Industry Partners
SMART proudly stands as one of the longest-running outreach programs, enriching the educational experiences of primary school students in rural and regional areas nationwide. Our initiative operates in conjunction with the acclaimed Science and Engineering Challenge (SEC), known for its award-winning national science events.
The success of our programs in these areas is made possible by the generous support of our industry partners. Their funding enables us to offer these enriching science shows at minimal or no cost to schools in remote regions, ensuring equitable access to educational opportunities irrespective of geographic location.
If you are interested in partnering with SMART, please contact us here: smart@newcastle.edu.au
Yancoal
Yancoal’s Hunter Valley Operations and Mount Thorley Warkworth mines have been a major sponsor of the University’s SMART program and the Science and Engineering Challenge since 2001. Thanks to Yancoal’s support, thousands of ‘future scientists’ have had the opportunity to experience SMART Science Shows at their schools and learn about exciting possible future career choices in STEM.
Yancoal is committed to investing in its communities and partnering with community groups such as the SMART program to achieve meaningful & measurable outcomes for students across NSW.
Inland Rail
Inland Rail have sponsored the SMART program since 2020 enabling the SMART Team to deliver Science Shows and tours in regional communities along the Inland Rail alignment. With Inland Rail’s support the SMART team is able to support young people in regional areas to have fun exploring science.
Inland Rail are committed to supporting the wellbeing and prosperity of communities along the Inland Rail areas. The STEM On Track partnership has been vital in allowing students from rural and remote locations to experience STEM opportunities.
NSW Chief Scientist and Engineer
Since 2016, thanks to the support of the NSW Chief Scientist and Engineer, the SMART team has been delivering engaging science shows to thousands of regional students across NSW, fostering interest, confidence, and knowledge in STEM.
Collaborating with teams at the University of Newcastle, including the Science and Engineering Challenge, the Wollotuka Institute, and Future Students, SMART continues to offer these exciting shows both on-campus and in regional communities, reaching high school students throughout NSW.
In 2023 SMART secured a google grant to deliver professional development for teachers in regional NSW in coding and robotics. This supported the 2019 roll out of the mandatory Digital Technologies Curriculum through the Computer Science for High School (CS4HS) program.
SMART delivered PD sessions for teachers in: Armidale / New England, Cessnock, Terrigal, Great Lakes (Forster, Tuncurry), Bulahdelah, Gloucester, and Dungog area.
The Department of Industry, Science and Resources
In late 2024, we were awarded funding through Maker Projects (Community STEM Engagement grants.) This project is funded by the Australian Government Department of Industry, Science and Resources managed by Inspiring Australia NSW.
Over the next two years, we’re partnering with Lake Macquarie Libraries to expand our reach to four locations, bridging the local STEM activity gap. Our engaging after-school STEM workshops for 8–12-year-olds will explore a variety of exciting topics, making STEM accessible to a wider audience, including those from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds.
Lake Mac Libraries
We have partnered with Lake Mac Libraries to offer after-school STEM workshops for students aged 8–12 across various library locations in Lake Macquarie throughout 2025 and 2026.
By bringing these hands-on activities into local communities, we’re helping remove barriers around accessibility and transport—making it easier for families to participate. This approach enables SMART to engage a broader and more diverse group of students, especially those historically underrepresented in STEM.
James N. Kirby Foundation
In 2025, we received funding from the James N. Kirby Foundation to support the delivery of our hybrid SMART Squad program—an exciting combination of our dynamic science shows and hands-on STEM activities.
Thanks to their generous support, the SMART Program is now able to reach students in recognised low socio-economic areas across the greater Hunter region. By delivering our programs directly into schools we’re able to break down barriers such as cost and transport, making STEM education more accessible and engaging for all. This funding is helping us spark curiosity and inspire learning for students who may not otherwise have access to STEM programs outside of school.
Newcastle Coal Infrastructure Group (NCIG)
The SMART team is proud to be a recipient of the 2025 NCIG Community Support Program, which empowers organisations to deliver impactful community initiatives across the Newcastle region.
Thanks to the support of NCIG, we will be delivering our new hybrid SMART Squad program—an engaging blend of our high-energy science shows and interactive STEM activities. This funding allows us to expand our reach, bringing STEM experiences to a broader audience and focusing on schools in lower socio-economic areas within the Newcastle area to inspire students and promote further interest in STEM.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.