The workshop has been a hive of activity in Term 3 as the Year 12 Design and Technology major works were brought to fruition. The students all followed passions of theirs to create an excellent range of quality projects, including a portable skate ramp; a timber bed; a waterproof camera case; a motorcycle carrier; a height-adjustable desk and shelves and a pneumatic lifting aide. 

Oli Fernley chose a bold and ambitious path, building a camper trailer from the ground up. Over many months, he applied design principles, problem solving, and practical skills to create a fully insulated, functional living space.

While the project started as a personal solution for travel and holidays, it has also highlighted a pressing issue in the Byron Shire. Housing insecurity is a growing challenge, and Oli’s camper shows how small scale, practical housing solutions can provide safety, comfort, and independence for people who are struggling with accommodation.

The build required learning to use new tools and equipment, including a track saw, welders, and oxy torch, and working carefully with insulation and interior finishes. With $2,100 invested in materials and equipment, Oli combined creativity, technical skill, and determination to bring the project to life.

Oli’s camper is more than a school project. It demonstrates how design and innovation can be applied to real world problems and offers a potential model for alternative housing solutions in the local community.

On a similar theme, our Year 11 D&T students have been busy building their skills in preparation for their senior year with an exciting tiny home group project. In the last couple of weeks a loft frame has been added to the interior and timber cladding to the front and back. The class have been deeply engaged in their work on this project with a keen sense of satisfaction as it progresses. 

Congratulations to all of these students on such high quality work.

Luke Wigmore (TAS KLA Coordinator) and Lachlan Gibbs (High School Teacher and Careers Advisor)