A Sustainable Futures Hackathon was recently held at Western Sydney University’s Parramatta campus.
On Wednesday, 10th September, a group of Year 10 students attended Western Sydney University for an exciting immersion day.
Students from the Academy U program recently took part in the Sustainable Futures Hackathon at Western Sydney University’s Parramatta South Campus. Working alongside students from other schools, the students collaborated to design innovative business ideas aimed at improving the environment and quality of life for people in Western Sydney.
In just one day, some of the creative solutions they developed and pitched included:
‘BINNY’ – mobile bins to collect rubbish in parks
‘Plants for Protection’ – cultivating plants resistant to heat and fires
‘Clothes Cycle’ – reducing overconsumption of clothing
‘ECO Mini Homes’ – sustainable houses for the future
‘Bush to Bowl’ – growing native edible plants.
The energy and creativity demonstrated in such a short timeframe was truly inspiring and the school is proud to share that three Year 10 students were awarded places in the competition for their outstanding ideas!


Reflecting on the experience, Year 10 student Leisel H. said, “we learnt how to effectively collaborate with people with whom we were not familiar, and were able to create our sustainable solutions that adhered to the SDG (Sustainable Development Goals).”
Well done to all the students involved for their courage, innovation and creativity throughout the event.