Young Innovators Make a Difference at the STEM MAD National Showcase
Six primary school teams from the Diocese of Lismore have been selected to showcase their creativity and compassion at the 2025 STEM MAD National Student Showcase in Adelaide, presenting innovative projects that combine faith, science and a commitment to making a difference. (18 November 2025)
The creative spirit of the Diocese of Lismore will shine brightly as six primary school teams prepare to represent the Diocese at the 2025 STEM MAD National Student Showcase in Adelaide. Hosted by Catholic Education South Australia, the event will celebrate students who apply science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to Make A Difference (MAD), embodying stewardship, solidarity and the common good.
Each team will bring innovation and compassion to real-world challenges, from smart sensors to life-saving designs. Holy Family Catholic Primary School, Skennars Head, will present Pot Spot, a system that detects potholes and alerts councils for safer roads. St John’s Primary School, Mullumbimby, will showcase Talk 2 Teddy, a smart companion designed to help students with disabilities communicate.
Two teams from St Joseph’s Primary School, Laurieton, will impress with Kicking Cars for Koalas, a wildlife-protection alert system and Coastal Flow, a wearable beacon that aids swimmers in distress. St Joseph’s Primary School, Maclean, will present Project Emu, using AI to protect endangered coastal emus, while St Joseph’s Primary School, Tweed Heads, will introduce Burn-Bot, a cost-effective device to assist burn victims.
The showcase will buzz with excitement as students share their projects with peers and educators from across Australia. Their work will reflect a deep sense of faith and purpose, demonstrating how young minds can unite creativity and compassion to care for both people and planet.
The Diocese of Lismore’s participants will truly embody the spirit of STEM MAD, using innovation to make the world a kinder, safer, and more sustainable place.
Talk 2 Teddy - St John's Primary School, Mullumbimby
Pot Spot - Holy Family Catholic Primary School, Skennars Head
Kicking Cars for Koalas - St Joseph's Primary School, Laurieton
Coastal Flow - St Joseph's Primary School, Laurieton