2007 NT Young Achiever Awards

14 Apr 2007

The science and mountain-bike enthusiast, a 16-year-old student at St Philip’s College, is winner of the Power and Water Science and Engineering Award category of the 2007 Northern Territory Young Achiever Awards.

Winners of this year’s NT Young Achiever Awards were announced Saturday night at the annual Gala Presentation Dinner held at the Holiday Day Inn Esplanade. Eight category winners were awarded and the overall 2007 Channel Nine Young Achiever of the Year was named. Young Achiever Awards acknowledge, encourage and promote the positive achievements of young Territorians between 14 and 26 years of age.

David was selected as the youngest member of this year’s Australian Physics Olympiad team in Shanghai where they took out the silver medal. In joining the Olympiad team David had to withdraw from participating in the Australian Youth Olympics.

The dynamic teenager has achieved a series of accolades and won a range of science and sporting medals in both State and National based competitions. Just last year he received the Award of Excellence and High Distinction at the Australian National Chemistry Quiz (Senior Division).

One of David’s endeavours is his involvement in the construction of a solar tricycle. He plans to build this bike to be aerodynamic and comparable to other top bikes in the sport, at the same time aiming it will be practical enough to be used around town.

Currently working on designs to make the bike commercially viable, David’s passion for science and design has also led him to being instrumental in setting up the SunChase competition and being involved in running kit solar car construction workshops in primary schools.

As a winner of the Power and Water Science and Engineering Award, David received a $1,000 TIO Online Saver Account and a trophy.

“As one of the Territory’s largest and most diverse corporations, Power and Water hopes to attract people of David’s calibre to build our business as well as business across our region,’’ Power and Water Chairman Neil Philip said.

“I am proud that our organisation pursues innovation, and is actively involved in seeking it out in others.’’

“Like many Territory organisations and individuals Power and Water faces a range of challenges that test us and help to build our strength and innovation as an organisation,’’ Mr Philip said.

“Power and Water is a partner in the Alice Springs Solar City bid. We have committed resources to a water reuse project in Alice Springs, we are seeking tenders for a wind farm in Tennant Creek, and we are constantly seeking innovative opportunities to improve the delivery of our services.”