illuminate education australia case studies

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.

“The illuminate:nextgen challenge was an awesome experience for our students. They were provided with a level of challenge greater than they would normally experience and were placed in a working environment that allowed them to explore their ideas and skills in a mature workspace… Students were empowered by the experience and felt great pride in their success.

– Benjamin Joyce, Teacher, Erina High School, NSW

“As described by one of our students at our school’s end of year awards ceremony, [the challenge was] a life changing experience for our Year 10 students. I really do believe that this challenge, and the skills that were developed by students, will have a lasting impact on them, not only for success in Year 11 and 12, but also post-school education and in their working lives.

– Dale Massie, HSIE Teacher, Terrigal High School, NSW

What Others Say…

FROM COMMUNITY PARTNERS & COLLABORATORS

“So glad to see illuminate Education Australia in action in the City of Wyndham, helping students understand the skills they possess and which will be invaluable to their future careers. Such a well delivered program, bringing together representatives from across industries to provide real-world advice and guidance to young learners. Already looking forward to being involved again in the future.”

John King, Head of Education and Careers, The Huddle Wyndham

“A student knocked on my door the day after the illuminate Challenge and explained how it was the best week of her school life and can she do it again!”

Stacey Exner, Executive Principal, Dubbo College, NSW

“Even our staff who participate have said that the illuminate Challenge has literally been one of their career highlights.”

Alex Kho, Faculty of Business and Law, Deakin University

“The illuminate challenge was, as described by one of our students at our school's end of year awards ceremony, a life changing experience for our Year 10 students... The week created such a positive vibe amongst those doing the challenge and indeed, throughout the entire school, and students from all years seemed to be taking an active interest... I really do believe that this challenge, and the skills that were developed by students, will have a lasting impact on them.”

Dale Massie, HSIE Teacher, Terrigal High School, NSW

"Technical capabilities are the necessary, but not sufficient attributes for people hired into my organisation. The best candidates complement their technical capability with emotional intelligence along with the skills taught by illuminate Education. Creativity, a willingness to collaborate, natural curiosity and the ability to contribute to effective teamwork are key characteristics of tomorrow's high performing leaders"

Mike Faulkner, Managing Director (AU & NZ), Verizon Enterprise Solutions

“There is no finer task than to encourage and support our youth in their journey of learning. Having experienced first-hand the illuminate Education experience myself in a supporting role at Charles Sturt University, I was inspired by the energy that the young participants had in the skills of problem solving, vision creation and entrepreneurial strategies. Programs such as illuminate no doubt are an excellent tool as part of the preparation for life after school. I would encourage students and teachers to explore the opportunities that the illuminate Education program offers.”

Peta Pinson, Mayor, Port Macquarie Hasting Council

“In this rapidly changing world with the rise of emerging economies and onset of digital disruption, programs like the illuminate Challenge are absolutely critical to regional communities. Rather than seeing change as a threat, illuminate Education opens the eyes of our young people to the opportunities that change presents.”

Tim Watson, General Manager, Dorset Council

“The illuminate Challenge pushes students to extend themselves in a positive, supportive setting. It helps student to develop the real-world skills necessary for any workplace, and exposes them to study and career options. The program helps students to unlock their full potential and discover their future.”

Brendan Taig, Careers Practitioner, Suzanne Cory High School, Werribee, Victoria

“The Illuminate program was astonishing. I truly didn’t expect the quality of ideas and presentations that the students delivered. It was clear to me that Illuminate are building capability, and improving the confidence and career prospects of these students.”

Ellen Piper, People, Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation

"It was fantastic to see their ideas come to life on posters, prototypes, and in persuasive presentations that showcased their creativity, critical thinking, and entrepreneurial mindset. This experience not only built STEM capabilities but also empowered students with transferable skills in communication, teamwork, and problem-solving—skills they will carry into their future learning and pathways..."

Dr Lucy Cassar, STAV Vice President & Head of Teaching & Learning, St Francis Catholic College Melton

FROM THE STUDENTS THEMSELVES

“It is challenging in a good way…”

Lara, Year 6, ACT

“The most fun and educational experience that I have ever had… I learnt so many important skills that I will use.”

Max, Year 10, ACT

“The program is a good idea, it helps kids change where they’re living for the better.”

Katie, Year 6, Tas.

“A fun, entrepreneurial program teaching real world skills.”

Kaila, Year 10, SA

“It’s perfect for learning to work in a team! And at the end, you are really proud of yourself!”

Tom, Year 10, NSW

“I would say it’s a unique experience that makes you think beyond a level you have before.”

Amyra, Year 8, Vic.

“Ultimately, it is one of the best experiences I’ve ever had.”

Gianna, Year 10, Vic.

“It’s fantastic and really interesting.”

Sharafadiin, Adult Student, Vic.

“A great experience many young people should go through.”

Charlotte, Year 9, NSW

“It’s hard but worth doing, and you learn a lot of skills.”

Isabella, Year 8, WA

“It is a chance to discover our personal skills and discover what skills we will need for the future and think like adults.”

Senaya, Year 8, Vic.

“Giving younger people a voice.”

Elka, Year 6, Tas.

“It’s an excellent experience… Many valuable lessons & transferable skills such as teamwork & communication.”

Simran, Year 9, SA

“Teaches young students the knowledge they need in pressure situations & how to solve problems sustainably.”

Ruby, Year 8, WA

“Stressful, but really fun and would definitely recommend.”

Aaron, Year 10, NSW

“It was very educational and helps to broaden your horizons even if you don’t want to pursue business.”

Amara, Year 10, NSW

“It is a program that brings the youth together to design solutions for real world issues.”

Gemma, Year 10, NSW

“A program that challenges students to think innovatively, collaborate and work hard.”

Amara, Year 10, NSWAlice, Year 10, NSW