October 16, 2026
Port Macquarie charity will inspire Aboriginal students to strive for STEM careers The Deadly Science team will deliver STEM workshops to First Nations students across NSW. Pictured, from left, are Rachel Peek, Robert Dwyer, Belinda Stewart, Melainie Baker, Corey Tutt and Jessica Tapp. Photo: Supplied.

Port Macquarie charity will inspire Aboriginal students to strive for STEM careers

A $250,000 NSW Government grant will allow Port Macquarie-based Indigenous STEM charity Deadly Science to deliver workshops in 50 regional and remote schools across New South Wales.

The workshops will reach students from Kindergarten to Year 9, with a particular focus on Years 4 to 9. They will begin in 16 regional schools during Term 4 this year, before expanding across NSW in 2027.

The program aims to increase awareness of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths) career opportunities while addressing the significant underrepresentation of women and Aboriginal people in STEM-related industries.

Member for Port Macquarie, Robert Dwyer said the grant will help inspire students across regional and remote New South Wales to explore careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

“The funding would provide valuable opportunities for young people, particularly girls and First Nations students, to develop an interest in STEM and learn about the important role Aboriginal knowledge plays in scientific discovery and innovation,” he said.

“STEM skills are critical to Australia’s future workforce.

“It’s important that young people in regional and remote communities have access to the same opportunities as those in metropolitan areas.

“Representation matters. When students see people from their own communities succeeding in STEM fields, it helps them believe those opportunities are available to them too.”

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