Maryborough 2003 Entries up for this year s RACV Energy Breakthrough

2 0 0 3 R A C V E n e r g y B r e a k t h r o u g h September 2003 Newsletter COMING EVENTS September 13 & 14 Maryborough Queensland 24 hour event for all HPV s September 20 & 21 Australian Pedal Prix Round 4 Murray Bridge 24 hour event for HPV s September 21 Maroondah Council Ringwood, Victoria 6 hour event for Hybrid Vehicles and HPV s November 20 to 23 RACV Energy Breakthrough at Maryborough, Victoria Hybrid Vehicles, HPV s, Pushcarts and Innovations in Technology CONTENTS 1. Entries Information and Update 3. Marty s Musings 4. Innovations In Technology 4. Great Victorian Bike Ride 6. Waste Wise Message 6. Questacon 7. Pit Changes for 2003 8. EBT Key Contacts Maryborough 2003 Entries up for this year s RACV Energy Breakthrough More and More Entries The number of entries in the RACV Energy Breakthrough continues to grow. The number of entries, in ALL categories, has grown every year since 1991 when the Energy Breakthrough was commenced. There is no doubt that the concepts learning by doing and young people testing their learning through real life, practical challenges is very popular. The number of entries in the Pushcarts, Human Powered Vehicle categories has exceeded the quotas again this year. While the organisers are delighted with the interest and the number of entries there is a limit to the number of teams that can be catered for. A number of actions have been taken to enable more teams to be part of the Maryborough, RACV Energy Breakthrough experience. We currently have teams on the waiting list in ALL Human Powered Vehicle classes, and also in Pushcarts. To provide the opportunity for more teams to be part of the 2003 RACV Energy Breakthrough the following changes have been introduced: HPV A The quota for HPV A has been lifted from 50 to 55 teams. This leaves six (6) teams on the HPV A waiting list. They will be offered positions in the event if and when they become available. The HPV A teams on the waiting list have the opportunity to be part of the Tryathalon with the Endurance component to be completed on Saturday 6.00 am 11.00 am. Secondary HPV s The quota for HPV Open has been lifted from 15 to 20. The first five (5) teams on the HPV Open waiting list have been included in the event. The first five (5) HPV B or C teams on the waiting list have been included in the event. The remaining twenty-one (21) HPV B, C and Open teams remain on the waiting list. These teams may wish to be included in Page 1

Maryborough 2003 the Try-athalon to ensure a place at Energy Breakthrough. These teams will be offered positions in the secondary HPV event when and if vacancies become available. In addition the 21 HPV B, C and Open teams have been offered the opportunity to compete at Maryborough in November. They can complete an Endurance Trial on the HOLDEN Track in conjunction with the Hybrid Trial. All teams choosing this option must complete the Design & Construction and Display & Presentation assessments prior to the trial as per the regulations for all teams. Results for this group will be recorded and published as one group (that is not by Class). Prizes may be awarded depending upon availability and the numbers taking up this offer. Rules Update Technical feedback As a result of minor changes to the rules for 2003 several questions have emerged that need further clarification. Firstly the reduction in the maximum specified turning circle to 8.0 metres. Both tracks require the vehicles to negotiate tight turns, particularly during pitting, as well as being able to avoid other vehicles and obstacles on the track. While 8.0 metres is considered a reasonable turning circle, HPV and Hybrid builders need to ensure their vehicles turn progressively and do not become unstable because the road wheels turn quickly when the steering is only moved slightly. A vehicle that turns in too quickly, when riders suddenly try to avoid an obstacle, is likely to be unstable and possibly roll. Changes to the steering linkage design can ensure a smooth/progressive turn in and good turning circle, but it is more important to have a stable vehicle. The Hybrid category is an energy challenge. Teams are issued with a set amount of fuel and batteries and are encouraged to find alternative ways of generating power and recharging batteries. In all sections the Planning Committee has given all schools the opportunity to participate in the event through the various alterations to the program they have devised. These changes have placed extra stress on the band of volunteers that manage and conduct the event, but all agree it is for a great cause. An Entry Up-date Sheet will be distributed to all entered teams in the coming weeks to verify your team s entry in the 2003 RACV Energy Breakthrough. Please could you submit your Entry Up-date Sheet to the Local Planning Committee so our records are up-to-date and correct and we can begin to plan for that one week in November. If you have withdrawals or category changes with your teams it is vitally important that you let us know now. Please Note: Teams registered in the HPV B or C class and requesting a transfer to the HPV Open Class will incur a 50 lap penalty in the trial. Electric Hybrids start the event with 100 kg of fully charged batteries, but from then on are NOT permitted to recharge batteries from mains power. This will be closely monitored in 2003. Changes to the rules for electric Hybrids does not alter the fact that they need to carry at least 20 kg of the overall 100 kg allocation of batteries for the vehicle. If one battery is less than 20 kg the team can choose to run one battery and carry the difference in ballast. Teams are also directed to the rules on lighting, which stipulates, one white headlight equivalent to 20 watts rated power and which must illuminate the road ahead. This will be examined in scrutineering. All HPV teams are encouraged to look at the revised Hybrid rules, as the intention is to make it easier for those interested to upgrade to a Hybrid vehicle. Also be aware that all Hybrids now need to carry a fire extinguisher. Page 2

MARTY S MUSINGS Bigger than ever, so be prepared!! Camping and other accommodation, parking, and traffic management flow are all going to be highly important in 2003, and your cooperation and support will be essential to ensure the event is enjoyable for all. With an extra 55 teams being accommodated in the event this year, camping space, and accommodation for relatives and friends in motels and other accommodation houses will be at a premium. In the interests of all campers it must be stressed that power is for lighting only. Therefore all campers should provide their own gas fired cooking equipment, and small, quiet generators if they require power for anything other than lighting. For friends and relatives who would like to come along and support your school s efforts, it is advised that they promptly contact the Central Goldfields Shire Visitor Information Centre on 54604511. The Visitor Information Centre will be able to assist them with making an appropriate booking in and around Maryborough. As in previous years a Camping Proforma Sheet will be sent out to all participating teams in October requesting information regarding your team s camping numbers, the number and type of tents involved, and other relevant information. As has been stipulated in previous years the committee would prefer all camping on the ovals and reserves to be in tents. All primary school teams will once again be camping on either the Princes Park Oval or in the Maryborough Caravan Park. Management of the Maryborough Caravan Park has indicated at this early stage that the park will be booked out by the teams that occupied it in 2002. Therefore if you are a new team or a team who was on the Princes Park Oval in 2002 you will once again be on the oval again in 2003. The Maryborough Caravan Park s phone number for teams who were there last year is 54604848. All secondary school teams will either be on Jubilee Oval or the Hockey Fields again. Traffic Management Plans and Specific Parking Plans will be delivered to participating teams in October as well. It is essential to conserve both energy (a strong philosophy of the RACV Energy Breakthrough) and space that participating teams try to reduce the number of vehicles they have involved in transporting the team, support staff, friends, and relatives to the event. The 2003 event promises to be bigger and better than ever, and with your support and cooperation this is guaranteed. If you require any further information regarding the event please do not hesitate to call me at the Help Desk on 54 610 621. If your school has anyone who may be interested in volunteering their time to assist with the event management process of the 2003 RACV Energy Breakthrough then please contact Martin Mark on (03) 54 610 621. Let the energy be yours and I ll see you in November. Martin Mark Local Planning Coordinator Page 3

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS INNOVATIONS IN TECHNOLOGY Thank you to schools which have already entered for 2003 event. We can accommodate further entries in Innovations in Technology. Currently we have 29 schools entered: 22 teams in Crafty Design and 7 teams in Moving Water. In 2002-35 Crafty Design and 7 Moving Water teams participated. I know life is busy, but we would love a few more entries so perhaps your school could enter another team? Or perhaps your school has not yet entered and would like to do so please do! And contact me at your earliest convenience on: Phone (03) 54 61 1 310 Email triciaw@iinet.net.au PO Box 106 Maryborough, 3465. I look forward to hearing from you. Tricia Walsh Convenor Local accommodation has been booked out well in advance of November each year. For 2003 there are an additional 50-plus entries in the pushcart and human-powered events. To accommodate teams, the whole of Princes Park Oval will be utilised for school camping in 2003, while another landing site will be found for the Red Berets paragliding group. It will be even more difficult for team supporters to find accommodation in and around Maryborough in November, 2003. The local Visitors Information Centre will be a source for queries on district accommodation, including the possibility of local billets. (The Maryborough community is to be canvassed for possible billets or other forms of accommodation.) Families of participants and other supporters who need to be accommodated during the Energy Breakthrough should contact the Visitor Information Centre in Maryborough from mid- October onwards on (03) 54 604 511. GREAT VICTORIAN BIKE RIDE Here is some information on the VicRoads Great Victorian Bike Ride to those schools who have participated in it in the last 3 years and those who have expressed an interest in this year s 580 km ride from the Summit at Mt Hotham to the Sea at Mornington - November 29 to December 7. SPECIAL SCHOOL PRICE - transport to the start. If you have 10 or more participants, we are able to offer your school the discount price of $55 to the start. Contact Ballarat Coachlines on (03) 5333 4181 for more information. The following links will take you to: Why your school should come on the ride Schools_Promo.pdf Schools Guide Schools_Guide_2003.pdf Page 4

School Starter Kit (resources for the organising teacher) School_Starter_Kit_2003.pdf School's Brochure Parts 1 and 2 ACF44D4.pdf School_brochure_inside.pdf Schools Entry Form School_Starter_Kit_2003.pdf School's Summary Sheet School_summary_Sheet.pdf KATHY WATT'S CYCLING - free session If your school is entering the event and wish to take up the offer of a free session with Kathy Watt's Cycling www.kathywatt.com, please send us a note confirming your intention of entering and we will make the necessary arrangements. TEACHERS HAVEN A haven in cyberspace where teacher's co-ordinating students for the Ride can share information, experiences and resources. This has been established on Victoria's 'My Connected Community - mc2' at http://mc2.vicnet.net.au/home/haven/index.html COLOURED BROCHURES If you would like copies of the coloured brochure for distribution within your networks, please e-mail Alan Tonkin (alant@bv.com.au) with the quantity you would like, along with the best snail mail address for sending them to. CD A CD of last year's Ride (from the Western Districts to Sunbury), containing a 14 minute professionally compiled video, is available FREE from Bicycle Victoria. Again contact Alan Tonkin. GST explained Our accountant advises GST on the fee is $35.91 and the GST component on food collectible from students is $10.20 which means the amount payable by student becomes $395 - $35.91 + $10.20 = $369.29. Net input credit for schools is therefore $25.71. GO FREE - become a volunteer Volunteering offers students and parents the opportunity to be part of the fun and adventure of this big event. For details see the volunteers section on our website www. bv.com.au or call us on 03 8636 8888 for a brochure. GO INTERSTATE/INTERNATIONAL If your school has a relationship with schools interstate or overseas, the event provides a great opportunity for these students, not only to see Victoria, but to experience community life in the travelling tent city. Feel free to invite them to join your school on the ride. OTHER BICYCLE VICTORIA EVENTS International Ride To School Day - 8 October: http://www.saferoutestoschools.org/events.html Ride To Work day http://www.bv.com.au/submenu.cfm? SubMenuID=92 It is also Ride To Work day here in Victoria so as school is work, what a great way to promote cycling in your school by organising a ride to school. http://www.bv.com.au/content.cfm? submenuid=68&contentid=369 Around the Bay in a Day - 19 October: http://www.bv.com.au/submenu.cfm? submenuid=39 Currently we are considering how schools might participate in this event. We'd be interested to hear your thoughts. Alan Tonkin - Sales Team Leader Bicycle Victoria Level 10, 446 Collins St. GPO Box 1961R, MELBOURNE Vic 3001 Phone: 03 8636 8833 Fax: 03 8636 8800 Email:alant@bv.com.au Website:bv.com.au Page 5

Avoid Reduce Reuse Recycle This is the key message for Waste Wise at the RACV Energy Breakthrough at Maryborough 2003 The RACV Energy Breakthrough is a Waste Wise Event for the third consecutive year. Some of the actions the organising committee have done to achieve this status are to AVOID/REDUCE waste by sending you this electronic newsletter Require the caterers to REDUCE waste by using bulk containers Design identity tags that can be REUSED from year to year Provide facilities so that participants can RECYCLE Have a dedicated team that PICK UP LITTER regularly YOU can help: Don t bring any consumable that you don t need - AVOID WASTE Bring food, drink etc. in REUSABLE or RECYCLABLE containers Place rubbish and RECYCLABLES in the bins provided DON T LITTER QUESTACON SMART MOVES charges the Energy Breakthrough Are you a young Australian entrepreneur who s dreamed of collecting methane from flatulent cows then harnessing it as the newest form of innovative energy production? Meddling with methane, selfdriving cars, environmentally friendly spider catchers and skateboards with brakes. All this Australian innovation and plenty more as Questacon Smart Moves touches down at the Energy Breakthrough. Questacon The National Science and Technology Centre Smart Moves program usually performs free in-school shows, but as a special treat it will all be happening at the Energy Breakthrough. The program inspires young Australians to be innovative and entrepreneurial in science, technology and business, as well as highlight the fantastic careers available in these areas. The program is an initiative of the Federal Government s Backing Australia s Ability: An Innovation Action Plan for the Future (BAA) and is coordinated by Questacon, Australia s leading interactive science and technology centre. I love the work we do in schools and community organisations all over Australia, says presenter Graham Walker, but the Energy Breakthrough offers a chance to do so much more. We ll have all the groovy gear we take out to schools like models of farting cows and this awesome braking skateboard invented by a young West Australian Page 6

but will lay it down in a completely new way. Questacon Smart Moves will have a truly engaging setup at the Energy Breakthrough. It will feature interactive demonstrations, new Australian innovations, upfront multimedia, online interviews with exceptional young Australians and both simple and cutting-edge science fun and most definitely games. So come grab some freebies and find out how you can join the next generation of Australian innovators. We re here to empower and inspire our young people and give them a belief in themselves, as well as have a giggle and a good time, continued Graham. Young Australians have brilliant ideas and we re here to turn them into even more brilliant realities. It s great to know that the government is keen to support young Australian innovators through Backing Australia s Ability. Students are also encouraged to take their ideas to the next phase of Smart Moves, which includes a series of existing high-profile competitions and programs, and eventually through to our Invention Conventions. The Conventions provide a nurturing environment, allowing young Australians to hone their ideas and hard work into entrepreneurial success stories. Further information on the Questacon Smart Moves can be found on our website: http://smartmoves.questacon.edu.au More information, photos and interview opportunities: Graham Walker Questacon Smart Moves Presenter 02 6270 2942 Christine Evans Outreach Promotions Officer 02 6270 2917 PIT AREAS The arrangements for pits allocation will be different in 2003. HOLDEN Track Pits for teams competing on the HOLDEN track will be allocated by event organisers prior to the event. All HPV A teams, the Hybrid teams and HPV secondary teams competing on the HOLDEN track will be advised of their pit area. Primary schools and Hybrid teams that are sharing pit site and facilities will need to fax a note to us regarding this arrangement. We will ensure that the Hybrid teams are located together and not spread out like last year. Secondary HPV For secondary HPV teams competing on the RACV track it is proposed that there be 2 pit areas this year. Each pit area will be of equal length. The first area will be between the 2 bridges as has been the way for a number of years. The second area proposed is along Burns Street starting at Corner No. 5 for approximately 200 metres on the inside of the track. The cyclone fencing will be removed from this area. Teams camping on the Jubilee Oval will have easy access to the Pit Area. The area between the Tennis Courts and the Jubilee Oval will NOT be used for Pits under this arrangement. Access to the Pit Areas with vehicles and trailers will be limited. NOTE: Any questions regarding these arrangements should be directed to the Energy Breakthrough office by fax or e-mail. CONGRATULATIONS - Terry Trevena Congratulations to Terry Trevena of Berwick Secondary College who was recently nominated for the Herald Sun Teacher of the Year Award. Terry recently retired as Principal of Berwick SC after 11 years. This now gives him more time to work the schools HPV program. Terry has been a RACV Energy Breakthrough stalwart for a number of years. He is the driving force behind the Berwick Secondary College HPV program. Many people will be familiar with Terry sitting on top of the Berwick SC trailer counting laps and contemplating the world. The Spirit of Diamond Creek The launch of the Spirit of Diamond Creek HPV program was an outstanding example of how more can be achieved through co-operation. The Diamond Creek and Diamond Creek East Primary Schools have joined forces to create the Spirit of Diamond Creek. This is their first year in the RACV Energy Breakthrough and they have 2 HPV s entered. The teams comprise students from both schools and over 240 students and teachers from the schools have been involved in the development of the program. There was a real sense of community commitment and belonging. Many parents and local business people were in attendance and had obviously been part of the Spirit of Diamond Creek journey. This is a refreshing approach to local planning and organization. Rather than competing the schools have decided to co-operate, work together. As the old saying goes: T ogether E veryone A chieves M ore Congratulations to the Principals (Rob and Darryl), staff, students, parents and community of Diamond Creek on an outstanding launch and HPV program. Page 7

2003 RACV ENERGY BREAKTHROUGH KEY CONTACTS TEAM REGISTRATION, MARYBOROUGH SITE INFORMATION, ENTRY FORMS The 2003 RACV Energy Breakthrough PO Box 194 MARYBOROUGH VICTORIA 3465 HELP DESK, GENERAL ENQUIRIES Martin Mark Tel: (03) 54 610 621 Fax: (03) 54 610 665 Email: martinm@cgoldshire.vic.gov.au John Stafford Tel: 0419 316 337 Email: staffos@vicnet.net.au VEHICLE SPECIFICATIONS, EVENT RULES, 24-HOUR TRIAL Ernest Litera RACV Tel: (03) 97 902 857 Fax: (03) 97 902 629 PUSHCARTS Phil Brown Mob: 0412 713 955 INNOVATIONS IN TECHNOLOGY Tricia Walsh Tel: (03) 54 611 310 Email: triciaw@iinet.net.au Peter Blackburn Central Highlands Water Tel: (03) 53 203 157 The RACV Energy Breakthrough Website is www.racvenergybreakthrough. The RACV Energy Breakthrough website is www.racvenergybreakthrough.net net Page 8