Today I pay tribute to my alma mater, Western Sydney University, and its solar car team, whose extraordinary success in the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge 2025 has brought immense pride to not only the university and the local community but also the entire nation. This year, the team achieved its best ever result: first in Australia and sixth in the world overall. To put that into perspective, they were competing against some of the world's most elite engineering institutions, including universities from Japan, the Netherlands, the United States and Germany. Yet here in Western Sydney, a group of determined students proved that Australian ingenuity and teamwork can shine on the global stage.
The Bridgestone World Solar Challenge is widely recognised as the most prestigious event of its kind, covering more than 3,000 kilometres from Darwin down to Adelaide. It is no ordinary race. It is a test of endurance, skill and innovation that requires vehicles that can withstand the harshest conditions of the outback while maximising efficiency and reliability. Teams are pushed to the limits of science, engineering and perseverance. The Western Sydney Solar Team completed the race in an impressive 37 hours and 39 minutes with their latest creation, UNLIMITED 6.0. This car is more than a machine. It is a living laboratory of innovation representing two years of dedicated design, engineering and manufacturing.
Back in July, I had the privilege of seeing the unveiling of UNLIMITED 6.0. It left a lasting impression. Its efficiency is nothing short of remarkable. The car can travel 300 kilometres using the same amount of energy as it takes a Tesla to travel 25 kilometres. That is thanks to aerospace-grade materials, wireless technology and smart solar systems capable of handling winter conditions. It was no surprise, then, to learn that Western Sydney University has once again been ranked number one in the world for its social, economic and environmental impact. Seeing the team's excitement at the launch, I knew they would make us proud as they set off to take on the 3,000‑kilometre journey.
UNLIMITED 6.0 is a three-wheeled solar-powered vehicle capable of reaching 130 kilometres per hour using the same amount of energy as a household kettle. The design includes a composite front roll hoop, which is a vital safety feature that can support the weight of a family car yet weighs under two kilograms. Every detail has been carefully refined to balance speed, safety and sustainability. Equally remarkable is that this project is entirely student run. Twenty students across several disciplines—engineering, communications, IT, computer science and business—managed not only the design and build of the car but also the sponsorship, marketing and administration to keep the program running. These students are not just engineers; they are project managers, communicators and entrepreneurs. Their experience represents the very best of hands-on education.
I acknowledge team manager Ruairi Milligan, a Bachelor of Engineering (Mechatronics) student. His words summed it up well when he said, "Our spirit and determination were really on show throughout the challenge and brought us home." I also recognise Andrew Grima, the technical project manager and longstanding member of the team, who has five years of experience and played a pivotal role in advancing the technical design to ensure that the car was not only fast but also reliable under race conditions. Another team member, Isabelle Warland, reflected on how the results cemented their car as world-class.
Behind the students stands a strong community of support. The School of Engineering, Design and Built Environment at Western Sydney University has been instrumental in nurturing this team's ambitions. The project has been backed by generous sponsors across the community, including Abergeldie Complex Infrastructure, Phoenix Contact, Revolution, Bridgestone and the Sydney Motorsport Park, powered by the Australian Racing Drivers Club. The significance of the Western Sydney Solar Team goes far beyond competition. Its team members are role models for young Australians. They show school students across Western Sydney and beyond that, with dedication and creativity, they too can lead the world in renewable energy, science and technology. The team's outreach program and community engagement are inspiring the next generation of problem-solvers.
As leaders, we must continue to support initiatives like this, programs that blend research, practical application and community spirit. These students are not just about racing solar cars; they are about building skills, fostering ambition and pushing the boundaries of what is possible. I extend my warmest congratulations to the team. It is the number one Australian solar car team. Its team members have done amazing work for our community and done our country proud. Western Sydney is behind them, and we look forward to watching them continue to shine on the world stage.
