East Gippsland Three Day Design Sprint

There was no better way to pilot our re-imagined program, than with 36 students from Swifts Creek P-12 School and Bairnsdale Secondary College – who came together recently for a 3 Day Design Sprint!

Partnering with East Gippsland Shire Council, students were introduced to the design thinking framework, visited several Council-managed sites, and worked in groups to tackle some real-world challenges posed by the Shire. These included ways to reduce textile waste in landfill, ideas for revitalising the Port of Bairnsdale, and strategies to attract young people to Council, as future employees.

The engaging 3 days culminated with the students presenting their solutions to their East Gippsland Shire Council mentors in the Council Chamber’s office. Among the engaged audience were Mayor Cr. John White, Cr Bernie Farquhar, CEO Fiona Weigall, General Manager Place & Community Chris Stephenson. All were keen to hear a youth perspective and have the opportunity to ask the students questions.

The students confidently presented their ideas, answered questions and shared what they’d got out of the unique learning model Broadening Horizons offers – much to the delight of their Principals, teachers and the Gippsland East LLEN team.

We look forward to supporting many more meaningful partnerships between Gippsland secondary schools and industry in 2025!