-- Seventy-five students from ten regional schools gathered on Wednesday 5 November at St Matthews Secondary Campus to compete in the annual Mudgee Mathematical Minds Competition.
Schools from across the region sent teams of four students from stages three, four and five to take part in a fun-filled day of mathematical challenges — from speedy individual tests to pair relays and team problemsolving rounds.
The event is organised and run by the Rotary Club of Mudgee with financial support from local businesses including Moolarben Coal, Peabody and Glencore Coal Mines, Brindleys Accounting, Bunnings, Gulgong Bowling Club and Mudgee Rotary Sunrise Club.
In its ninth year, the Mudgee Mathematical Minds Competition aims to encourage students to participate and have fun with mathematics. It brings students together in an atmosphere of excitement, challenge and teamwork in the sphere of STEM studies.
First place receives $750 prize money, second place receives $500, third place receives $250, and the special awards receive $100. The overall winners for each stage were:
- Stage 3: 1st - Cudgegong Public, 2nd - Gulgong Public and 3rd - Mudgee Public; -
- Stage 4: 1st - St Johns College, 2nd - Mudgee High and 3rd - St Mary's, Wellington;
- Stage 5: 1st - Mudgee High, 2nd - St Johns College and 3rd - St Matthews.
There were also two extra prizes at the challenge this year: the "Accuracy in the Speed test", which was awarded to Xanthe M from Cudgegong Public; and a "Spirit Award", which was awarded to Gulgong Public.
Jan O’Brien, President of the Rotary Club of Mudgee was thrilled with the support and success of the challenge.
“We want to improve numeracy in the community by collaborating with concerned teachers, local businesses and other community members to promote mathematical skills amongst young people.
“The Mudgee Mathematical Minds Competition encourages students to have fun with maths and work as a team to solve challenges.
“As well as getting students engaged and interacting in the study of STEM, we also hope it encourages them into engineering, scientific and technical careers.
“Our 2025 challenge had a record attendance and was the hardest fought competition to date. With significant financial support from sponsors, we had the most prize money available for the competing schools and two additional awards for individual enthusiasm and teamwork.
“We look forward to continuing to run this worthwhile program in Mudgee with the support of sponsors who recognise the long-term benefits of encouraging these skills in our local students,” said Jan.
The Rotary Club of Mudgee was established in 1937 and has around twenty-five club members currently. They meet weekly to socialise and plan upcoming projects and initiatives in the local community.
Moolarben Coal Acting General Manager, Tim Slater was pleased to financially assist the challenge.
“We aim to make a positive difference in the community and supporting the Mudgee Mathematical Minds Competition aligns with that goal.
“We also know that getting students excited about STEM at an early age can help open their minds to a career in mining and engineering.
“This program does an excellent job at inspiring and educating the next generation of mining innovators into our industry.
“Well done to all the students who competed in the challenge,” said Tim.
END
Media contact:
Tracy Woodley
Email: [email protected]
Release ID: 89176104
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