Eight science students from schools in the Dubbo Region have recently been awarded a 2025 Victor Chang School Science Awards, which recognises outstanding Year 11 science students.

Hosted by Dubbo Regional Council, mayor Josh Black and Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute scientist Lauren Cook presented the students with their awards on Friday, August 15.

The awards went to students representing Dubbo Christian School, Dubbo College Senior Campus, St Johns College, and Macquarie Anglican Grammar School.

Congratulations to:

• Emily O’Connor – Dubbo Christian School

• Joey Coen – Dubbo Christian School

• Zachary Glencross – Dubbo College Senior Campus

• Joseph Prince – Dubbo College Senior Campus

• Emelia Hosking – Dubbo College Senior Campus

• Rydah Whitehouse – St Johns College Dubbo

• Edward Porch – Macquarie Anglican Grammar School

• Thomas Lawson – Macquarie Anglian Grammar School

Established in 2004 in honour of pioneering cardiac surgeon, Dr Victor Chang, the Victor Chang School Science Awards celebrate gifted students. The awards aim to stimulate growth in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects, foster and encourage an interest in science among secondary school students, with the goal of promoting careers in STEM as a viable and interesting career path.

Dubbo Regional Council mayor Cr Josh Black said it was great to see such dedicated and passionate science students in the region excelling in the fields of chemistry, biology and physics.

“These students were nominated by their teachers who have supported and nurtured their passion for science," Cr Black said.

“There is no doubt our award winners today have a bright future ahead of them,” he added.

“Dubbo Regional Council is proud to be hosting the Victor Chang School Science Awards this year. We are the only regional Council outside of Sydney to be hosting the awards and providing a great opportunity to showcase the talent in our region and encourage students to pursue careers in the science field,” Cr Black concluded.