Governor-General Presents Barker College Redbacks with Robotics Award

The Barker College Redbacks induction into the FIRST Hall of Fame, has been recognised and honoured by Their Excellencies, The Governor-General and Mrs Hurley at a special presentation event held at Admiralty House, Kirribilli on 11 May.

In awarding the Hall of Fame Clock to the team, the Governor-General, congratulated all team members, their mentors, Alumni and staff, on the significant role played in the success of the Barker College Redbacks in the 2021 and 2022 FIRST Robotics Competition.

“It is an impressive set of skills: decision-making, planning, research and development, organisational, oral and written communications, ability to work as part of a team, and perseverance,” his Excellency said.

“The skills that enabled you to be successful at FIRST Robotics are the same skills that will serve you well for the rest of your life.”

In the 33-year history of the Competition this is only the second time an Australian team has won the award and the first time for an Australian high school team.

In his address to the guests, Mr Phillip Heath, shared how proud he was of what our students have achieved.

“Character and capacity to learn and solve challenges together is beginning to trump knowledge and content as markers of readiness to engage in post school education. The Barker College Redbacks have achieved all their accomplishments as volunteers in a co-curricular activity that sits outside our academic program. They are the creators, not the consumers, of the future,” Mr Heath said.