illuminate education australia case studies

Moree Plains | New South Wales

In June 2022, illuminate Education Australia partnered with the University of New England’s SMART Region Incubator to deliver a transformative learning experience for primary school students across the Moree Plains. The illuminate Community Challenge brought together young minds for a week-long innovation program designed to build problem-solving, entrepreneurial thinking, and community leadership skills—all while empowering students to shape the future of their region.

This immersive challenge was more than just a classroom activity – it was a catalyst for change. With the support of mentors and facilitators, students explored the values they believed should define their community. From safety and wellbeing to cultural celebration and sustainability, these young changemakers identified what mattered most to them and set out to design solutions that could bring those values to life.

Throughout the week, students proposed a range of creative and impactful ideas. These included initiatives to create safe spaces for youth, promote healthy living through community gardens and fitness programs, and celebrate the region’s rich Aboriginal heritage through cultural events and storytelling installations. The challenge encouraged students to think critically, collaborate effectively, and communicate their ideas with confidence – skills that are essential for lifelong learning and leadership.

As the challenge culminated, students presented their ideas to local stakeholders, including educators, community leaders, and government representatives. The response was overwhelmingly positive. Local organisations pledged support to further explore and develop the students’ concepts, recognising the depth of insight and innovation on display.

One standout moment came from Gravesend Public School, whose students’ proposals captured the attention of their local representative. Impressed by the clarity of their ideas and the financial literacy demonstrated in their business plans, the NSW Government awarded the school a $10,000 grant to begin implementing their solutions. This tangible outcome highlights the real-world impact of the illuminate Community Challenge and the power of student-led innovation.

The Moree Plains experience exemplifies how regional communities can benefit from authentic, hands-on learning programs that connect education with local development. For teachers, the challenge offers a fully facilitated, curriculum-aligned experience that requires no additional preparation. For community leaders, it provides a platform to engage with youth voices and foster intergenerational collaboration.

Beyond the ideas and presentations, the true legacy of the challenge lies in the mindset shift it creates. Students leave the program not only with new skills, but with a renewed sense of agency and purpose. They see themselves as contributors to their community—capable of identifying problems, designing solutions, and driving positive change.

Our experience in Moree showcases illuminate Education Australia’s commitment to reaching regional and remote communities, ensuring that every young Australian has the opportunity to be confident, creative and capable. By embedding innovation into the learning journey and aligning with local priorities, the illuminate Community Challenge continues to inspire students and strengthen communities across the country.

“[The illuminate Challenge] addresses many current real world issues and skills through effective and engaging curriculum. The students learn about understanding community values, solving real world problems, financial literacy, pitching an idea and working as part of a team; all vital skills for todays workplace and tomorrows. The students came up with an idea and developed it into a business because the illuminate team listened and supported them and their school community got behind them.

Jackie Todd, Learning Leader, Gravesend Public School.

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