This month Good Shepherd Galaxy Girls received an Australian United Nations Sustainable Development Goal Award in the 2018 Tech Girl Superhero competition.
The girls researched the topic and possible competitor apps on the market. Isabelle Hammond, explained, “Our R³ app is unique in the way that it uses a competition to inspire students to recycle. After researching the app market, we have found that our app is original and very different to other apps in the same area”.
After conducting a local online survey, the girls discovered some key trends in the Noosa community. “We came across some research by some regional Victorian councils and they found that only 29% of householders had ever looked at a council website for information about recycling. Most people got their information from schools, local newspapers and bin stickers,” exclaimed team member Jemima Harman. “This means that we really need to help schools in raising awareness of important issues like recycling if we want things to change.”
As a part of the “Tech Girls Are Superheros” initiative, the girls were aligned with a mentor from the technology industry. Alexis Dallas, a UX designer from Melbourne, met with the team via video conference during lunch hours to discuss design ideas, concepts and provide general support throughout the process.
Millie Ellis, spoke of the support from the tech industry. “It was amazing to have so many people helping us. From our three coaches at school, to the chats with Alexis and even spending time at GWI in Brisbane’s CBD.”
We are very proud of what our Tech Girls have achieved and experienced this year. To have their ideas and work acknowledged at a national level is very rewarding. The main aim is to ignite a passion to change the world for the better. When our students have the ability to work collaboratively, to solve problems using technology, the possibilities are truly limitless.”
Mrs Nicola Cumner
Tech Girls Coach
