Eight Inverell East Rotary members were on board to help with the Science and Engineering Challenge on Friday. Around 180 students from five high schools and 2 primary schools took part in the event.

A committee formed by the rotary clubs of Inverell and Inverell East coordinated volunteers and worked with the University of Newcastle to run the day. Volunteers also came from the Rotary Clubs of Glen Innes and Warialda and senior students from Macintyre and Inverell High.

The Challenge aims to address the skills shortage in science and engineering by inspiring young people to study Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects in senior high school.

Activities can include anything from building an earthquake proof tower, planning electrical networks, designing a load-bearing bridge, and creating a code using light.