Member for Myall Lakes Stephen Bromhead has announced that women and girls in Myall Lakes are set to benefit from an innovative project, which aims to inspire them to study Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) at school and pursue STEM based careers. Regional Development Australia (RDA) Hunter’s  2018 Investing in Women’s Program will involve young women from secondary schools across the Hunter/MidCoast region in a day-long summit/workshop that aims to inspire them to study. 

To ensure they “can see what they can be” high school aged girls from Myall Lakes schools including Bulahdelah Central and Great Lakes College will have the opportunity to participate in the program which will see inspirational female STEM leaders overview their careers and highlight the opportunities studying STEM can deliver. The program will also include hands-on technology workshops/demonstrations and is available thanks to a share of $400,000 under the NSW Government’s Investing in Women funding program.

Mr Bromhead congratulated RDA Hunter, who will receive $24,880 to deliver the STEM for women and girls in the Myall Lakes. “I’m thrilled the NSW Government will be supporting the Hunter’s Regional Development Australia to help women and girls in our community thrive,” Mr Bromhead said. 

RDA Hunter chairman John Turner said the program will improve economic and leadership opportunities for women and girls across the Hunter region as a whole by providing them with the skills to get involved and study STEM subjects and pursue STEM based careers.”

Minister for Women Tanya Davies said the NSW Government is committed to improving opportunities for women and girls across the State.

“We want to empower women to access careers in a range of industries, promote equitable workplaces, and make sure there are avenues for professional development for women in NSW,” Mrs Davies said. 

“Projects that have received funding under the program enable women to tackle barriers in male-dominated industries and help shape career paths through the development of a range of skills.”

The Investing in Women Program offers grants of up to $100,000 for projects that encourage women to participate in the community, and enhance economic and leadership opportunities. In 2018 program funding was doubled to $400,000.

For more information on Investing in Women, visit www.women.nsw.gov.au.