Competitions, activities and events

What: ADFA Open Day

Who: Any student keen on exploring ADF Careers which are connected with further study at university level.

When: Saturday 17 August 2024 – In person at ADFA (ACT) or Virtual (on-demand)

More info: 

• Explore world-class UNSW degrees, with Information Sessions on Business, Arts, Science Engineering, Computing and Cyber Security.

• Meet current Training Officers and learn about life on campus and how your military training and study fit together at ADFA.
• See a variety of exciting and interactive military and educational displays from Navy, Army, and Air Force.
• Take a tour of the campus, and much more.

What: ADF Opportunities

Who: Students interested in Defence Force opportunities please see and apply via the ADF website - Jobs List - Defence Work Experience (nga.net.au)

Indigenous Youth Program- Soldier: Army Logistics Training Centre 

• A program designed specifically for students with an interest in the Army(Indigenous students only) 
• Location: Bandiana 
• Placement Dates: 07 – 11 October 2024 
• Application closes: Sunday 28 July 2024 11:30pm
• Link to apply: Exercise First Look - Indigenous Youth Program - Bandiana 

Army Familiarisation Puckapunyal

• A program designed specifically for students with an interest in the Army
• Location: Puckapunyal, Victoria 
• Placement Date: 14 – 17 October 2024
• Application closes: Sunday 18 August  2024 11:30pm
• Link to apply: Army Familiarisation: Puckapunyal

Exercise First Look – Indigenous Youth Program- Soldier: Army Logistics Training Centre 

• A program designed specifically for students with an interest in the Army(Indigenous students only) 
• Location: Simpson Barracks, MacLeod 
• Placement Dates: 25 – 29 November 2024 
• Application closes: Sunday 18 August 2024 11:30pm
• Link to apply: Exercise First Look - Indigenous Youth Program - Simpson Barracks 

What: ADF Recruiting 2024

Who: Students interested in roles within the Defence Force.

When: Various dates and sessions with current members of the Army, Air force and Navy, using both in person and online options.

More info: www.adfcareers.gov.au/events 

What: Aspergers Victoria Parents/Carers Group Online Meeting

Who: This is an online peer support meeting open to all parents and carers (including autistic parents / carers) of Aspergers / autistic children, teens and adults to meet, chat, exchange ideas and find support.

When: 14 August, 7:30-9:30pm, Online 

More info: Aspergers Victoria Inc - AV Calendar

What: Ayn Rand Institute Essay Contest

Who: Varies depending on the novel in focus

When and More Info: Essay Contests - AynRand.org

What: Camp Seek

Who: Year 9 and 10 Girls and Non-binary young people

When and more info: Camp Seek is a STEM focussed learning and immersion program for Year 9 and 10 girls and non-binary young people taking place during the September school holidays. Participants will spend four days at SEEK HQ in Melbourne. 

Participants will learn from subject matter experts about their career journeys in tech, develop their coding, learn about real-world problem solving and put it all to use in a Create-a-Thon project with fellow Camp SEEKers. For information and to register your place, visit www.seek.com.au/camp-seek 

What: Defying the drift

Who: Year 10 and 11 students

When and More Info: This is a two stage program for young people keen to learn about careers in agriculture. You will participate in a 3-day residential program at Longerenong College in September and then present to a Rotary Club about your experience in the program. 

Here is the 2023 Flyer https://clubrunner.blob.core.windows.net/00000050058/en-ca/files/sitepage/defying-the-drift/defying-the-drift-flyer/2023-DtD-2page-Flyer-logo.pdf

And the 2024 Application Form https://clubrunner.blob.core.windows.net/00000050058/en-ca/files/sitepage/defying-the-drift/defying-the-drift-flyer/2023-DtD-2page-Flyer-logo.pdf

What: Elders 2025 Calender Photo Competition

Who: Anyone who enjoys photography

When: Open now until 31 July 2024

More info: https://elders.com.au/about-us/calendar-competition/ 

What: Gippy Youth New Energy Jobs Summit

Who: Years 9 - 11 students with Careers advisors and teachers are invited to specialised sessions on renewable energy and supporting industry opportunities in Gippsland. From emerging new energy technology, training pathways, and career development, students will be able to engage directly with industry leaders about the questions that matter most to them. 

When: Thursday 5th September, Morwell

More Info: Students interested in attending need to send a quick expression of interest email to Elly Martin emartin@mscw.vic.edu.au before 26 July 2024.

What: Japanese Short Film Competition – Video Matsuri Contest

Who: Students with an interest in Japanese culture and media creation.

When: Open now until 27 September

More info: You will produce a video (3mins or new 60Sec category) that the signature item for 2024, bicycle (じてんしゃ) https://bit.ly/2BaMqWY 

What: Koori Big Day Out – Melbourne

Who: Indigenous students in Year 10 -12 aspiring to further study at university

When: 30 August 2024

More info: Contact Elly Martin emartin@mscw.vic.edu.au

What: Latrobe Uni Outdoor Ed Camp

Who: Year 10 to 12 students keen on an outdoor and bushwalking adventure in the Grampians

When and More info: Year 10–12s that love the outdoors can join La Trobe’s Outdoor and Sustainability Education team for 5 days of bushwalking in the Grampians from 30 September–4 October. See the linked flyer.

What: Melbourne Careers Expo

Who: Anyone interested in exploring career options and ideas

When and more info: This is Australia’s largest careers expo. You will have the opportunity to: attend information seminars, speak directly with organisations, watch demonstrations, receive career advice, participate in hands-on activities, speak to course advisers from universities and TAFEs, speak to industry experts and learn about apprenticeships, and learn about international exchange and gap year programs. The Expo will run between Friday 26 - Sunday 28 July at the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre and is free for participants, www.careerexpo.com.au

What: Monash Business School Accounting Case Competition

Who: Year 9 and 10 students interested in business planning and budgeting.

When: Closes 19 July 2024.

More info: In groups of three to four students, write a short report (2,000 – 3,000 words) outlining your fundraising plan and budget for Mums Supporting Families in Need (MSFIN) More details

What: Monash Design Prize

Who: Budding designers from Year 10 – 12

When: Open now until 30 August 2024

More info: submit your entry to the Monash Design Prize for a chance to win an AUD$1000 VISA voucher and a paid internship with one of our design research labs. Focus is on the mission ‘Design for good’. See the competition webpage for further details. 

What: Access Monash Webinars

Who: Open to any student, especially Year 10 to 12, interested in obtaining more information about the campuses, courses and opportunities available at Monash.

When/More info: The Access Monash Online Seminars (via Zoom) are led by experienced Access Monash mentors, giving students valuable first-hand insight into the university. Mentors provide handy tips and tricks and insider knowledge to assist students in their decision-making for the future. More info here.

What: Monash Virtual VCE Revision Sessions 2024 

Who: Year 11 and 12 students studying Unit 3&4 Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Psychology and Software Development, as well as General, Methods and Specialist Mathematics.

When: Register for sessions commencing soon and covering Year 11 and 12 subject content.

More info: Monash Virtual VCE Revision Sessions 

What: Monash William Cooper Indigenous Spring Camp

Who: Indigenous Year 10 – 12 students interested in aspiring to further study at university and possibly Monash.

When: September Holidays

More info: Spring camp - William Cooper Institute - Monash University

What: MyFuture Webinar – Navigating your post-school plans with confidence

Who: School leavers, especially Year 12s

When: Wednesday 24 July, 5pm, Online

More info: Register here (currently a waitlist, but the recording will be made available on the My Future Website - Webinars | myfuture

What: National History Challenge 

Who: Students with a passion for exploring and learning about history.

When: Open now until 23 August 2024

More info: The National History Challenge is a research-based competition for students. It gives students a chance to be historians, researching world history, examining Australia’s past, investigating their community or exploring their own roots.

The theme for 2024 is “Crisis and Response”.

Find out more and enter here: http://historychallenge.org.au/

What: National Skills Week 

Who: Students and parents interested learning more about skills-based careers and pathways connected with apprenticeships, traineeships, practical and vocational learning (VET). 

When: 19 – 25 August 2024

More info: https://www.nationalskillsweek.com.au/

What: Plan Your Own Enterprise Competition

Who: Any secondary student at a registered Australian secondary school

When: Open now and closes 13 September 2024.

More info: Involves creation of an idea for a small business and an associated business plan. Free to enter, great prizes, group and individual entry categories. More details 

What: Soil Week Australia Healthy Soils Competition

Who: Year 7-10 Students with an interest in Science, Soil, Agriculture, Climate Change, Conservation and creative solutions to real world problems.

When: Open now until 30 September 2024

More info: healthy soil plays a key role in our food security, health, clean water, eco services and climate. Yet healthy soil is an underrated resource. To enter this competition, simply come up with a compelling way to explore the wonderful world of healthy soil and highlight why it's so important to agriculture and climate. Be creative! You can enter in any digital format. Prizes for the entrant and for their school. Details here.

What: Swinburne Flying Start Aviation Info Session

Who: Students considering aviation careers

When: Wednesday 28 August, 5pm

More info: Our on-campus session will give your students all the details they need about studying aviation at Swinburne. The session includes a 60-minute presentation with a breakdown of all our different aviation courses, insights on entry requirements, and expert tips on career opportunities. It will also cover financial information, including scholarships. 

Students will also network with Swinburne staff and industry partners over complimentary light refreshments. Students will be invited to register in late July.

What: University of Melbourne – Murrup Barak

Who: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander high school students interested in higher education and opportunities with University of Melbourne.

When: Varies

More info:

• University of Melbourne Open Day    

During Open Day, Murrup Barak will be hosting a number of activities both in-person and online for community interested in studying at the University.  Attending Open Day is a great way to get a feel for the University campus, to meet University staff and students, and to yarn with a Murrup Barak staff member to discuss your aspirations and options in detail.  

Please register your interest to receive updates about Open Day in the coming months.  

• Residential Indigenous Science Experience (Year 9 & Year 10)   

The Residential Indigenous Science Experience (RISE) is a deadly opportunity for students in any state/territory who are interested in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths (STEM).   

There is no cost to participate. All expenses are covered including accommodation, food, and flights.  

Learn more: go.unimelb.edu.au/t8hi   

What: University of Melbourne – Meet Melbourne Traralgon

Who: Students (and parent/carers) interested in the course offerings and opportunities at University of Melbourne

When: Thursday 25 July, 6pm – 8pm, Traralgon Golf Club

More info:

UoM is heading down to Gippsland to host our annual Meet Melbourne Traralgon event at the end of July. This is a fantastic event for students who are interested in studying with us. Parents and guardians are also welcome to join. Registration: https://study.unimelb.edu.au/student-life/events/meet-melbourne-traralgon 

We will be talking all things University of Melbourne on the night, which will be a lecture style presentation and an informal Q&A with some light refreshments. Some of the topics covered will include:

• Access Melbourne - our Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS) designed to support students who have faced unique circumstances throughout their schooling to gain entry into their preferred undergraduate degree at Melbourne. These circumstances include being a resident of a regional area (including Bendigo).
• The new Narrm Scholarship Program
• The Melbourne curriculum
• Meet a current UniMelb student and hear what it’s really like relocating to Melbourne and hear about their student experience.
• A representative from our Murrup Barak team will highlight how we support the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student community. https://murrupbarak.unimelb.edu.au/ 
• Accommodation options - including a presentation by John Paul Collins, our residential colleges representative, who will provide valuable information about college life and scholarships.

What: UTAS Feed Your Mind, Feed the World Camp

Who: Year 11 and 12 students with an interest in agricultural sciences

When: 3 – 5 December 2025, North West Tasmania

More info: Free agricultural experience for students to learn how science is solving real world challenges. Feed Your Mind, Feed The World | University of Tasmania (utas.edu.au)

What: UNSW Bragg School Science Writing Competition

Who and More info: Don't miss your chance to enter the UNSW Bragg Student Science Writing Competition by writing an 800word essay on 'working together to protect the environment'. Explore topics, get tips and read past entries here, and win great prizes for yourself and your school. Entries close 23 August. Enter now.

What: Victorian Police and Monash – Bachelor of Criminology and Policing Info Session

Who/When/More info:

We are excited to introduce you to a joint venture we have with Monash University, the Bachelor of Criminology & Policing!

This is a fantastic degree for students who are looking to join Victoria Police but would like to obtain a degree at the same time.

This is a 3-year degree and within their 2nd year they will be partaking in the recruitment process to become a Police Officer and once successful they will begin their training at the Victoria Police Academy in their 3rd year whilst completing the degree.

Victoria Police are hosting an online information session for students who are either currently studying the degree OR would like to join in the future and are wanting to learn exactly what the degree entails and how the recruitment process to join Victoria Police works. BONUS! They will also hear from a current student who are in their 3rd year at the Victoria Police Academy!

When: Wednesday 24th July 2024

Where: This session will be conducted online. Attendees will receive a link on the day of the event. Start: 4:00pm | Finish: 5:00pm

Registration Link: Inside the Bachelor of Criminology & Policing 

Registrations are essential!

What: Victorian Police Info Sessions 

Who: Open to all students, especially those considering pursuing a role with Victoria Police

When: School Leavers Session on 13 June at the Victorian Police Centre, and Online Sessions 11, 24 and 27 June.

More info: www.police.vic.gov.au/police-information-sessions

What: VTAC Student Information Webinars

Who: Senior students, especially Year 12s and their parent/carer

When/More Info:

What: Wildlife Photography Competition

Who: Students interested wildlife photography

When: Open now until 31 August

More info: This is a partnership between Crikey! Magazine and the Australia Zoo. It aims to encourage photographers from around the world to contribute their work to celebrate and illustrate the rich diversity of life on Earth and inspire action to conserve it. Range of categories https://bit.ly/2ACCKV2 

What: Young Endeavour 

Who: Youth aged 16-23 interested in experiencing a sailing adventure. 

When: Applications are open now with new 2024/2025 voyage dates, sailing in New South Wales, Queensland and Victorian waters. 

More info: including dates, application info www.youngendeavour.gov.au. Financial assistance is available to eligible candidates.