Celestino is proud to deliver the fifth year of the Sydney Science Park STEM Schools Challenge, a robust, curriculum aligned program designed to ignite curiosity, collaboration, and creativity in young people across New South Wales.
While the program is anchored in Western Sydney, it has also extended its reach to students in regional and coastal communities including Dubbo, Newcastle, Townsend, Wollongong, and the Central Coast, ensuring that diverse learners across the state are inspired to explore real world challenges through Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM).
Since its inception in 2020, the Challenge has engaged more than five thousand students and their teachers in designing solutions for urban development pillars such as smart cities, water, energy, circular economy, health, transport, community wellbeing, and Place in Country — all aligned with the vision for Sydney Science Park as a place that connects communities, places, opportunities, lifestyles and nature.
The 2025 Challenge began in February with an Educator Learning Lab involving mentors and equipping teachers with the tools, resources, and industry connections needed to guide their students through a real-world STEM learning journey. Over several months, students have engaged in classroom learning, industry touchpoints, and immersive Field Days at Sydney Science Park, Celestino's flagship innovation and research precinct in Luddenham, NSW.
With two rounds of field days now complete, engaging more than 1,600 students, attention is turning to the highly anticipated Grand Final Challenge Day, which will be held on Friday 24 October. The event will bring together students from across New South Wales, spanning Years 4 to 10, and will form mixed age, cross school teams to tackle real world urban challenges aligned with the vision for Sydney Science Park. In a rapid-fire design sprint, these teams will collaborate to develop innovative solutions to real problems currently being explored by industry and researchers at Sydney Science Park.
"The Sydney Science Park STEM Schools Challenge develops critical thinking, teamwork, and a passion for solving real world problems," said Mr Ross Whelan, Principal of Mamre Anglican School. "As we prepare to relocate to Sydney Science Park, we are excited to see our future students learning in an environment that embraces innovation and collaboration."
More than a single event, the Challenge is a comprehensive learning journey that connects students with industry experts, researchers, other students, and authentic problem-solving experiences. It is designed to build the confidence, capability, and community awareness young people need to thrive in a changing world.
This year, Celestino is proud to welcome Glossodia Public School to the Sydney Science Park STEM Schools Challenge for the first time, alongside returning schools such as Mamre Anglican School, which will relocate to a purpose-built school at Sydney Science Park in 2029/30. Their participation not only highlights the growth of the program but also reflects Celestino's ongoing commitment to supporting local communities while nurturing strong, connected places where education, innovation, and opportunity thrive.
"The Sydney Science Park STEM Schools Challenge is a celebration of ideas and possibilities," said Celestino CEO Matthew Scard. "Together, we are inspiring the next generation of problem solvers and critical thinkers, who will help shape the resilient, sustainable cities and communities of the future."
About us:
About Celestino
Founded in 2015 - with a legacy that dates back to 1916 - Celestino is a proudly Australian-owned, family-run property developer focused on shaping communities across Australia.
Celestino is committed to creating tomorrow's success stories by delivering visionary places to live, work, and play. Our developments are designed to enrich lives while respecting the environment, blending lifestyle, sustainability and opportunity.
Celestino is best known for delivering thriving master planned communities such as The Gables in Gables, NSW.
