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future innovators take the wheel at 2025 hydrogen grand prix WA finals

More than 200 students from across Perth converged at Murdoch University on Friday, 6 June, for the 2025 Horizon Hydrogen Grand Prix (H2GP) WA Finals — a high-energy celebration of innovation, teamwork and the future of energy.
20 teams from 15 Perth schools participated in the H2GP Pro final at Murdoch University on 6 June 2025.

20 teams from 15 Perth schools participated in the H2GP Pro final at Murdoch University on 6 June 2025.

Chevron Australia, proud sponsor of the 2025 H2GP program in Western Australia, joined students, educators, government representatives and industry partners for a day of racing, learning and inspiration. In partnership with Horizon Educational and Australian Earth Science Education (AusEarthEd), this is the second time the world’s largest hydrogen education program has been brought to WA schools.

Twenty teams from 15 high schools competed in the endurance race, each showcasing hydrogen-powered remote-control cars they designed and built over several months. The competition tested not only engineering and design skills but also resilience, collaboration and problem-solving under pressure.

The winning team, "Team Mazzarati", from Mazenod College – earned the honour of representing Western Australia at the H2GP World Finals in Chemnitz, Germany, this August.

The all-girls team, “Speedy Gonzales”, from Belridge Secondary College has also been invited to compete at the World Finals as part of the competition’s new Girls in STEM initiative. This initiative provides the opportunity for the first placed all-girls team of the state finals to compete against the world’s best.

"It’s about empowering young people to see themselves as part of the energy transition — as scientists, engineers and changemakers"

 

David Fallon
General Manager Energy Transition

 

VIP guests and community support

The event welcomed several distinguished guests, including: Lisa O'Malley MLA, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Regional Development; Ports; Science and Innovation; Medical Research; Kimberley; and Member for Bicton who officially opened the race and waved the starting flag; Ms Sook Yee Lai MLA, Member for Bibra Lake, who represented the Hon Sabine Winton, Minister for Education, presented the endurance race awards and waved the finishing flag; Samuel-Yombich Pilot-Kickett, Whadjuk/Baladong man, who delivered a Welcome to Country; Professor Parisa Bahri, Pro Vice Chancellor and Head College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Murdoch who presented the Innovation award and Girls in STEM award; and Professor Simon McKirdy Deputy Vice Chancellor Global Engagement, who welcomed the teams to Murdoch University.

Chevron’s support for the H2GP program reflects its commitment to building stronger communities through education and innovation. By investing in STEM programs that are hands-on, inclusive and future-focused, Chevron is helping to equip young Australians with the skills and confidence to lead in a lower carbon world.

STEM in action

Running alongside the race was the STEM Fair that featured interactive exhibits and activities focused on climate science, renewable energy and hydrogen technologies. Chevron volunteers participated in ’Speed Careering’ sessions, where students engaged directly with employees to learn about careers in energy and innovation.

“This program is about more than racing,” said David Fallon, General Manager Energy Transition at Chevron Australia, who delivered opening remarks. “It’s about empowering young people to see themselves as part of the energy transition – as scientists, engineers and changemakers.”

read more about the H2GP program
 
 
 
  • Students spent a semester learning and building their hydrogen fuel-cell powered vehicles in the lead-up to race day.

    Team members take turns racing their vehicles around the circuit during the four-hour race.

  • Students spend a semester learning and building their hydrogen fuel-cell powered vehicles in the lead-up to race day.

    Students spent a semester learning and building their hydrogen fuel-cell powered vehicles in the lead-up to race day.

  • Over 200 students gathered for the race day activities.

    Over 200 students gathered for the race day activities.

  • Coming first place in the WA finals was “Team Mazzarati” from Mazenod College.

    Coming first place in the WA finals was “Team Mazzarati” from Mazenod College.

  • Professor Parisa Bahri, Pro Vice Chancellor and Head College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics at Murdoch University, presents first place all-girls team “Speedy Gonzales” from Belridge Secondary College - who have been invited to compete at the World Finals as part of the competition’s new Girls in STEM initiative.

    Professor Parisa Bahri, Vice Chancellor and Head College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics at Murdoch University, presents first place all-girls team “Speedy Gonzales” from Belridge Secondary College - who have been invited to compete at the World Finals as part of the competition’s new Girls in STEM initiative.

  • The race was livestreamed with commentary for schools and students to experience back in classrooms around the state and world.

    The race was livestreamed with commentary for schools and students to experience back in classrooms around the state and world.

  • Skye Scrutton, Energy Transition Advisor (left) and Brooke Newson, Category Specialist (centre) from Chevron Australia helped mentor and judge teams leading up to and during the event.

    Skye Scrutton, Energy Transition Advisor (left) and Brooke Newson, Category Specialist (centre) from Chevron Australia helped mentor and judge teams leading up to and during the event.

  • Lisa O’Malley MLA, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Regional Development; Ports; Science and Innovation; Medical Research; Kimberley; and Member for Bicton, officially opened race proceedings.

    Lisa O’Malley MLA, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Regional Development; Ports; Science and Innovation; Medical Research; Kimberley; and Member for Bicton, officially opened race proceedings.

  • Member for Bibra Lake, Ms Sook Yee Lai MLA, was in attendance, cheering on and waving the chequered flag for the finishers and winners of the race.

    Member for Bibra Lake, Ms Sook Yee Lai MLA, was in attendance, cheering on and waving the chequered flag for the finishers and winners of the race.