What is the RACV Energy Breakthrough?

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The RACV Energy Breakthrough is an exciting program designed to provide opportunities for students, teachers, parents and local industry to work together to design and construct a vehicle, a machine or innovation in technology that will represent an 'energy breakthrough'.

When is the Energy Breakthrough?

2010 Dates: Thursday Nov 18 - Sunday 21
2011 Dates: Thursday Nov 24 - Sunday 27

“I drive a Porsche 928. Enjoy it tremendously. But I can see huge changes coming, with growing awareness of social and environmental responsibilities. We can’t keep on having inefficient cars. I don’t believe the world can go on consuming fuel recklessly. Wasting fuel. Not just because of diminishing reserves but what it is doing to the planet. Spewing out pollution. Vehicles have to be far more sensible in payload, much lighter, retain passenger comfort because you do need that, and be much safer.

It needs another breakthrough …”
- Ralph Sarich: Wheels Magazine, February 1991

It began in 1992 when the Country Education Project began seeking new ways to engage young people in regional Victoria with a wider range of challenges.

The program encourages participants to examine and use the latest technology while considering its impact on the environment and the way people live locally and globally. The RACV Energy Breakthrough isn’t just a once-a-year event! 

School groups work throughout the year to design, build and test vehicles or machines within detailed specifications. It requires a team effort and an across-the-curriculum approach. These groups then bring their vehicles and machines to Maryborough in November, for a huge celebration in which they can demonstrate and trial them in action. 

The Racv Energy Breakthrough is a joint initiative of the Country Education Project, the Central Goldfields Shire Council and the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria (RACV).

The Energy Breakthrough aims to...

Provide an excellent technology project for students from Prep to VCE level Encourage young people to explore solutions to environmental and transport issues Provide an opportunity for schools and communities to work and learn together Provide an opportunity for women and girls to participate in what has traditionally been a ‘male’ dominated area of the curriculum Be a fun program with real world challenges Offer students opportunities to explore and address vehicle design, driving skills and vehicle and passenger safety issues.

Event Credientials

The RACV Energy Breakthrough is...

• a WasteWise Event
• compliant with Local Government Occupational Health & Safety Regulations
• compliant with the requirements of the Victorian State Government's 'Working With Children' policies.