The Dr Russ Dickens OAM Award for Innovation Awards Evening.
Last 18 March 2025, the Rotary Club of Blacktown City proudly recognised the winners of the CSIRO Generation STEM 2024 Showcase. Sophie Oliveira, Elijah Atkins and Joseph Nour from Marion Catholic College Kenthurst were presented with the prestigious Dr. Russ Dickens OAM Award for their groundbreaking STEM project, “Spuddies – Potato Starch Polymer.” Regrettably, Joseph was unable to attend but will receive his award at the school assembly.
CSIRO Generation STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) runs an annual Base STEM awareness program, culminating in a showcase where local high schools present their innovative projects. A panel comprising 3 to 4 judges from Blacktown City Council, the Rotary Club of Blacktown City, and CSIRO carefully evaluates the entries. The best project is awarded the Dr. Russ Dickens OAM Award for Innovation, a prestigious award given by the Rotary Club of Blacktown City in honour of Dr Russ Dickens OAM. Winners’ names are inscribed on the perpetual award shield which is prominently displayed at Blacktown Max Webber Library.
Dr. Russ Dickens OAM was an honoured Blacktown City Councillor and a dedicated Rotarian who served as President of the Rotary Club of Blacktown City. Dr Dickens was deeply committed to the local community and the advancement of science.
Part of Generation STEM, the STEM Community Partnerships Program (STEM CPP) is a 10-year initiative funded by the NSW government. It supports Year 7 to Year 10 students in designing curriculum-aligned inquiry-based projects addressing local issues such as agribusiness, biodiversity, heat stress, Industry 4.0, and more. Students in the STEM CPP gain access to numerous opportunities, including local workplace visits, the #WithStemYouCan Careers Expo, virtual work experience, and mentorship with industry professionals. The Rotary Club of Blacktown City collaborates with the CSIRO STEM program, fostering connections between industries and high schools within the LGA and with the Blacktown City Council.
At the presentation, Sophie and Elijah discussed their innovative project, “Spuddies-Potato Starch Polymer,” which explored the use of potatoes to create biodegradable bags as a sustainable alternative to plastic. Recognising that approximately 30% of potatoes are wasted, they devised a method to utilize potato starch as the foundation for their product. Their experiments were with both challenges and successes, but the team collaborated effectively and found the endeavour rewarding. Their ultimate goal was to reduce plastic usage, minimise plastic pollution in waterways, and protect wildlife from the harmful effects of ingesting plastic waste.
As for their aspirations, Sophie aims to pursue a career in science, while Elijah hopes to become a veterinarian.
In her introduction of the award, Jenny Breust, daughter of Dr Russ Dickens, shared heartfelt reflections on her father, highlighting his pride in being a ‘westie,’ his impactful career as a veterinarian, and his strong ties with CSIRO.
Jenny and Keith Waller, who leads the Rotary Club of Blacktown City’s involvement in the STEM program, presented the awards to Sophie and Elijah.
