Sustaininnovation Challenge creates opportunities to empower young people in the Upper Hutner to have their say in the new economy.
The Sustainnovation Challenge is an innovation and growth program designed to empower young people as active participants and contributors in transitioning their communities into the new economy.
This program is being delivered across the Central Coast, Mid Coast and Hunter Regions.
Singleton Council was a proud partner of the Upper Hunter Challenge covering students from Singleton, Muswellbrook, Scone and Cessnock. The event took place at the Singleton Youth Venue on 22 and 23 May.
Over 60 high school students joined business, industry and government stakeholders at Singleton Youth Venue on Wednesday 22 May and Thursday 23 May for the Upper Hunter Sustainnovation Challenge.
The annual challenge aims to inspire and equip the next generation with the skills and mindsets vital for the Upper Hunter region's future prosperity.
The students, a majority of which were from Singleton’s three high schools, took part in discussions on the changing economic conditions and future vision of the region, the challenges of the local and global skills and workforce shortage, opportunities presented by emerging industries and businesses and how young people are driving change.
Singleton Council’s Business Innovation Officer Lisa Harpley and Skills and Employment Officer Kevin Lomax were among the speakers, sharing their insights into the economic makeup of the region and the importance of developing a strong workforce locally.
Following discussions, students were tasked with a challenge to craft a compelling sales pitch that positions the Upper Hunter as a destination where young talents can thrive, innovate, and contribute to solving global challenges.
The Upper Hunter Sustainnovation Challenge is a collaborative effort between Singleton Council, the NSW Government's Regional Industry Education Partnerships program, Committee For the Hunter, Newcastle Institute for Energy and Resources, Go Circular, BHP, AGL, the Federal Government and an alliance of businesses and industries.
Students who participate in this challenge and complete the program will be awarded and Active Citizen Digital Credential. The ideas deemed worth of acceleration by government and industry stakeholders will be developed further in collaboration with the students.