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Register today for the STEM MAD Showcase event

Thursday 13 August 2026
10:00AM to 2:00PM
Damascus Events Centre
Damascus College, Ballarat

Join us and discover innovative student projects that make a difference. Explore student-led solutions, hear directly from young designers, and celebrate creativity, collaboration and inquiry-based learning in action. Open to schools, families and the wider community.

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STEM MAD Showcase to Celebrate Student Innovation and Making a Difference

Students from across the Diocese of Ballarat Catholic Education Limited (DOBCEL) will come together on Thursday 13 August 2026 at the Damascus Events Centre, Damascus College, to share innovative STEM projects designed to make a difference in the world.

The showcase is the culmination of the STEM MAD (Making A Difference) Collaborative Innovation Research Prototype (CIRP), a DOBCEL Strategy 2035 initiative that brings together schools, students and educators to explore authentic learning through collaboration, inquiry and innovation. 

The project has seen students from Emmaus Catholic Primary School and St Columba's Primary School work together to identify real-world challenges and design STEM-based solutions informed by Catholic Social Teaching. Through science, technology, engineering and mathematics, students have explored how their learning can contribute to the common good, care for creation and the wellbeing of their communities. 

Following a STEM MAD Kick-Off Event held earlier this year, students have spent months researching, designing, testing and refining their ideas. Their work will now be presented to fellow students, educators, family members and visitors from across the Diocese during this special showcase event. 

Visitors will have the opportunity to explore student projects, speak directly with students about their design thinking and problem-solving processes, and experience student-centred, inquiry-based learning in action. Schools interested in STEM learning, student agency and innovative educational practice are warmly encouraged to attend. Parents, families and community members are also invited to celebrate the creativity, collaboration and ingenuity demonstrated by students. 

Special Guest Presenters

The showcase will feature presentations from leading voices in education, innovation and technology, providing students and guests with valuable insights into contemporary learning and future-focused thinking. 

Professor Pasi Sahlberg

An internationally respected educator, author and researcher, Professor Pasi Sahlberg is recognised globally for his work in educational leadership, equity, innovation and school improvement. Currently Professor of Educational Leadership at the University of Melbourne, Pasi has advised governments, educators and school systems around the world on improving learning outcomes and student wellbeing. 

Professor Sahlberg will be a special guest at the showcase, sharing insights with students and visitors and presenting the DOBCEL Award, which recognises projects that most strongly reflect the pursuit of fullness of life through meaningful learning and positive impact. 

Additional presentations will be delivered by representatives from Apple Education, Ballarat Tech School and other education and innovation partners. 

STEM MAD Showcase Awards

Presented in both showcase groups, this award is voted on by attendees who will select a project that has made a particularly strong impression on the day. 

Presented by Bishop Mark Freeman, this award recognises projects that best demonstrate Catholic Social Teaching through action, service and a commitment to the common good. 

Celebrating innovative and purposeful use of technology to solve problems, improve outcomes or create positive change. 

Presented by Professor Pasi Sahlberg, this award recognises a project that exemplifies DOBCEL's vision of supporting the fullness of life through creativity, collaboration and meaningful learning. 

Presented by the St Vincent de Paul Society, recognising projects that demonstrate a strong commitment to community engagement, service and social impact. 

Strategy 2035 in action 

Through this CIRP, DOBCEL Strategy 2035 is being brought to life through authentic collaboration, local innovation and meaningful student learning. The STEM MAD CIRP demonstrates how schools can work together to prototype new approaches that are responsive to their context and connected to the shared mission of Catholic education. 

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