07 May, 2025.
I am proud to speak tonight in recognition of the work of a group of driven and conscientious Bowral High School students who have taken on the challenge of how to create awareness of PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, the group of forever chemicals that are an environmental and human health problem. The students participated in the NSW Department of Education's Game Changer Challenge, which asks students to address a real-world "wicked problem" to make life better for all without harming the planet. Bowral High School students qualified for the grand final with their innovative idea of an app that will educate people about the ongoing risks of PFAS. They had a four-fold approach to this challenge with an app, an organisation, a campaign and a petition. These motivated students are collaborating with a technology company to create an app, working towards a barcode scanner that will allow users to identify if a product contains PFAS, which has been known to be in products such as Teflon and waterproof garments, fostering consumer awareness and choice. I congratulate the Bowral High School PFAS team. They are making a real difference.