Chinchilla, Miles students attend inspiring Women in Sciences event hosted by Origin Energy, Zonta e-Club, Education Queensland

The event focuses on encouraging young women to dream big, smash through stereotypes and take the step toward leading the way in industries that have been traditionally been dominated by men.

Pic: Jake Nowakowski

Chinchilla and Miles students virtually joined forces with 17 schools at a STEM event where they were inspired and empowered to take on a career in science, technology, engineering, or maths.

BRIGHT FUTURES: Chinchilla and Miles High School students came together, with an additional 17 schools joining virtually from across Queensland, to get valuable insight into what a career STEM might look. Pic: Supplied.

After a successful 2020 event, Origin Energy, Zonta eClub and Education Queensland joined forces to host the Young Women in Sciences event for female secondary school students at Chinchilla on the Western Downs in August.

Origin Energy foundation volunteering program manager Ruth Lee said only 12 per cent of engineers in Australia were female, creating breathing room for greater diversity and the need to actively work at breaking down traditional stereotypes.

“When we arm these bright young women with first-hand experience from inspiring female role models, we are giving them an opportunity to see the wide range of occupations and industries across the economy which could be potential career paths,” she said.

BRIGHT FUTURES: Origin’s Jessica Kent-Lowe, currently undertaking a Fitting and Turning Mechanical apprenticeship speaking at the event. Pic: Supplied.

Miles mother and Origin apprentice Jessica Kent-Lowe told students women can have it all – a life on a farm with children and a fulfilling career.

“If you challenge the bias barriers which exist to deter females from studying stereotypical male careers and have the confidence to follow your dreams you have nothing to lose,” she said.

“Step out of your comfort zone and prove you can do it.”

Chinchilla State High School principal Ian Insley said it was a privilege to host the event and arm students with the best advice and support not usually available in regional towns.

“Already we have seen a significant change in our girls’ conversations about career choices,” he said. “The wide variety of engaging guest speakers has really opened their eyes to what is out there for them.”

BRIGHT FUTURES: Origin Energy general manager of Condabri, Talinga and Orana Alexandra Kennedy-Clark spoke at the event virtually. Pic: Supplied.

Origin Energy general manager of Condabri, Talinga and Orana Alexandra Kennedy-Clark said the event had been an integral part in inspiring some local women to start a new career dream.

“I was really impressed when I heard that after this event last year 75 per cent of Year 10 female students from Chinchilla State High School reconsidered their subject selections and refocused to a timetable including STEM,” she said.

“Making change happen, it’s not easy to do this, we must challenge the norm, be bold, do things differently and buck the trends.”

Originally published as Chinchilla, Miles students attend inspiring Women in Sciences event hosted by Origin Energy, Zonta e-Club, Education Queensland