Central Coast | New South Wales

In 2025, illuminate Education Australia proudly celebrates 10 years of delivering transformative learning experiences in partnership with the University of Newcastle’s Central Coast (Ourimbah) Campus. Since launching in the region, the illuminate Challenge has empowered over 2,000 students from public high schools across the Central Coast region to become confident, creative and capable changemakers.

This long-standing collaboration has become a cornerstone of youth innovation in the region. Hosted annually at the Ourimbah Campus, the challenge bridges the gap between secondary education and future pathways, inspiring students to see themselves as active contributors to their community’s development. It’s more than a program—it’s a launchpad for leadership, entrepreneurship, and real-world learning.

Each year, the challenge is shaped around themes co-designed with local stakeholders, including Regional Development Australia Central Coast and government authorities. Students dive into pressing regional issues such as youth retention, educational equity, sustainable tourism, and strengthening the local food economy. These themes are not hypothetical—they reflect the real challenges and opportunities facing the Central Coast, giving students a chance to explore, ideate, and pitch solutions that matter.

The illuminate Challenge fosters a culture of collaboration and healthy competition. Schools across the region come together, eager to showcase their students’ creativity, resilience, and problem-solving skills. The program’s structure encourages teamwork, critical thinking, and entrepreneurial mindset development, all while aligning with the Australian Curriculum and the Blueprint for Career Development.

The impact of this initiative is both measurable and memorable. In its inaugural year, the awards ceremony drew a crowd larger than the university’s own graduation—a powerful testament to the challenge’s significance in the lives of young people and their communities. Since then, the program has continued to grow, with students presenting ideas that have sparked interest from local organisations, policymakers, and educators alike.

Teachers consistently report increased student engagement, improved communication skills, and deeper understanding of complex issues. The challenge also provides professional development opportunities for educators, introducing them to authentic, project-based learning approaches that can be embedded across subjects and year levels.

For the University of Newcastle, the partnership has created a meaningful connection with local schools and students. The Ourimbah Campus becomes a vibrant hub of innovation during challenge week, showcasing the university’s commitment to community engagement and future-focused education. Students leave not only with new skills, but with a clearer vision of their potential and the pathways available to them.

As we mark a decade of delivery, the legacy of the illuminate Challenge on the Central Coast is undeniable. It has become a rite of passage for many students—a week where they discover their voice, stretch their thinking, and realise they can shape the future of their region.

For educators and community leaders looking to inspire the next generation, our engagement on the Central Coast offers a compelling example of what’s possible when schools, universities, and local stakeholders collaborate to empower youth. The illuminate Challenge continues to be a beacon of innovation, equity, and impact—lighting the way for thousands of students to believe in tomorrow today.