Blacktown Big Ideas Challenge 2024

Powered by Future Anything with generous support from Blacktown City Council, the Blacktown Big Ideas Challenge is a fast-paced and hands-on day of listening, learning, and doing. It culminates in teams of students pitching their own innovative solutions that will improve the health of our local waterways in a 'Shark Tank'-style experience.

It's set to be an engaging and real-world learning experience for young people in Years 7-10. In addition, students will hear from some of Australia’s most inspiring changemakers, as well as explicitly developing their enterprising thinking and human-centered design skills.

TICKETS & WHO SHOULD ATTEND

• The event is designed for school groups of students in Years 7-10 (students may not attend individually).  
• Up to 40 FREE student tickets are available for schools located in the Blacktown City Council LGA. 
• If you require additional tickets, please indicate this when registering and we will let you know if additional tickets become available. 

KEY TIMINGS:

• 8:00am- 8:45am: Arrival + Registration
• 9:00-10:30am: Welcome & Sydney Water Demonstration
• 10.30am -10.50am: Morning Break
• 10:50 - 12:50pm: The Entrepreneur’s Odyssey
• 12:50pm- 1:30pm Lunch Break
• 1:30pm- 2:15pm: The Shark Tank
• 2:20pm-2:30pm: Winner’s Announcement + Closing
• Break times are subject to change. A detailed agenda will be shared with all registered schools closer to the time. 

VENUE & TRANSPORT:

The event takes place at Bowman Hall, 35 Campbell St, Blacktown NSW 2148. Participating schools are required to organise and manage their own transport requirements for students and supervising staff/parents attending the event. Travel by public transport is encouraged.

A transport subsidy is available for eligible NSW Government schools. Contact Council on 02 9839 5169 for more information.

PERMISSIONS & SUPERVISION:

Each participating school should manage risk assessment & parent permissions according their own policies, and ensure a suitable level of staff supervision for their students attending the event. While participating teachers/parents will not be required to formally facilitate the sessions, their engagement in the activities will increase teachers’ skills and confidence in unlocking students’ enterprising mindsets in their classrooms. IMPORTANT: All students will be required to have a caregiver complete Future Anything's Media Permission Form (form will be emailed upon registration).  

WHAT STUDENTS NEED TO BRING:

• Their own refillable water bottle
• Lunch, and morning/afternoon tea (if required) as no catering is provided.
• Students are required to wear their school uniform
• Completed Media Permission Form here (fillable PDF).
• A dash of enthusiasm, an open mind and a willingness to engage with others.

POWERED BY:

SUPPORTED BY: