vehicles and they are totally involved in the building and servicing of each vehicle.
Training sessions are held twice a week. We have our senior training sessions on Wednesday nights and junior sessions are held on Friday nights, after school.
Students are actively involved in all the fundraising efforts that we run throughout the year. Some of these things include dinners, raffles, sausage sizzles and pizza lunches.
WHO CAN JOIN?
Anyone is welcome to try out for one of our teams during Term one. No experience is necessary as we have a comprehensive training program.
JACK McINTOSH
Energy Breakthrough WCB Team Manager
WEEROONA COLLEGE BENDIGO